Zone 3 refers to the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, which divides North America into 13 zones based on average annual minimum winter temperatures. Zone 3 includes areas with minimum temperatures between -40 to -30 degrees (damn cold is what that means).
Gardening in Zone 3 can be challenging (seriously challenging-why do I live here? haha) due to the harsh winter temperatures, but it is possible to have a successful garden by selecting plants that are well-suited to the climate. Some popular plants for Zone 3 include:
- Perennials: daylilies, peonies, hostas, irises, lupines, and phlox.
- Annuals: marigolds, zinnias, petunias, and impatiens.
- Vegetables: broccoli, cabbage, carrots, onions, peas, and potatoes.
- Fruits: apples, cherries, plums, and raspberries.
Note to self: add more plums trees to our yard!
It's also important to make sure that your garden is properly prepared for the winter months. This may include adding mulch or leaves around plants to protect the roots (I protect my asparagus with leaves every fall to have them comfy for the winter months), covering delicate plants with burlap or blankets, and using raised beds to improve drainage and prevent waterlogging. By taking these steps and choosing the right plants, you can create a fairly productive garden in Zone 3.