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Floradapt Hardiness Zone Map THE BENEFITS OF MULCH


Mulch is a layer of organic matter (compost, shredded bark or hardwood, leaves, straw, shredded corn stover, peat moss or other material) spread over the soil’s surface. Four inches of organic mulch provides the following benefits:


1. Keeps the soil uniformly frozen over winter and prevents root and bulb damage caused by winter heaving and thawing (warming and refreezing causes the familiar buckling of soil seen at winter’s end).


2. Like snow, mulch acts as an insulator to prevent the soil from going into a deep freeze. This blanketing effect allows you to grow certain varieties which might otherwise not survive winter in your region.


3. In spring, mulch keeps the soil cool, and you’ll have later and more uniform flowering from your bulbs (often with larger flowers).


4. In summer, a mulch keeps the soil temperature uniform, conserves moisture in the soil and helps prevent the drying effects of the wind and sun.


If you don’t use a mulch and are having hardiness problems with your plants, then please begin using a mulch of your choice. Our plants generally appear healthier and flower better and more regularly in those beds covered with a 4" to 6" mulch. Your garden plants will benefit, too.


HOW TO USE THE FLORADAPT MAP


1. Determine your Basic Zone Number (1 to 10) by finding your location in one of the textured sections of the map below.


2. Next, determine whether your location is milder than average (+), harsher than average (–) or normal (=). To do this, find the symbol that represents your area’s growing conditions; i.e.


+ – =


These symbols appear between the heavily dotted lines. Examples


Wisconsin is in Zone 4 between two heavy dotted lines that hold a (=) symbol. Therefore, the Basic Zone is 4.


Kansas is Zone 5 between two heavy dotted lines tht hold a (–) symbol. Therefore, the Basic Zone is 5–.


Adjustments for a More Exact Hardiness Zone Rating


(a) Higher than average elevation. For every 1,000 feet of elevation above the normal for your area, subtract 3°F from your Zone’s temperature key at the bottom of the map. Perhaps your higher elevation will move your location into a colder zone.


(b) Lower than average elevation. For every 1,000 feet of elevation below the normal in your area, add 3°F to your Zone’s temperature key at the bottom of the map. Perhaps your lower elevation will move your location into a warmer zone.


(c) North slope. If you live on the north side of an incline greater than 10% (i.e., a mountain), raise your Zone by 1.


(d) Shoreline. If you live within 5 miles of a Great Lake, your Zone increases by a +; within 5 miles of an ocean, raise your Zone by 1.


4 ❧ McClure & Zimmerman


www.mzbulb.com


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