Jeffrey Douglas
(4/13) Emmitsburg is a great place to garden, and the climate here makes it favorable to a wide variety of beautiful, fascinating plants.
Choosing good plants begins with knowing which USDA zone Emmitsburg is in. USDA hardiness zones stretch across North America, providing gardeners with a good sense of which plants are likely to thrive in their zone.
The USDA looks at the coldest winter temperature that a specific area is likely to reach to determine hardiness zones. A quick online search will show you dozens of examples of USDA zone maps. These will show you that Emmitsburg is in Zone Six.
In Zone Six, the USDA estimates that you could see low temperatures of negative 10 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep in mind that Emmitsburg may rarely, if ever, actually reach this temperature in the winter. Instead, being labeled as Zone Six gives gardeners a rough idea of how hardy their plants need to be in order to survive the winter.
The good news is that Zone Six is a fantastic place to grow a wide range of plants. In general, indoor seeds may be started in March or April, with a plan to transplant in May and June. Of course, you may be able to sow some cold weather crops like peas, radishes, and lettuce outdoors as early as March.
If you are interested in growing your own produce, then consider plants such as:
- Cucumbers
- Potatoes
- Peppers
- Squash
- Tomatoes
All of these vegetables will thrive in Zone Six.
What About Perennials?
Perennials are the backbone of many gardens in Zone Six and elsewhere. Let's explore some of the best of these plants for Zone Six.
1. Hostas
Gardeners love to plant hostas, especially in shady areas. With more than 2,500 cultivars available, you'll have no trouble finding a color, size, texture, and leaf shape that appeal to you. In fact, you'll probably want to choose a few different varieties to plant together or in various portions of your yard.
Plant your hostas in slightly acidic, rich soil. These rugged plants require little care. If you fertilize them early in the spring, they probably will do well.
2. Coral Bells
Here's another Zone Six selection that offers a world of variety. Both the coral bell's blooms and foliage offer stunning options, so feel free to choose more than one example to showcase in your garden.
When shopping for coral bells, be on the lookout for foliage that varies from dark green to bronze and purple. The blooms are arranged on tall spikes and shaped like bells. Most varieties bloom from the late spring to the early summer, but you may be able to find some coral bells that bloom later in the year.
Coral bells are easy to grow and care for. Shade or filtered sun conditions are best, and all that you really have to do to keep them happy is to cut back woody old growth each spring.
3. Salvia
Yet another plant that comes in a wide variety of species, salvias are valued because they have a long blooming cycle and attract pollinators and butterflies.
Keep in mind that some species of salvia may be annuals in Zone Six, which means that they will die with the frost and not return the next year. Other varieties are perennials, giving you years and years of beautiful blooms.
Salvia tends to do best in sunny or partly shady areas, but it's wise to look into the exact species that you are planting to choose the best spot because some varieties prefer full shade.
Easy care is another reason to put salvia in your garden. Fertilize with a slow-release food and cut back spent blooms to encourage more flowering.
4. Bee Balm
Native to North America, bee balm does especially well in woodland and forested areas. It is exceptionally attractive to hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees, so be certain to use this plant lavishly in your garden to encourage this activity.
The blooms of the bee balm have a shape similar to a daisy. Available in white, red, purple, and pink, these perennials are showstoppers in the garden.
Plant your bee balm in a sunny spot that has rich, moist soil. A little shade may be tolerated given Emmitsburg's sometimes hot summers.
Keep the soil relatively moist, provide an all-purpose fertilizer and bee balm is pretty nearly guaranteed to thrive in your garden.
5. Coneflower
In the eastern U.S., purple coneflower is a native, which makes it particularly easy to grow. When you plant coneflower, you'll attract butterflies and bees, ensuring that your garden will see plenty of pollinators.
Because of its tall, upright shape, coneflower is an excellent selection for a background. Consider planting in repeating rows for an especially eye-catching effect.
Surprisingly, coneflowers tend to do best in soil that is considered poor or lean. Soil that is heavily amended or too rich may provide especially lush foliage but few blooms. Give coneflowers full sun for six hours a day, and they likely will thrive.
Add Zone Six Bushes
No garden is complete without a few colorful bushes that provide plenty of interesting foliage. Here are some of the best for Zone Six.
1. Rhododendron
This showy, spring-blooming bush is a low-maintenance choice as long as it is properly planted. That means giving the rhododendron acidic soil. Many gardeners choose to prepare the soil in the autumn with a view to planting rhododendron in the spring.
For the best chances of success, consider planting your rhododendron on the north side of a building where it will have dappled shade. Fertilize in the fall or spring with a fertilizer like a cottonseed meal that is made for acid-loving plants.
2. Butterfly Bush
As its name suggests, this shrub is known for its ability to attract butterflies and other insects that are beneficial in gardens. Blooming occurs in the spring and summer, but the evergreen foliage makes this one a showstopper all year long.
Butterfly bushes are really tough, especially when they are placed in an area that offers full sun or partial shade. Well-drained soil is best, and fertilizer is almost never required.
Butterfly bush can get really large, so be certain to check your plant's tag to determine the mature size. This will ensure that it has plenty of room to grow.
3. Hydrangea
Did you know that your soil can actually change the color in which hydrangeas bloom? It's true! If you soil is acidic, then your hydrangea blooms will be blue. However, add some lime to your soil, and you'll see beautiful pink blooms.
Resistant to pests and diseases, hardy and easy to grow, hydrangea is a natural in Zone Six gardens. Full sun or partial shade provide excellent conditions, but keep in mind that hydrangeas don't necessarily thrive in really hot spots. Give them some afternoon shade, and they'll be happy.
Provide fertilizer once or twice a year and weekly watering to ensure the best results.
These are simply a few suggestions for plants that perform especially well in Emmitsburg. Keep experimenting in your garden to find other varieties that will keep your garden interesting all year.
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