Climate Hardiness Zone 8

Hardiness Zone 8A & 8B

USDA climate zone maps were created for gardeners needing a way to compare their garden climates with the climate where a plant is known to grow well. Zone maps are tools that show where various permanent landscape plants can adapt. Santa Cruz County, Arizona is considered a High Desert area. Based on USDA Zones, our climate hardiness ZONE is 8A and 8B.
 
  • Growing season: April to early November
  • Chilly (even snow-dusted) weather rules from late November through February
  • Lows from 31 degrees to 24 degrees F/-1 degree to -4 degrees C.
  • Heavy rain comes in summer as well as lighter rain in the cooler seasons. 
 

The Southwest Zones

The Southwest is divided into the following three zones of overall and extreme temperatures. Each main zone, varies due to changes in elevation and distance from the equator.

Microclimates Around Your Yard

Planning a sustainable garden begins with understanding microclimates and how they affect plant growth. Microclimates are pockets of space within your home landscape where the temperature and climate can be very different from the ambient temperature and overall climate of your neighborhood.
 

Sun, Wind, Water, Soil & Elevation

The key to successful gardening is to know what plants are best suited for your area and when and where to plant them. Knowing your climate zone is just the start, however the microclimates around your yard will play a large part in having beautiful plantings. Here are just a few things to consider:
 
  • Sun Exposure - western & southern exposures are warmer and sunnier than eastern and northern exposures.
  • Wind Damage - strong winds can dry out soils or knock over fragile growth.
  • Water Drainage - different areas will be wetter and drier than others.
  • Soil Composition - Soil can vary widely around your yard. 
  • Elevation - cold air sweeps down hills and rests in low areas. These frost pockets are okay for some plantings, yet can be deadly to others.