Cara, You're on the right track - those zones are really broad generalizations. There are microclimates within these zones, and the people who live there know them better than anyone else. Just for example, I live in a well-wooded area about 1 square mile that juts out into and is surrounded on three sides by a bay. Less than one mile away temperatures are usually noticeably different - cooler in summer, warmer in winter.

Some companies will let you request a shipping date. If that is not an option, I'd call the supplier and ask for advice. As a last resort, if greenhous space is at a preimium, and depending on plant hardiness, I'd probably heel them in in a protected spot, with mulch and perhaps a floating row cover, until weather is suitable for planting in their permanent locations.

Diane

Thank you Diane. Zones have always been a bit vague so I tend to take them with a grain of salt. I have a bit of space in the greenhouse to store so I will store them there. I have an empty raised bed I wish I could put them in, but digging through a couple feet of snow is daunting. I've never ordered bareroot since I usually shop local and advice is always appreciated.
Oh, and thanks to all the knowledge on this board! I've learned alot just reading ;-)

Cara

Cara, do you have a Western Sunset book? The will more narrowly define your zone and help you understand your microclimate a bit better. It takes into account a lot more factors than your normal USDA zone maps.

Here is a link that might be useful: western sunset

Thanks Weebus!
I'm currently adding to my collection of gardening books and will order it. I've lived all over the country and had to 're-learn' the ropes for each area I've lived in and this looks like it'll be a great help.

HELLO,

I AM NEW TO THIS SITE AND FIND IT INCREDIBLY USEFUL. WHAT I NEED TO KNOW IS HOW DOES ONE DETERMINE THEIR ZONE. I HAVE BEEN GARDENING ALL OF MY LIFE AND HAVE HAD A GREENHOUSE MOST O THAT TIME. HOWEVER, I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN STUMPED WITH THE ZONE THING. I LIVE IN THE CAPE COD AREA IN MASSACHUSETTS. I WOULD APPRECIATE ANY HELP ON THIS. THANKS, RHINELANDER