The simple answer to the question in the title is that most of Surrey is 8a and a little of southern Surrey near the water is 9a. However, one should view the plant hardiness zone as a guideline only and with some healthy skepticism. In today’s blog article, we are going to discuss why this is.

Limitations

It is important to understand that the Canadian Plant Hardiness Zones are based mainly on temperature highs and lows. Some argue that the classification system is more comprehensive than that, and others argue that the system is very similar to the USDA system except that Canada does not have temperature highs that go as high as in some areas of the US.

Growing conditions and how well a plant is going to do depends on a lot more than temperature highs and lows. Aside from the obvious—soil type—there are other factors like wind, rainfall, and elevation that play a major role.

Microclimates

In addition, we all have different microclimates in our yards. Depending on the angle of the sun, altitude, the exposure to the elements, what is planted nearby which may act as a shelter, there will be warmer and cooler areas. Two families, living on the same street, with the same yard exposure to the sun, can grow the same plant and have very different results.

Other Systems

Be aware that there are lots of other climate and plant hardiness zone systems beyond the one that we are most familiar with. There is a Koppen system, a Trewartha system, and several systems based on specific geographical locations such as Australia and the UK.

Just because a plant tag says 8b does not guarantee that the plant will do well in your garden. The number is a guideline. If you love your garden, research plants thoroughly before planting to give them the best chance of success. How much water does something need to thrive? How much sun does it need? Is afternoon sun too hot for it? Let experience be your teacher. Try a plant and see how it does before buying 100 of them. And if you have any questions, come and see us and talk to us at our flagship Surrey store.

Art Knapp has 15 locations across British Columbia and is well known as the go-to garden centre for everything garden-related. Art Knapp, himself, began the business in the 1940's, and now, 80 years later, you can find more than he ever dreamed of in our stores. Come and see us on King George Boulevard in Surrey.

If you have any questions about this article or want to talk to us about gardening, just give us a call at (604) 596-9201.