Region Description: New England
 USDA Hardiness
Zones: 3 to 6
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AHS Heat Zones: 2 to 5
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Major Cities: Albany NY, Bangor ME, Boston MA, Burlington VT, Danbury
CT, Halifax NS, Hartford CT, Manchester NH, Montreal QUE, Ottawa ONT, Portland
ME, Providence RI, Springfield MA
The Region.
Traditionally New England has been defined as the states, Connecticut,
Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont. We've expanded
the definition to include eastern upstate New York, and sections of southern
Ontario, southern Quebec, and the Maritime Provinces of Canada.
The Climate.
This region typically has 4 distinct seasons, even though the gardening season
varies from a balmy zone 6 on the Connecticut coast to a frigid zone 3 in
northern New Hampshire and Maine. The limiting factor to gardening in the area
is cold. Both rain and snowfall are evenly distributed throughout the seasons.
Spring is usually short; summers are hot and humid along the coasts and cool in
the mountains. Fall offers cool nights and vivid foliage colors on the
deciduous trees. Winters are long and severe with heavy snow and sometimes, ice
storms. Storms tend to come out of the West and South with the classic
"Noreaster" being a strong, windy storm coming up the Atlantic coast dropping
heavy amounts of rain or snow. Annual precipitation amounts vary from 30 to 40
inches a year inland to up to 50 inches a year in some the coastal states.
The Growing Season.
Last frost dates range from end of April along the coast to early June in the
mountains. First frost dates tend to be from early September to the end of
October. The frost free growing season ranges from 120 to 180 days. Memorial
Day is the traditional planting day for annual and vegetable gardens in many
areas. In fall the growing season can be extended into November and December,
especially along the coast, but the short days don't provide the needed energy
for new growth on annuals and vegetables. Perennials survive best in areas with
cool summers and snow covered winters. Ice storms and heavy snows can cause
limbs to break on trees and shrubs.
View this week's Regional Report for New England
Published by the National Gardening Association
www.garden.org,
www.kidsgardening.com
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