What zone is the Niagara area?

16 years ago

I'm possibly moving from Toronto to Fort Erie, which is just south of Niagara Falls, and west of Buffalo NY, and wondering exactly how my gardening will change.

What makes that area able to grow grapes for wine? It must me warmer than zone 5, no? And yet they seem to get a lot more snow and cold temps in the winter, at least that's what it seems like when you watch the news, lol.

I've noticed at a friend's house in Buffalo, everything seems greener way before it does here in Toronto. Her daffodils are usually finished by the time mine start, and she can grow snowdrops to the extent my parents used to grow them in England. Here I've never had any luck with them.

Any advice or opinions are appreciated!

Pam

Comments (3)

krazyaroider
16 years ago
Pam -

I am in Hamburg, just south of Buffalo and in zone 6. I happened to have a road near my house that goes straight to Lake Erie so I measured it - 1.5 mile. I used the odometer in my Blazer.
Most zone maps seem to indicate this area zone 5 or 6. I would hazard a guess you are zone 6 due to the moderating effect of Lake Erie.
Take advantage of microclimates on your property.
I know grapes are grown commercially in Chautauqua County and up by Lake Ontario on the American side.
Hope this helps,

~ Gerry
pam_whitbyon
Original Author
16 years ago
Thanks so much, Gerry! I also phoned one of the garden centres in that area yesterday and they confirmed what you're saying, in fact, 6b,not just 6! So my mouth is watering already and of course I'm dreaming of plants that say Zone 7... lol. I can't wait.

Hamburg is beautiful! We were thinking of looking at houses there because the prices are great, but to move to the US is too complicated right now. So in the meantime I'm happy to be 15 minutes away from a Target store and my daughter who lives in Buffalo!
krazyaroider
16 years ago
Pam ~

I wanted to advise you of an excellent book - Palms wont't grow here and other myths. It is written by Dr. David Francko. Borders can order it, if they do not have it on the shelves. There is a Borders across from the Galleria Mall - sorry if you already know this.
I am trialing cultivars of southern magnolia and other out of zone plants.
I understand there is a nursery called Broadway in the area where you are planning to move to. This nursery carries plants that are found in this book, but I cannot shop there due to the border and the ensuing hassle that transporting plants back to the US.

~ Gerry