Planting Zones in Oklahoma: What To Know
Howdy, Oklahoma garden warriors! Whether you’re planting in the shadow of the Wichita Mountains or prepping your beds in the Red River Valley, mastering your local growing zones is like finding the secret recipe to your grandma’s famous pie—it’s essential.
Oklahoma’s got a landscape as varied as its weather, and let’s be honest, we see a bit of everything around here.
If you’re looking to transform your patch of the Sooner State into a thriving garden oasis, getting to grips with the growing zones is your first step.
So grab your hoe, your seeds, and your sense of adventure—we’re about to dig deep into the heart of Oklahoma’s gardening zones.
Overview of Planting Zones in Oklahoma
The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map divides the United States into 13 zones based on the average annual minimum temperature.
Oklahoma’s planting zones range from 6a to 8a, with zone 7a being the most common.
Knowing your planting zone can help you choose the right plants for your area, ensuring that they will thrive in your climate. It can also help you determine the best planting times for your crops.
Oklahoma’s climate is characterized by hot summers and cold winters. The state also experiences a wide range of weather conditions, including strong winds and occasional droughts.
The soil in Oklahoma varies widely, from sandy loam to clay, and the amount of water available can also vary depending on the region.
In addition to your planting zone, it’s important to consider microclimates within your garden.
Microclimates are areas within your garden that have slightly different growing conditions than the surrounding area.
For example, a south-facing slope may be warmer and drier than the rest of your garden, while a low-lying area may be cooler and more moist.
Key Vegetables to Grow in Oklahoma’s Zones
If you’re looking to start a vegetable garden in Oklahoma, there are a variety of vegetables that thrive in the state’s planting zones.
Some of the key vegetables to grow in Oklahoma’s zones include:
- Leafy vegetables such as lettuce, chard, kale, and spinach
- Root vegetables like beets, carrots, onions, and garlic
- Peas, both snap peas and shelling peas
- Broccoli and cabbage
- Corn and okra
- Squash, including zucchini and yellow squash
- Radishes and turnips
- Asparagus
When it comes to planting times, most of these vegetables can be planted in the spring and harvested in the summer. However, many of them can also be planted in the fall for a second harvest.
When planting seeds, it’s important to pay attention to the specific planting instructions for each type of vegetable. Some vegetables, like corn, need to be planted in rows, while others, like squash, can be planted in hills.
Growing Flowers and Shrubs in Oklahoma
Oklahoma’s varied climate and soil conditions make it challenging to grow certain flowers and shrubs, but with the right selection, you can create a beautiful landscape that thrives year-round.
When selecting plants, make sure to keep in mind the plant hardiness map for Oklahoma, which includes zones 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, and a small pocket of 8a in the southeastern part of the state.
Flowers
Several flowers grow well in Oklahoma, including Rudbeckias, peonies, daylilies, shasta daisies, zinnias, and garden phlox. These flowers thrive in the state’s moderate climate and do not require excessive watering or fertilization.
If you want to add a pop of color to your garden, consider planting marigolds, petunias, or sunflowers. These flowers are easy to grow and maintain, making them perfect for novice gardeners.
Shrubs
Shrubs are an excellent way to add texture and depth to your landscape. When selecting shrubs, consider their bloom time, size, and maintenance requirements.
Some of the best shrubs for Oklahoma include hydrangeas, butterfly bushes, and viburnums. These shrubs are low-maintenance and can add color and texture to your garden year-round.
Roses
Roses are a classic addition to any garden, but they can be challenging to grow in Oklahoma’s climate. If you want to add roses to your landscape, consider planting the Knock Out variety.
These roses are disease-resistant and can thrive in Oklahoma’s hot summers and cold winters.
Peonies
Peonies are a popular flower in Oklahoma and can add a touch of elegance to any garden.
When planting peonies, make sure to select a location with well-draining soil and full sun. Peonies bloom in the spring and can add a pop of color to your landscape.
