This tool will help you determine essential information about your garden site, including Hardiness Zone, Sunlight Conditions, Soil Type, and Drainage. You can write down the results in your notebook or print / print to PDF the results.
Use the buttons below to determine your USDA or Canadian Hardiness Zone. Need help understanding Hardiness Zones? Click here.
After finding your zone on the map, enter it here (e.g., 6a, 7b, etc.).
Select the amount of sunlight your site receives daily. Observe the area throughout the day and note when direct sunlight is present. Full sun means at least 6 hours, while full shade means less than 2 hours.
Choose the type of soil present at your site. Take a small amount of soil and rub it between your fingers—sandy soil feels gritty, clay soil is sticky, and loam is balanced between the two. Get a more detailed soil analysis by usinng the test by clicking here (a new window will open).
Indicate how well water drains through the soil. Dig a small hole, fill it with water, and see how quickly it drains. If water remains for long periods, the drainage is poor.