When you choose plants for your garden and landscape, you have to be mindful for many reasons. You want to plant plants in areas where they'll be happy, as different species of plants enjoy different types of conditions to grow in. What conditions or factors determine which garden plants can be used in gardens and landscapes will depend completely on the area you live in and what type of climate you have, as well as your growing areas or planting zone.

There are some very basic factors that you need to consider first. First, you should know what USDA growing zone you are located in (see the author's resource box). This helps determine what kinds of gardening plants can actually survive the length of your growing season and the possible winter temperatures. Some areas get much colder or warmer than others. If you want your perennials, trees, and shrubs to survive, you need to know if they are designated to grow in your growing or planting zone.

Another basic factor to take into account is whether or not you live in an area that receives ample rainfall. Some plants really need more rainfall than others. If it's drier in your area or wetter, you'll need to choose your plants accordingly. You can supplement with irrigation, but it's a wiser choice to simply plant what's happiest with your local amount of rainfall. Drier areas are perfect for xeriscaping and planting drought tolerant plants.

And the last very basic factor to consider is sunlight exposure in areas of your garden or landscape you want to plant. How much sun does each area get a day? If you don't know, then you will want to observe it. Remember, sunlight will be different in summer from the amount in winter. Some plants need a full day's sun exposure (8+ hours a day) to do well, while others require very little or no direct sun exposure. Fortunately, many plants do well in a little of both. Depending on how hot it gets where you live, some plants that usually enjoy a full day of sun in northern areas could benefit from some shade from the hot southern sun.

Of course, there are other factors you want to consider, such as prevailing winds, or if you live in an area that's windy such as on an ocean coast or in the flatlands of the central US. Windy areas are harsh on taller, weaker stemmed plants that easily flop over, or faster growing more brittle trees. Choose plants that do well in high winds in areas where it's windy.

For more on the other conditions that are determining factors on which plants you can use in your garden and landscape, visit Greenwood Nursery.