Gardening Techniques for Oklahoma’s Zones
When it comes to gardening in Oklahoma, it’s important to understand the different planting zones and the gardening techniques that work best for each zone.
Oklahoma includes zones 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, and a small pocket of 8a in the southeastern part of the state.
Here are some gardening techniques that can help you get the most out of your garden in Oklahoma’s zones.
Choosing the Right Plants
Choosing the right plants for your garden is essential to ensure that they thrive in your zone.
Oklahoma’s climate is known for its hot summers and cold winters, so it’s important to choose plants that can tolerate extreme temperatures.
Some of the best plants for Oklahoma’s zones include:
- Vegetables: tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, squash, and beans
- Fruits: strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, and grapes
- Herbs: basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary
- Flowers: marigolds, zinnias, petunias, and sunflowers
Soil Preparation
The key to a successful garden is healthy soil. Before planting, it’s important to prepare the soil by adding organic matter such as compost or manure.
This will help improve the soil’s texture and fertility, which will promote healthy plant growth. It’s also important to test your soil’s pH level to ensure that it’s within the optimal range for your plants.
Watering and Fertilizing
In Oklahoma’s hot and dry climate, it’s important to water your plants regularly to prevent them from drying out. It’s best to water early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid evaporation.
Fertilizing your plants with a balanced fertilizer can also help promote healthy growth and improve yield. Be sure to follow the instructions on the fertilizer package to avoid over-fertilizing, which can damage your plants.
Container Gardening
If you don’t have a lot of space for a traditional garden, container gardening can be a great alternative. You can grow a variety of plants in containers, including vegetables, herbs, and flowers.
When choosing containers, be sure to select ones that are large enough for your plants to grow and have drainage holes to prevent water from accumulating at the bottom.
Planting Zones in Major Oklahoma Cities
When it comes to gardening in Oklahoma, it’s important to know your planting zone. The state is divided into several zones, each with its own unique climate and growing conditions.
Here’s a breakdown of the planting zones in some of Oklahoma’s major cities:
Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City is located in planting zone 7a. This means that the city experiences an average minimum temperature of 0 to 5 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter.
Gardeners in Oklahoma City can grow a wide variety of plants, including perennials, annuals, and vegetables.
Tulsa
Tulsa is also located in planting zone 7a, which means that it has similar growing conditions to Oklahoma City.
However, Tulsa tends to be slightly cooler than Oklahoma City, with an average minimum temperature of -5 to 0 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter.
Enid
Enid is located in planting zone 6b, which means that it experiences colder winters than Oklahoma City and Tulsa.
The average minimum temperature in Enid is -5 to 0 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter. This can make it more challenging to grow certain plants, but there are still plenty of options for gardeners in Enid.
Lawton
Lawton is located in planting zone 7b, which means that it has a slightly warmer climate than Oklahoma City and Tulsa.
The average minimum temperature in Lawton is 5 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter. This makes it an ideal location for growing a wide variety of plants.
Ada
Ada is located in planting zone 7b, which means that it has similar growing conditions to Lawton. The average minimum temperature in Ada is 5 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter.
Gardeners in Ada can grow a wide variety of plants, including perennials, annuals, and vegetables.
Allen
Allen is located in planting zone 7a, which means that it has similar growing conditions to Oklahoma City and Tulsa.
The average minimum temperature in Allen is 0 to 5 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter. This makes it an ideal location for growing a wide variety of plants.
Altus
Altus is located in planting zone 7b, which means that it has similar growing conditions to Lawton and Ada.
The average minimum temperature in Altus is 5 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter. Gardeners in Altus can grow a wide variety of plants, including perennials, annuals, and vegetables.
Ardmore
Ardmore is located in planting zone 7b, which means that it has similar growing conditions to Lawton, Ada, and Altus.
The average minimum temperature in Ardmore is 5 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter. Gardeners in Ardmore can grow a wide variety of plants, including perennials, annuals, and vegetables.
