I'm very new to this forum and have to say that it's wonderful. All the advice....great stuff. I do have a question though....I notice that lots of folks list their "zone" in their signature line. I'm in Olympia, WA at the southern most end of Puget Sound (i.e. 60 miles southwest of Seattle) and "think" my zone here is USDA 7 and Sunset 4. I've tried to use the maps I've found online and this is the best I could do. Any thoughts? Thanks and I'm looking forward to hanging out with you folks. I'm a pretty good "weed-puller" but have lots to learn about organic gardening...

Hi and welcome.Yes it's a good idea to put your zone in your signiture,it helps people who may be answering your questions know more about your gardening conditions.You can get all kinds of help here.Everyone is very friendly.Some bite ,but don't be scared,she doesn't mean it.Ask anything,somone will know the answer.Again,WELCOME.
Mavis

In reality that USDA Plant Hardiness zone information doesn't tell anyone about conditions in your garden other than what plants will survive a "normal" winter. The growing conditions in zone 5 in New York are far different than those in zone 5 in Colorado, soil, rain, average days of sunlight change. I garden with well drained sand while people 10 miles away have heavy, not well drained clay. So, far better than the USDA, or Canadian, Plant Hardiness zones are useful in knowing what might survive a winter but is generally not useful in what might grow well for you. Far better would be a general description of where you are ie, West Michigan along the lakeshore, or southern Ohio, or something similar.