- 1). Determine your USDA planting zone. (See resources for a map of planting zones.) If your area falls along the border of two zones, choose the colder of the two for most protection. Keep in mind that within each zone, individual location affects plant growth. Generally, higher elevations are more prone to early or severe frost, but sunken areas or valleys also create "frost pockets" and the ambient air may be 10 degrees colder than a neighboring location.
- 2). Select plants labeled for your planting zone. Annuals can be grown successfully in containers and moved inside when cold weather threatens, but ornamental perennials and food crops are more difficult to protect.
- 3). Start seeds (or set out seedlings) at the recommended time for your area. Check for the last frost date in the spring and plant warm season crops like tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, beans and melon after the danger of frost has passed.
- 4). Harvest crops before the first expected fall frost in your planting zone. (See resources for frost dates by zone.) Cover with plastic material or row cover to prevent frost damage and extend crop harvest.
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