Bartlesville
Bartlesville is located in planting zone 6b, which means that it experiences colder winters than Oklahoma City and Tulsa. The average minimum temperature in Bartlesville is -5 to 0 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter.
This can make it more challenging to grow certain plants, but there are still plenty of options for gardeners in Bartlesville.
Beaver
Beaver is located in planting zone 6a, which means that it experiences even colder winters than Bartlesville. The average minimum temperature in Beaver is -10 to -5 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter.
This can make it difficult to grow certain plants, but there are still plenty of options for gardeners in Beaver.
Blue
Blue is located in planting zone 7a, which means that it has similar growing conditions to Oklahoma City and Tulsa.
The average minimum temperature in Blue is 0 to 5 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter. This makes it an ideal location for growing a wide variety of plants.
Broken Arrow
Broken Arrow is located in planting zone 7a, which means that it has similar growing conditions to Oklahoma City and Tulsa.
The average minimum temperature in Broken Arrow is 0 to 5 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter. This makes it an ideal location for growing a wide variety of plants.
Edmond
Edmond is located in planting zone 7a, which means that it has similar growing conditions to Oklahoma City and Tulsa.
The average minimum temperature in Edmond is 0 to 5 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter. This makes it an ideal location for growing a wide variety of plants.
Midwest City
Midwest City is located in planting zone 7a, which means that it has similar growing conditions to Oklahoma City and Tulsa.
The average minimum temperature in Midwest City is 0 to 5 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter. This makes it an ideal location for growing a wide variety of plants.
Moore
Moore is located in planting zone 7a, which means that it has similar
Understanding Frost Dates in Oklahoma
If you’re planning to start a garden in Oklahoma, understanding frost dates is essential. Frost dates are the average dates when the last frost occurs in spring and the first frost occurs in fall.
Knowing these dates can help you plan your planting schedule and ensure that your plants have the best chance of survival.
In Oklahoma, frost dates can vary depending on your location. The state has a range of climates, from as cold as Zone 6b to as warm as Zone 8a.
To determine your specific frost dates, you can consult a frost date map or use a tool like FrostDate.com.
In general, the last frost in Oklahoma occurs between mid-April and early May, while the first frost occurs between mid-October and early November.
However, it’s important to note that these are just averages, and frost can occur earlier or later in some years.
Freezes can also occur outside of these dates, which can be damaging to plants. A freeze is defined as a period of at least four consecutive hours with temperatures below 32°F.
In Oklahoma, freezes can occur as early as September or as late as May.
To protect your plants from freezes, you can use techniques such as covering them with blankets or plastic, using frost cloth, or moving them indoors.
It’s also important to choose plants that are suited to your specific growing zone and can tolerate the temperatures in your area.
Understanding frost dates is crucial for planning a successful garden in Oklahoma. By knowing when to plant and when to protect your plants from freezes, you can ensure that your garden thrives throughout the growing season.
Attracting Pollinators to Your Oklahoma Garden
If you want to attract pollinators to your Oklahoma garden, there are a few things you can do to make it more inviting for them. Pollinators, such as bees, are essential for the growth and reproduction of many plants, including herbs.
Here are some tips to help you attract pollinators to your garden:
Plant native plants: Native plants are well-suited for Oklahoma’s climate and are more attractive to local pollinators. Some great native plants for pollinators in Oklahoma include Amorpha fruticosa (Indigo Bush), Asclepias asperula (Antelope-Horns Milkweed), Baptisia bracteata (Cream Wild Indigo), and Callirhoe involucrata (Purple Poppy Mallow).
Provide a variety of flowers: Pollinators are attracted to a variety of flowers, so make sure to plant a mix of different types and colors. Some great flowers for pollinators include sunflowers, zinnias, and coneflowers.
Plant herbs: Herbs, such as basil, mint, and rosemary, are not only great for cooking but also attract pollinators to your garden. Bees, in particular, love herbs like lavender and thyme.
Avoid using pesticides: Pesticides can be harmful to pollinators, so try to avoid using them in your garden. Instead, use natural methods, such as companion planting, to control pests.
