Question
Just found this site and I am getting ready to do some major landscaping and planting. So I will probably hae lots of questions for you in the future.
Thouhgt I should start with probably the most important one that I should know - How do I find out my Zone?  I live in Florida - the Tampa Bay area.
Could let me know my Zone or tell me where to find out what it is?
Thank you

Answer
Here are several sites that may help you with your growing zones and types of plants you may want:

http://www.floridagardener.com/misc/zones.htm

http://www.ronsympson.com/generic128.html

This site is one you can input your desires and your zone and get an idea of what to plant

http://springhillnursery.com/default.asp


 The FIRST thing you need to dois prepare your soil. 80% of successful gardening is in the soil preperation.  You may want to talk to someone at your County Extension Office for advice also.
What type of soil do you have? Is it sandy, clay, rich topsoil, rocky?
I have a super soil recipe that would work for any of these:

First though you MUST prepare your soil. It may be pains-taking but you will see such better results from your garden, sun or shade.

I have good topsoil for about 2-3" but then a lot of clay.
for every 6' x 6'sq. area:
1 bag peat moss(If you get the very large 3.cu.ft bags-only 1/2)
1 bag sand-play sand
1 bag gypsum-for aeration
1/3 bad Millorganite (an organic fertilizer found at Nurseries-(not available in all states)-and I SWEAR by it for flower beds and lawns, for lawns, put it on like any fertilizer in spring and fall!)
1 bag cedar or cypress mulch (small chunky size)-this gets tilled into the soil with all the other stuff.

Roto-til or turn into soil with shovel-at least 8-12" in depth-more if possible, before planting. You will be AMAZED!!

Then and only then are you ready to plant.

Feel free to ask any questions

Sijka