Zone numbers confusing

Tue., March 7, 2006

The Spokesman-Review

I moved to Spokane Valley from the West Coast of Washington, and I am confused about what garden zone I am in. I thought it was 3, but an article came out that mentioned 5, with recommended reading material. I would like to know what to read for this area. Also, I prefer organic gardening, but I need it to be easy.

Kristi Hensley, Spokane Valley

As I moved over here from the coast 30 years ago I know how you feel. We are in USDA Zone 5 which means our winters can average as low as 10 to 20 degrees below zero. We have had at least 3 below this year – so far. USDA Zone 5 is the zone reference you will see on all plant tags at nurseries and in catalogs. For more regionalized references in this area, check out any of the Master Gardener publications available through the Spokane County Extension Office, 222 N. Havana St. or online at spokane-county.wsu.edu/spokane/eastside/.

The best general garden reference book is the Sunset Western Garden Book. Keep in mind, however, that Sunset uses its own zone system. We are in Zone 2 for any Sunset book.

I like the Sunset Zone system better because it does take more climate factors into consideration than the USDA. As for organic gardening, any good book or how-to guide on organic gardening applies to our region.

Cool your bulbs

I bought some plants and bulbs at Costco rather impulsively last week. Now I don’t know when to actually plant the gladiolas.

And what about the toad lilies? I already have one in the garden that I paid almost as much for, as the box of eight I just got, but when should they go in the ground?

Those bare-root roses that are showing up, when can we plant these things? I have them in my cool pantry in the corner of the basement.

Christy Bristow, Spokane

So you just couldn’t resist, huh? The bad news is many of the chain stores put out plants as if one planting season fits all, and it doesn’t. I’ve brought this up with some of them, but it just doesn’t register.

The bottom line is it is too early to plant anything right now.

The good news is your cool pantry is the best place for your new plants. But you’ll have to wait until early April to plant in the garden.

The gladiolas should wait until early May. Until then, the lower shelves or the vegetable drawer of the refrigerator can also be used to store them. The goal is to keep them from sprouting and drying out, so watch them and moisten, if needed.

Packaged bare-root roses should also be stored in a cool place and checked for moisture regularly. Pack them in a box, in their wrappers, standing upright, with some damp newspaper around them to help hold moisture. Don’t plant them outdoors until mid-April.

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