Lifestyle and Special Interests
Gardening
Digging into Northeast Ohio soil for the first time this spring? Or maybe you just need to know if your green thumb will thrive in our region. Here are some helpful facts and useful resources that will answer your gardening questions.
Hardiness Zones
USDA Ohio Plant Hardiness Zone Map.
The plant hardiness zones in our region are 5b, 6a, and 6b. When purchasing perennials, check the tag for the numbered zone to ensure that it is able to last through winter. A top resource for hardiness zones is the Arbor Day…
Helpful Tips
Deer
Watch out for the deer! They love most plants and shrubs from spring tulips to arborvitae. Stock up on spray and apply every week or two throughout the growing season, especially in the spring when fresh new leaves, especially hostas, are irresistible to them. Locals rave about Liquid Fence Deer & Rabbit Repellent and En Garde Deer Defense, a monthly service that sprays yards using all natural materials.
Soil
To understand your garden's soil nutrients and acidity levels, we suggest testing so you know if you need to make amendments. The Ohio State University's Agricultural Extension recommends UMass Soil and Plant Nutrient Testing Lab. Mail a sample of your soil and receive a detailed report for how to create premium growing soil.
Must Read Books
Here are two books that are helpful in identifying perennials that do well in our climate:
Growing Perennials In Northern Ohio -…
What Grows in Greater Cleveland/Akron
There's nothing quite like the excitement of seeing your perennials awaken from the garden bed or the season's first visit to a garden center to purchase seeds, annuals, vegetables, and herbs. Plenty of annuals, perennials, succulents, water plants, vegetables, herbs, and more grow beautifully in our region. Looking for Inspiration? View Local Garden Walks.
Perennials
There are several hardy perennials which any level of gardener can successfully grow in our region:
Blue False Indigo
Ferns (many varieties do well, especially Maidenhair Fern and Ghost Fern)
Hosta (adds color and texture to shady spots)
Irises
Lady's Mantle
Lily of the Valley
Peonies (great for cutting)
Sea Holly
Solomon's Seal
As perennials mature, they need to be split in the fall. A great way to meet fellow gardeners! And a thrifty way to populate your gardens.
Vegetables and Herbs
In spring and summer months, vegetables and herbs…
Seeds, Plants, and Supplies
Part of the Hummingbird Project, the Cleveland Seed Bank is an independent and accessible source of open-pollinated, non-GMO seeds. The Cleveland Seed Bank holds an annual seed swap in early spring. You can also join the Cleveland Seed Bank to help the worldwide movement to protect local seed supplies and promote shared seed heritage. From their website, you can browse current offerings or post seeds you would like to exchange.
In collaboration with the Cleveland Seed Bank, the Seed Library at Cleveland Public Library strives to preserve biodiversity and to promote local, heirloom varieties of plants. The Seed Library allows you to "check out" a packet of heirloom seeds, grow your own heritage vegetables or flowers, save seeds from the best plants, and then lend them to a friend or neighbor, participate in a "seed swap," or use them yourself next year.
Annual Plant Sales, Locally Owned Greenhouses & Garden Centers
Native Plant Sales at Cleveland Metroparks
You can be a steward for wildlife by adding native plants to your landscape. The Native Plant Sales features beautiful, hardy, low maintenance plants that will make your garden an oasis for important native pollinators…
Cool Things to Know
Cleveland Botanical Garden Green Corps
An urban agricultural work-study program for high school teens that was started in 1996 by the Cleveland Botanical Garden, now a part of Holden Forests & Gardens with the Holden Arboretum. For more than 20 years, they have employed over 1,000 youth who work at urban farms in the Midtown, Slavic Village, Fairfax, and Buckeye-Woodland neighborhoods.
Cleveland Botanical Gardens has a beautiful library…
Climate
Greater Cleveland/Akron lies in the humid continental zone and has four distinct comfortable seasons. We have a handful of microclimates. There are microclimates near a large body of water or river which is why we have amazing wine growers and wineries in the Grand River Valley (several are dog…