Growing Fruits in Oklahoma’s Zones
If you’re looking to grow fruits in Oklahoma, it’s important to know which zone you reside in. Oklahoma includes zones 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, and a small pocket of 8a in the southeastern part of the state.
Deep, sandy loam soils ranging from sandy clay loams to coarse sands or gravel mixtures are good fruit soils. On heavier soils, plant in raised beds or on soil berms to improve drainage.
All fruit crops are subject to damage from late spring freezes, so it’s important to choose cultivars that are suitable for your zone. Some of the fruits that grow well in Oklahoma include:
Watermelon: Watermelons are a favorite summer fruit in Oklahoma. They require a long, hot growing season and well-drained soil. Plant watermelon seeds in late spring or early summer when the soil has warmed up to at least 70°F. Watermelon plants need plenty of water, especially during the fruiting stage.
Peaches: Peaches are a popular fruit in Oklahoma. They require a lot of sunlight and well-drained soil. Plant peach trees in late winter or early spring when the soil is moist and the weather is mild. Peaches need regular watering, especially during the fruiting stage.
Apples: Apples are a great fruit to grow in Oklahoma. They require a lot of sunlight and well-drained soil. Plant apple trees in late winter or early spring when the soil is moist and the weather is mild. Apples need regular watering, especially during the fruiting stage.
Grapes: Grapes are another fruit that grows well in Oklahoma. They require a lot of sunlight and well-drained soil. Plant grapevines in late winter or early spring when the soil is moist and the weather is mild. Grapes need regular watering, especially during the fruiting stage.
Crops Commonly Grown in Oklahoma’s Zones
If you’re planning to grow crops in Oklahoma, it’s important to know which ones are best suited for the state’s planting zones. Here are some of the most commonly grown crops in Oklahoma’s zones:
Beans
Beans are a popular choice for Oklahoma gardeners, as they are easy to grow and can thrive in a variety of soil types.
Some of the most popular types of beans grown in Oklahoma include bush beans, pole beans, and lima beans.
Broccoli
Broccoli is a cool-season crop that can be grown in Oklahoma’s zones. It’s a great source of vitamins and minerals and can be eaten raw or cooked.
Broccoli grows best in well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter.
Cabbage
Cabbage is another cool-season crop that can be grown in Oklahoma’s zones. It’s a great source of vitamin C and can be eaten raw or cooked.
Cabbage prefers well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter.
Cauliflower
Cauliflower is a cool-season crop that can be grown in Oklahoma’s zones. It’s a great source of vitamins and minerals and can be eaten raw or cooked.
Cauliflower prefers well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter.
Chard
Chard is a leafy green that can be grown in Oklahoma’s zones. It’s a great source of vitamins and minerals and can be eaten raw or cooked.
Chard prefers well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter.
Peas
Peas are a cool-season crop that can be grown in Oklahoma’s zones. They are easy to grow and can be eaten raw or cooked. Peas prefer well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter.
Potatoes
Potatoes are a popular choice for Oklahoma gardeners, as they are easy to grow and can thrive in a variety of soil types.
Some of the most popular types of potatoes grown in Oklahoma include russet, red, and Yukon gold.
Radishes
Radishes are a cool-season crop that can be grown in Oklahoma’s zones.
They are easy to grow and can be eaten raw or cooked. Radishes prefer well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter.
Spinach
Spinach is a cool-season crop that can be grown in Oklahoma’s zones. It’s a great source of vitamins and minerals and can be eaten raw or cooked.
Spinach prefers well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter.
Turnips
Turnips are a cool-season crop that can be grown in Oklahoma’s zones. They are easy to grow and can be eaten raw or cooked.
Turnips prefer well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter.
Overall, Oklahoma’s planting zones offer a variety of crops that can be grown successfully with proper care and attention. Whether you’re a novice or experienced gardener, there’s something for everyone in Oklahoma’s zones.