Get in the Gardening Zone
Caring for outdoor plants means more than providing adequate water – you must also provide the right environment. So, you should ensure that the plants you buy are intended for this region as identified by the official government “hardiness zones”. A plant’s hardiness is identified by its ability to survive in one or more of these specific geographic zones. These zones are designated according to duration and intensity of sunlight, length of growing season, amount and timing of rainfall, length and severity of drought, drainage, soil characteristics, slope, elevation, humidity and frost potential.
Amateur gardeners should take note that certain plants may not survive in an unsuitable zone. Although purchasing plants and seeds from online or mail order suppliers is becoming very common, you should always check with a garden store expert, horticulturalist, of your municipality or official government website before buying anything untried or unusual for your region.