Region Description: Middle South
USDA Hardiness
Zones: 6 to 8
more
AHS Heat Zones: 5 to 9
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Major Cities: Abilene TX, Ashville NC, Atlanta GA, Charlotte NC, Del
Rio TX, Greensboro NC, Huntsville AL, Knoxville TN, Little Rock AR, McAlester
OK, Memphis TN, Nashville TN, Raleigh NC, Richmond VA, Tupelo MS
The Region.
Beginning on the Atlantic coast just east of Richmond, the Middle South swings
down the east side of the Appalachians, through central Virginia, western North
and South Carolina, into the Tennessee Valley, including sections of northern
Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, into central Arkansas and parts of central
Texas; west of Dallas and Waco.
The Climate.
Mild winters punctuated by a few short-lived snows or occasional ice storms
give way to beautiful springs that fill March through May. Hot, humid summers
accommodate semi-tropical plants with ease, though the sultry conditions can be
rough on people. Mountainous areas tend to be cooler and more hospitable.
Droughts are common in July and August, with relief often coming from
played-out hurricanes as they move inland. Precipitation amounts vary from 20
to 30 inches a year in Texas to 55 to 60 inches a year in eastern Tennessee.
Flooding is not uncommon especially during heavy spring rains. The fall
gardening season is unusually long and pleasant in this region. Plenty of warm,
clear days and comfortably cool nights last well into November. The first fall
frost is often followed by several weeks of mild weather, making fall a prime
growing season for cool-season plants.
The Growing Season.
The last spring frost usually comes in early April, though higher elevations
aren't safe until later in the month. The first fall frost can be expected in
late October, but damaging freezes often hold off until mid-November. The
frost-free growing season lasts around 200 days. However, mild winters make it
possible to continue planting and harvesting hardy vegetables and annual
flowers into December. Perennial flowers, trees, and shrubs planted in the fall
benefit from winter rains and have months to get established before they are
stressed by summer heat.
View this week's Regional Report for Middle South
Published by the National Gardening Association
www.garden.org,
www.kidsgardening.com
