TracyBlevins.comInside the fence posts

The USDA released the new 2012 USDA Hardiness Zone map based on new data through 2005.  For further explanation see the Cornell Blog on the topic.

But keep in mind, plants don’t read maps and there are many other variables to keep in mind: rainfall, heat, humidity, soils, soil ph, length of day, micro-climates, etc.

Other maps have been developed to help cover some of these variables.

The AHS Heat Zone Map developed byt the American Horticultural Society because some plants just can’t take the heat.

The Sunset Climate Zones popularized by Sunset Magazine and derived from climate zones developed by the University of California Cooperative Extension. Sunset zones take into account temperature, rainfall, humidity, and growing season.  See what zone your in for the Northeast.

And finally, my weather station data. Numbers never lie.  FYI: the wind data was literally blown out the other night with a gust of over 50mph. The replacement part has arrived and readings will be back up soon.

Beginning on January 1, 2012, this law will prohibit the use of phosphorus-containing lawn fertilizers…

YNN did a great video feature story on local seed catalog company, Harris Seeds!

Did you know, while the don’t have a retail shop at their Rochester wholesale operation, you can order your seeds online or via the phone and drive across town to pick them up?  Or even easier, Harris Seeds are sold at three area retail locations: Harris Garden Center, Gro-Moore, and The Garden Factory.

For more information or to request a catalog go to:  www.harrisseeds.com

I’m really excited about a new variety of pansy introduced last fall (2011) called Cool Wave Pansies.  I bought a hanging basket of these last fall while I was in southern Illinois for my mom’s birthday.  I bought the all yellow variety and it was beautifully cascading over the basket. When I went back in December, it was still flowering.  I love the cascading, flowing appearance and will be using them in hanging baskets and containers on my deck this Spring.  Pansies are my favorite flower!  It has been my experience here in Fairport (NY) that I can keep pansies going sometimes all the way until July and even beyond (depending on location and weather).  So look for them this Spring at your local garden center.  (You can order the seed too for those do it yourselfers).  Cool Wave Pansy video 

RCGC 5th Annual Seed and Houseplant Swap

Organic Gardening magazine has partnered with Seed Savers Exchange to offer seeds of 70 outstanding heirloom vegetable and flower varieties all organically produced.   http://www.seedsavers.org/Items.aspx?hierId=OGA

The Sweet Chocolate Bell Pepper looks especially tasty to me.  http://www.seedsavers.org/Details.aspx?itemNo=1216OGA

Organic seeds are not easy to come by and this list is really great.

Burpee Boost Vegetables.  The healthiest vegetables you can grow.