How can I find out what planting zone I live in?

Bhy26161908
by Bhy26161908
My husband and I just moved to Iowa, and have no idea what types of plants to use in outdoor planters or when to plant them. Ideas, please?

  11 answers
  • Susan Susan on Jan 31, 2018

    have you googled -- WHAT PLANTING ZONE DO I LIVE IN? duhhhh-- I just did and it says anywhere from 4a to 6b - depends on what part of the state you live in... you can average that out to be Zone 5

  • Dianacirce70 Dianacirce70 on Jan 31, 2018

    Here is a zone map of Iowa www.extension.iastate.edu/article/new-plant-hardiness-zone-map-has-iowa-zone-5

  • Dfm Dfm on Jan 31, 2018

    what city in iowa? Gurney‘s seed and nursery co has a plant zone finder.


    Gurney’s find your usda hardiness zone-Most of iowa is zone 5. Now then what types of plants are you wanting for containers? I’m in eastern iowa and grew up in the capital city of des moines . The last frost happens around the middle of March. april can get soggy. May is the month gardens go in. Most nearly all grocers will have pop up greenhouses in thier lots To sell 6 packs of annual flowers. In iowa city there is an annual plant sale to benefit planned parenthood trees perinanials annuals cactus.


    Better homes and garden mag. Originated in Des Moines. The name is French, des is pronounced Dee. Des Moines. Better homes and gardens has a free plan a garden tool, and free garden designs. bhg.com/ gardening/plans...have fun!

    • Bhy26161908 Bhy26161908 on Feb 01, 2018

      Terrific suggestions! Thanks!!! We will try to get to Iowa City for the annual plant sale.

  • Carey Carey on Jan 31, 2018

    Go to a garden site and look at their zone map. You should be able to learn your planting zone that way. For instance, Gurneys.com and search for their planting zone map. You can put in your email and zip and it will help you by locating you and showing you the plants that work in your area.

  • Lor32427292 Lor32427292 on Jan 31, 2018

    Menards has everything you need and the staff is very knowledgeable!


  • Nancy Turner Nancy Turner on Jan 31, 2018

    I get a lot of plants from Home depot, they have plants year round and most all are of good quality and last for years. I am from SE Minnesota, and they pretty much carry only what we can grow outside, both annuals or perennials and some tropical you can pot and bring in for the winter if you don't want to treat them like annuals. I have never had a quality problem with any plants I have gotten from them, and they are name brand. You are probably warmer earlier than where I live, but may is usually a good time. Most plants like at least fifty degree soil temp. Have fun! There are a lot of plants to choose from, and you can bring in plants for the winter, like herbs if you give them the right light.

    • Bhy26161908 Bhy26161908 on Feb 01, 2018

      Thanks for your help, Nancy! I'll check out Home Depot when it gets a little closer to planting time!

  • Dfm Dfm on Feb 02, 2018

    the plant sale has been held at carver hawkeye arena....where the hawks basketball games are played.

  • Dfm Dfm on Feb 02, 2018

    sat. May 5. 9 am to 1130 am. Go early, the lines to get in snake thru the lot.

  • Dfm Dfm on Feb 02, 2018

    its usually the first week or so in may, and its been held at the basket ball arena get there early.. the line to get in is quite large. the hours of operation are may be 2-3 hours....google planned parent hood anual plant sale for the exact date and hours

  • Dfm Dfm on Feb 02, 2018

    Google the plant sale and check when the doors open. The lines can get quite long.

  • Carey Carey on Feb 02, 2018

    You are welcome! Enjoy your new home and yard!