Understanding Hardiness Zones – and How to Grow Successfully in Zone 6a

Whether you’re starting a vegetable bed or planting perennials, success in the garden depends not only on light, soil, and water – but also on your zone. Plant hardiness zones help you choose species that survive local winters. In this detailed guide, we explore what hardiness zones are, how they’re structured globally, and what they mean for growers on Cape Breton Island, located in Zone 6a. With practical tips, a full USDA zone table, and zone-specific planting advice, this article is your roadmap to climate-smart gardening.