Every gardener, from the expert to the beginner, needs to know about planting zones and which one he or she is located in. Why, you might ask? Your planting zone is the real guide as to which plants you can grow successfully given your particular climate.

The U.S. has a total of 11 zones. The US and southern Canada are divided up into USDA Plant Hardiness Zones. The planting zones are demarcated by a temperature disparity of 10° Fahrenheit. The zones are set by how cold a particular region gets, so a higher number indicates a warmer region.

These planting zones are not strict restrictions on what you are allowed to grow, but they are indicators as to the plants that will grow best in your area. If you are a very good gardener, you can grow plants in zones they would not usually grow in, you just need to be able to maintain their preferred environment.

Plants and seeds are marked with the best planting zone to help you decide which plants you'll want to use. Keep in mind that the zones take into account the average cold temperatures for an area but do not take into consideration the amount of sunlight or type of soil that is needed for your plants.

You can watch how the sun hit certain areas of your home, patio or garden at different times of the day causing warmer and cooler areas. These areas, which are important for gardening are called microclimates as you can find spots in the perimeter of your house, where you can plant and grow different plants that may not be normally suited for your zone. Extended planting time can be accomplished with the help of these microclimate areas.

Because not all plants thrive in the same environment, it is important to understand planting zones before you plant your garden. Knowing what to plant in your zone and acting according ling will allow you to enjoy better success at gardening.