Zone Hardiness
Clicking on the link below, enter your zip code into the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, it will show you what hardiness zone you live in. This map shows us that Kalamazoo, zip code 49009, is located in zone 6a. Using this information will help you to know what perennial plants will thrive year round and survive winter with temperatures here as low as -10F to -5F.
Average Frost Forecast for Kalamazoo:
Last frost: May 10
First frost: October 3
Average peak foliage: Mid to end of October
Frost/Freeze Information
A frost advisory or freeze warning means that temperatures are expected to drop below freezing. Forecasted temperatures can be deceiving. Temperatures can vary by location by several degrees, and ground temperatures are colder than air temperatures. Temperatures can drop more than 5 degrees of the predicted low. This will kill tender plants, leaves, or buds. What to do!
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Cover plants with frost cloths, blankets, or burlap. NO PLASTIC Secure to ground
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Move pots into a shed, garage or indoors
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Water thoroughly the afternoon before the frost
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Can cover small plants with cardboard boxes, buckets, milk jugs or cloches
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Merchandise purchased IN the store that has leafed out or budded is also a potential risk for damage