As a beginner gardener, one of the first things I searched for was Montreal’s hardiness zone so I could start choosing the plants I wanted to grow. In this blog post, we’ll explore the significance of knowing your plant hardiness zone, provide descriptions of Montreal’s zone, suggest suitable plants, and introduce you to how Cultiville can support you in your gardening adventure this season.
Understanding Plant Hardiness Zones
What they are: Hardiness zones, often called planting zones or even gardening zones, are a way to categorise geographical regions based on their average annual minimum temperature. In Canada, hardiness zones range from 0 to 9. The lower the number, the colder the garden zone. Be careful when searching for your hardiness zone – Canada and the US calculate hardiness zones differently! The USDA bases their zones on the average annual minimum temperatures, whereas the Canadian system uses a combination of seven different variables, like the lowest average temperature of the coldest month, precipitation, and the number of frost-free days.
Why they’re important: Knowing your plant hardiness zone is crucial because it helps you select plants that can thrive in your specific climate conditions, considering factors like temperature, sunlight, and frost dates.
Montreal’s hardiness zone: The Greater Montreal Area is generally speaking between zones 5 and 6. In Quebec, plant hardiness zones span from 0 to 6. Hardiness zones are as dynamic as the climate itself, and even Montreal has seen some variations in its’ hardiness zone classification over the years. It was classified as zone 5b in the 1990s, and was later reclassified as the warmer zone 6a in 2010. And this year, we might just see it be reclassified again!
Canada’s New Plant Hardiness Zone Map
Coming out this year: I’m really excited about the new plant hardiness zone map from Natural Resources Canada. This map might totally shake up how we garden in Montreal. Over the last 50 years, many areas in Canada, especially in eastern Canada, have warmed up, with some places heating up by 3 zones! And guess what? The growing season in Canada is expected to stretch out longer. Understanding these changes in our plant hardiness zones means we can try out new crops that usually need more time to grow. It also means we can enjoy our mid-season and early fall veggies a bit longer. Sure, there might be some new challenges like dealing with droughts and pests, but hey, gardening is all about being creative and finding solutions!
Gardener’s Notes on Frost Timing: Lately, it seems like we’re getting a bit more time before the first frost arrives compared to five years ago. What I used to plant in mid-May, I now wait until June, and I can still squeeze in 1-2 more plantings afterward. Some other gardeners have also noticed colder Springs and have adjusted their flower planting accordingly.
What Can I Grow in a Plant Hardiness Zone of 6a?
Recommended Plants for Montreal Gardens: When it comes to growing vegetables, don’t forget to include some companion plants like flowers and herbs. They not only add functionality to your garden by attracting beneficial insects and pollinators but also bring a touch of beauty with their colourful blooms and fragrant foliage. With the seasons getting longer, you can also try new varieties that take longer to mature (I’m a squash lover myself). And remember, experimenting with successions once or twice a season can keep your garden vibrant and productive all year round!
Seeds to Start Now: Ah, the excitement of starting seeds! In Montreal, it’s the perfect time to kick off your gardening journey indoors by planting onions, leeks, shallots, herbs, and a variety of flowers.
How Cultiville Can Help
Cultiville is more than just a garden-sharing marketplace. We offer a wealth of resources and support to help you make the most of your gardening journey.
Tailored support: We know that every garden is unique, which is why we provide specialised Grow Guides that are tailored to your specific Garden Patch. Our guides are packed with ecologically-conscious expert tips on what to grow and how to grow them successfully, taking into account factors like sunlight exposure and local climate conditions. And for those who prefer hands-on assistance, I’m available once the season starts for personalised in-person visits to help you get started and answer any questions you may have.
Ready to take your Montreal garden to the next level? Sign up to our waitlist today and be the first to access personalised support, expert resources, and a thriving community of fellow plant lovers. Let Cultiville be your partner in growing the garden that brings joy and beauty to your life!
By understanding your plant hardiness zone and selecting suitable plants, you’re one step closer to having a successful garden. With the anticipation of Canada’s new plant hardiness zone map, exciting changes are on the horizon for gardeners in Montreal. Take the first step in enhancing your gardening journey by signing up for Cultiville’s waitlist today, let us be your guide as you cultivate a garden that makes you happy!
Happy gardening!
Sophie