New Jersey , situate in the northeastern United States , live a variety of mood and vegetation zones across its various landscape painting . The United States Department of Agriculture ( USDA ) has developed a Plant Hardiness Zone Map , which split the commonwealth into dissimilar zones based on average one-year minimum temperatures . These geographical zone provide valuable information for gardeners and landscapers to determine which plants are probable to thrive in a particular region .

In New Jersey , the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map identify four decided zones : 6a , 6b , 7a , and 7b . These geographical zone are suggestive of the coldest to less stale areas in the State Department . Let ’s take a close look at each of these zones and the characteristic they cover .

1 . Zone 6a : This geographical zone covers the northmost parts of New Jersey , including counties such as Sussex , Warren , Morris , and Passaic . zona 6a experiences average annual minimum temperature between -10 ° F ( -23 ° C ) to -5 ° F ( -20 ° snow ) . Winters in this zone can be quite harsh , with extended periods of immobilise temperatures and periodic heavy snowfall . It is of import to take cold - hardy plant that can withstand these intriguing conditions .

2 . Zone 6b : Moving slightly S , Zone 6b encompasses county like Bergen , Essex , Hudson , and Union . The mean one-year minimum temperature in this zona compass from -5 ° F ( -20 ° C ) to 0 ° F ( -18 ° C ) . While winter are still cold , they are generally mild compared to Zone 6a . However , frost and freezing temperatures are still common during the wintertime month . Gardeners in this zona can consider a wider range of industrial plant options but should still pick out those that are well - suit to colder climate .

3 . Zone 7a : Moving further Confederate States of America , Zone 7a admit counties such as Middlesex , Monmouth , Mercer , and Somerset . Average annual minimum temperatures in this geographical zone reach from 0 ° F ( -18 ° nose candy ) to 5 ° F ( -15 ° C ) . Winters in Zone 7a are relatively soft , with brusk periods of suspend temperatures . This allows for a broader selection of plants that can tolerate cold conditions , although precaution should still be work to check plants are suitable for the occasional insensate snap .

4 . Zone 7b : The southernmost parts of New Jersey , including county like Camden , Gloucester , Atlantic , and Cape May , fall within Zone 7b . This zone receive ordinary annual minimum temperatures between 5 ° F ( -15 ° C ) to 10 ° F ( -12 ° C ) . Winters in this zone are generally mild , with longer growing time of year and less hoarfrost compared to the northern zones . nurseryman in Zone 7b have the advantage of being capable to grow a all-embracing variety of plants that may not thrive in colder zona .

understand the hardiness zones of New Jersey is essential for successful gardening and landscaping . By pick out plants that are well - accommodate to the specific zone you shack in , you may increase the fortune of their survival and overall health . It is also important to turn over other factor such as soil type , sunlight exposure , and drain when planning your garden or landscape design .

Personal experience and observations can further enhance our discernment of these flora geographical zone . For representative , I have lived in Zone 6b in New Jersey and have comment the challenges of gardening in a cold climate . The episodic snowstorms and prolonged freezing temperatures necessitate careful plant pick and protective measures to see to it the survival of more delicate coinage . On the other hand , I have also call in friends in Zone 7b and witnessed the ability to cultivate a wider range of plants due to the milder winters . It is gripping to see how the vegetation and landscape change as we move across these unlike zones within the state .

To summarize , New Jersey encompasses four USDA Plant Hardiness Zones : 6a , 6b , 7a , and 7b . These zones stand for the coldest to less moth-eaten areas in the state and provide valuable information for nurseryman and landscapers . Understanding the specific zona you reside in can help you select plants that are better suited to the local mood , increasing the chance of successful horticulture and landscaping endeavors .

Caroline Bates