Did you know that the USDA updated the hardiness zones last year?
The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map is the standard by which gardeners and growers can determine which perennial plants are most likely to thrive at a location. The map is based on the average annual extreme minimum winter temperature, displayed as 10-degree F zones and 5-degree F half zones. A broadband internet connection is recommended for the interactive GIS-based map found at this link https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/
For most of us Natrona County gardeners we are now Zone 5a.
What does that mean?
It means cold winters with an average minimum temperature between -15 and -20F. The last frost date usually falls early to mid-May with the first frost usually occurring around mid-October.
It means a short growing season for looking to garden, but with the right preparation and planning a bountiful harvest is still quite possible. If you'd like to learn how to grow here in Wyoming consider joining the Master Gardener training program. To be notified when our next class is starting simply give us your name and email at the bottom of this page and we'll be glad to keep you in the loop!
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