I live in a 3a zone, does that mean its closer to a 4 or a 2?

Question

I have some seeds that are hardy to zone 4 and I was wondering if I could actually successfully cultivate them here in a sheltered spot

Answer 1

That means you're in between a 4 and a 2, and should start your planting  later because you're farther north and colder.

Answer 2

3a is closer to 2b and 3b is closer to 4a.

So if you are trying out these seeds you will need a protected area that only gets to -28 C or -20F assuming this is a perennial.

If this is a woody perennial this plant probably has a chill requirement that is a bit short for your area so the plant may break dormancy too early. Plants are adapted to winters having a certain average number of hours between freezing and 10C. Once this plant's count is fulfilled the next warming trend will cause it to break dormancy. If it is planted in a colder zone the warmer period may be followed by a cold snap the plant is now vulnerable to. This is why protection is important both from dessicating winds during dormancy and from excess cold once out of dormancy.

Look up its cultivation records for its dormancy periods.

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