I. Intro
At Breck's, we see gardening as more than a healthy extracurricular activity -“ it's a lifestyle that feeds the mind, body, and soul, especially at times when staying home is essential. For people with green thumbs who feel similarly, environmental conditions like climate, precipitation levels, soil temperatures, and length of growing seasons are extremely important in the cities they call home. For gardening extroverts in need of social nourishment post quarantine, the communal aspect of gardening, like planting in community gardens, joining a local garden club, or attending flower festivals, is also a significant benefit.
Garden Research's National Gardening Survey reported that 77% of American households are gardening, with increased participation from people between the ages of 18-34. With these sweeping participation rates, we were curious to see which cities around the U.S. offer the best possible environments for gardeners in terms of both environmental and sociocultural factors. We ranked the 50 largest U.S. cities based on several factors to uncover which cities' ecosystems make the cut.
II. Methodology
To determine the best cities in the U.S. for green thumbs, we've looked at 3 environmental factors for each city.
- Average monthly temperature (Spring-Fall)
- Average monthly precipitation (Spring-Fall)
- Growing season (number of days)
We've also looked at 4 sociocultural factors for each city.
- Number of nurseries/gardening stores per capita
- Number of community gardens
- Number of regional gardening clubs
- Number of annual gardening events
We assigned weights to each factor based on their significance to avid gardeners. For instance, since growing zones are based on the average date of the last frost in the Spring and the first frost in the Fall, we gave heavier weights to temperature data within those seasons. Heavier weights were also assigned to the number of days in each city's growing season and the number of gardening stores/nurseries per capita per city since access to seeds, bulbs, plants, and gardening supplies is essential for this activity.
The average temperature and precipitation were given scores based on how well they matched up to the ideal growing conditions. Lastly, we calculated the sum of the 7 weighted factors, which gave us an overall city score for each city. The highest possible city score was 50.
The factors are listed below with their respective weights and source data:
-
Average Monthly Temperature in Degrees F (Spring-Fall)
Weight: .75 (Spring, Fall), .5 (Summer)
Source: U.S. Climate Data -
Average Monthly Precipitation in Inches (Spring-Fall)
Weight: .5
Source: U.S. Climate Data -
Growing Season (Number of Days)
Weight: 2.5
Source: Farmer's Almanac -
Number of Nurseries/Gardening Stores per Capita
Weight: 2.5
Source: Yelp -
Number of Community Gardens
Weight: .5
Source: American Community Garden Association -
Number of Regional Gardening Clubs
Weight: .5
Source: National Garden Clubs -
Number of Annual Gardening Events
Weight: .5 Source: American Horticultural Society
III. The Best Cities in the U.S. for Green Thumbs
Orlando, FL, known for the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, ranks #1 on our list as the best city in the U.S. for green thumbs. Miami and Tampa, FL ranked second and third by a narrow margin. With ample sunlight, healthy precipitation levels, and a long growing season, Florida's humid climate is highly conducive for growing a variety of plants. In fact, Miami's growing season is one of the longest in the country. Florida also boasts record high numbers in terms of the amount of gardening stores, gardening clubs, and annual flower events available.
With average temperatures between 60 and 75 degrees F, Atlanta hit the #5 spot on our list. The greater Atlanta area and its nearby suburbs have 400 garden clubs, and the city is known to throw several gardening soirees throughout the year at its botanical garden. Moreover, it's no surprise that St. Louis, MO ranks within our top 10, as it is the headquarters of the National Garden Clubs, Inc. The city's precipitation levels are close to perfection and there are 102 community gardens accessible in the greater St. Louis area, alone!
IV. The Worst Cities in the U.S. for Green Thumbs
Unfortunately, Hartford, CT ranks as the worst city for green thumbs. The hard truth for CT, and New England as a whole, is that temperatures are colder overall, and growing seasons are shorter. With only three community gardens and 30 regional gardening clubs, it doesn't seem as though gardening as a social activity is a huge priority either.
Minneapolis and Milwaukee among the worst cities for green thumbs? You betcha. The average temperatures of both cities are frigid compared to most other midwestern metropolitan areas during the Spring and Fall -“ about 34-52 degrees F -“ and get much lower in the winter. Additionally, the precipitation levels in these areas are less than ideal and the growing season is only 161 days.
V. In Conclusion
With more generations, young and old, experimenting in gardening activities while at home, it's critical for Americans to grow their knowledge surrounding the ideal
environmental conditions for gardening, which plants and flowers grow best in their area, and the opportunities for social interaction and support available (both virtual and in-person) in their gardening communities.
Unsure of which plants are best for the zone you live in? Check out the Breck's website! Simply enter your zip code, and we will help you shop for the healthiest, most resilient plants and flowers specifically suited for your zone.