Ever planted something in your yard, only to watch it wither away like a popsicle in a heatwave? Well, knowing your planting zone is the secret to a thriving garden. Southern Indiana is between hardiness zones 6b and 7a.
In this article, learn what each of these zones means and which counties they cover. By the end, you’ll be armed with all the info you need to pick the perfect plants and turf for your yard.
The Hardiness Zone Map For Southern Indiana
Southern Indiana falls within planting zones 6b and 7a, with the largest portion of the region basking in zone 6b.
Do you need help learning about the USDA Hardiness zone map? Check this article: “How to Use the Updated and Warmer USDA Hardiness Zone Map.”
To learn about planting zones in other parts of the state, check out these articles:
Check out the Southern Indiana planting zones below.
Zone 6b
Zone 6b is where most of Southern Indiana finds itself, offering a winter climate that’s friendlier than the chillier northern and central parts of the state. In Zone 6b, you can expect cold temperatures to range from -5 to 0° Fahrenheit.
Washington, Madison, and Bedford are in this zone. This slightly milder winter weather means you have more options when picking plants that can tough it out through the colder months.
Counties under Zone 6b:
- Bartholomew
- Boone
- Brown
- Clark (northern half)
- Clay
- Clinton
- Crawford (everything but the very southern tip)
- Daviess
- Dearborn
- Decatur
- Delaware
- Fayette
- Floyd (everything but the southeast side)
- Fountain
- Franklin
- Green
- Hamilton
- Hancock
- Harrison (northern half)
- Hendricks
- Henry
- Howard
- Jackson
- Jefferson
- Jennings
- Johnson
- Knox
- Lawrence
- Madison
- Marion
- Martin
- Monroe
- Montgomery
- Morgan
- Ohio
- Orange
- Owen
- Parke
- Putnam
- Randolph
- Ripley
- Rush
- Scott
- Shelby
- Sullivan
- Switzerland
- Tipton
- Union
- Vermillion
- Vigo
- Washington
- Wayne
Zone 7a
Zone 7a is where Southern Indiana starts to warm up, with minimum temperatures averaging between 0 and 5° Fahrenheit. This zone covers the southern border of Indiana, stretching from Posey County to Clark County. Cities like Evansville and Chrisney are in these counties.
The milder winter climate in Zone 7a means you can grow a variety of plants and grasses that would struggle in the winter in the counties further north.
Counties falling under Zone 7a:
- Clark (southern half)
- Crawford (southern tip)
- Dubois (southwestern corner)
- Floyd (southeast side)
- Gibson (southern half)
- Harrison (southern half)
- Perry
- Pike (southern part)
- Posey
- Spencer
- Vanderburgh
- Warrick
FAQ About Southern Indiana Planting Zones
What planting zone is Bloomington, Indiana?
Bloomington, Indiana, is located in USDA hardiness zone 6b.
What planting zone is Evansville, Indiana?
Evansville falls within USDA hardiness zone 7a.
What is the best grass seed for Southern Indiana?
Tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass are the best grass seeds for Southern Indiana.
When to Call a Pro
Now that you know all about the planting zones of Southern Indiana, you’re ready to turn your yard into a Hoosier spectacle. But if you feel unsure about what to plant or need a hand with lawn maintenance, contact a local lawn professional.
Talk to an Indiana landscaping expert if you need help selecting plants for your landscape. Whether you live in Evansville, New Albany, Scottsburg, Bloomington, or Salem, you can contact a pro. They have the know-how to help you make the best choices for your specific zone and keep your yard looking beautiful.
More Lawn Care and Landscaping Resources for Southern Indiana:
- When to Aerate Your Indiana Lawn
- The Best Time to Plant Grass Seed in Indiana
- When to Overseed Your Indiana Lawn
- When to Fertilize Your Indiana Lawn
- Most Common Weeds in Indiana
Sources:
Main Image Credit: St. Benedict Cathedral – Evansville, Indiana / Farragutful / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
