New England , make out for its sensational landscapes and diverse climates , spans several USDA hardiness zone . These zones are see ground on average yearly minimum temperature and help gardener ascertain which plants are best suit for their specific region . In the case of New England , the zones rank from 3 to 7 .

Starting in the northernmost portion of Maine and New Hampshire , we find Zone 3 . This zone experiences passing insensate wintertime , with average minimum temperatures dropping to -30 to -40 degrees Fahrenheit ( -34 to -40 degree Celsius ) . Gardeners in this zona must cautiously take plant that can withstand these abrasive conditions , such as cold - audacious mixed bag of evergreens , deciduous trees , and perennials . Some examples include white spruce , paper birch tree , and Siberian iris .

move southward , we participate Zone 4 , which covers much of Maine , New Hampshire , and Vermont , as well as parts of Massachusetts and upstate New York . While still cold , Zone 4 has more or less milder winter compare to Zone 3 , with fair minimum temperature cast from -20 to -30 degrees Fahrenheit ( -29 to -34 degrees Celsius ) . Gardeners in this zone have a wider range of flora options , let in varieties of apple , pears , lilac , and roses that can tolerate the cold .

Continuing south , we reach Zone 5 , which encompasses most of Massachusetts , Connecticut , Rhode Island , and southerly New Hampshire . This geographical zone experiences cold wintertime , but with average minimal temperature ranging from -10 to -20 degrees Fahrenheit ( -23 to -29 degrees Celsius ) , it is generally more forgiving than Zones 3 and 4 . In Zone 5 , gardeners can enjoy a all-encompassing variety of plant , include many pop perennial like genus Hosta , daylilies , and peonies . Fruit tree diagram like cherries , plums , and peaches are also well - suited for this geographical zone .

Further south , we find Zone 6 , which covers parts of southern Massachusetts , Connecticut , and Rhode Island , as well as most of Vermont and New Hampshire . This zona experiences milder wintertime , with average minimum temperatures ranging from 0 to -10 degrees Fahrenheit ( -18 to -23 degrees Celsius ) . Gardeners in Zone 6 can enjoy a longer growing season and have more options for plants that are typically deal less cold - hardy , such as certain types of roses , crape myrtle , and fig tree diagram .

In the southernmost share of Connecticut and Rhode Island , we find Zone 7 . This zone boasts the mildest winters in New England , with median minimum temperatures set out from 0 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit ( -18 to -12 degrees Celsius ) . gardener in Zone 7 have a spacious option of plant to choose from , including many tropical and subtropic varieties . Citrus Tree , palm trees , and even some varieties of camellia can thrive in this zone .

It ’s important to observe that while these hardiness zones provide a general guideline for plant excerption , microclimates within a region can still influence the achiever of sure plants . Factors such as aggrandizement , proximity to piddle bodies , and exposure to winding can all touch on a garden ’s specific growing condition .

In my own experience as a nurseryman in New England , I have incur that paying close care to the specific needs of plants and choosing varieties that are well - suited for my exceptional zone has greatly increase my gardening success . I have also learn to take advantage of microclimates in my garden , such as utilizing south - facing wall or incorporating windbreaks to protect more delicate plants .

New England cover USDA hardiness zone 3 to 7 , with Zone 3 being the cold and Zone 7 being the mildest . Gardeners in each zone must consider the specific works requirement and local microclimates to make informed option for successful gardening .

Caroline Bates