When you're planting your garden, you want to give your plants the best chance of thriving. Some places are too cold for certain plants, and others are too warm. So how do you know what's just right ...

Before you can start planting your garden, it’s important to know what climate zone you’re in to determine which plants will thrive while others may need a bit more specialized care.

Is it safe to begin planting vegetables and annuals this early in the year? Every year, there's an eager bunch ready to jump start spring crops and flowers. "The short answer is yes," confirms Amy ...

Microclimates are areas that differ from the temperature of the surrounding areas. The zone refers to plant hardiness and whether a plant species can be cultivated outdoors in a particular location.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently issued a new Plant Hardiness Zone Map that has shifted many areas in our region a half a zone higher. This is the map that most gardeners use to determine ...

Most gardeners wait too long. These 12 vegetables actually want to go in the ground right now in March, and the ones planted ...

Fall is the season most of us associate with winding down and settling in as the air turns crisp and the days become shorter. However, this season can also be one of the most transformative, ...

Freezing weather may make it hard to believe, but many Chicago-area gardeners — and their plants — are now living in a slightly warmer world, according to a new version of the USDA’s plant hardiness ...