Plus, Wade BBQ set to close.
 
04.05.2024 6AM-Top banner logo-small.png

SUBSCRIBE | REFER
6AM City In-House pt 2

Today’s Forecast

47º | 15% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 6:18 a.m. | Sunset 7:15 p.m.
 

Your thumb just got greener

Breaking down the USDA’s updated Plant Hardiness Zone Map
A view of the garden on the deck inside Fenway Park.
Did you know that Fenway park has a garden, and they donate a portion of the food to a local food bank? | Photo by @digitalsouvenirs
Recently, the US Department of Agriculture released an updated Plant Hardiness Zone Map — a resource that gardeners and growers across the country can use to determine which perennial plants grow best in their area. The interactive map was last updated in 2012, so this newest version has been 10+ years in the making.

The map can be utilized by novice gardeners and seasoned farmers alike, and with this recent nor’easter, we could use a little spring dreamin’. Before you dig in, here are some pro tips on how to read + navigate the map.
  • A location’s zone is determined by its average annual extreme minimum winter temperature.
  • On the map, zones range from 1a to 13a, with zone 1a representing -60º to -55º F and zone 13a representing 65º to 70º F.
  • The map is interactive, and you can find your exact location’s zone by typing in your zip code.
The greater Boston area may feature multiple plant hardiness zones; we have listed the zone that corresponds with the city center.

Recommendations on when to plant are based on a city’s zone. However, this may vary based on the type of plant, geography, weather conditions, and soil temperature.

A map of plant hardiness zones in Kentucky, Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Michigan, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maryland, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine, Washington DC, and New York.

This region includes the most states — from Kentucky to Maine.

|

Map by Oregon State University College of Engineering’s PRISM Climate Group via USDA

Boston’s hardiness zone

Plant Hardiness Zone: 7a (0º to 5º F)
When to plant: Mid-April
What native plants to grow:
  • Common yarrow
  • Wild red columbine
  • New England aster
Eager to get gardening? Head a local spot to stock up on supplies:
Plant hardiness zones across the US
Events
Friday, April 5
Saturday, April 6
  • April Outspoken Saturdays | Saturday, April 6 | 2-7 p.m. | GBH Studio at the Boston Public Library, 700 Boylston St., Boston | Free | Enjoy a spoken word poetry event for emerging artists.
  • Boston Bruins vs. Florida Panthers | Saturday, April 6 | 3:30 p.m. | TD Garden, 100 Legends Way, Boston | Prices vary | Cheer for the Bruins as they take the ice against the Florida visitors.
Sunday, April 7
Monday, April 8
Events calendar here
Click here to have your event featured.
 
News Notes
Open
  • Steak and cheese sandwich shop Ziggy Bombs’ second location is now open in Brookline. The shop is located at 173 Amory St. near Boston University. (Boston Restaurant Talk)
Closing
  • Union Square restaurant Wade BBQ is set to close due to the space’s lease ending and issues with the ventilation system. According to owner David Wade, the restaurant will likely close by the end of this week, but he is hoping to find a new space for the business soon. (Boston.com)
Community
  • Love your block? Starting this Saturday, April 6, neighborhood cleanups will take place across the Boston area, beginning in Allston, Brighton, Back Bay, Beacon Hill, Fenway, Kenmore, Mission Hill, South Boston + West Roxbury.
Concert
  • Indie Rock band Glass Animals is heading to the Xfinity Center on Sunday, April 11 for the “Tour of Earth” with special guest Kevin Abstract. General tickets go on sale Thursday, April 11 at 10 a.m.
Opening
  • In case you missed it, the first of three Van Leeuwen ice cream shops set to launch in the Boston area will open on Friday, April 12 in Chestnut Hill. The first 100 customers will receive free tote bags + the shop will serve $1 scoops from 2 to 6 p.m.
Plan Ahead
  • On Saturday, April 27, the City of Boston will host a Citizenship Day — an opportunity for those who are eligible to get free legal help with their citizenship application. The event will take place at the Reggie Lewis Center in Roxbury, and applicants must first call 617-694-5949 to make an appointment.
Wellness
  • BetterHelp creates a safe, stigma-free space where you can be your authentic self and explore your concerns. Get 25% off your first month of therapy.*
Outdoors

🦃 Let’s talk turkey

Let’s talk turkey: Local turkey sightings and tips for facing fowl
Five turkeys gathered near a brick building on the lawn. Two more turkeys are perched on a railing nearby.
A recent turkey sighting at The Gibson House Museum on Beacon Street. | Photo by Laurie Thomas
Running from police down Newbury Street. Chilling outside of the Boston Athenaeum. Causing a traffic jam in Brighton.

Once nearly eradicated from Massachusetts, wild turkeys are now a common fixture across the Bay State, even in urban areas like Boston.

Spring is prime breeding season for the bird, during which time Bostonians may notice an uptick in downright “fowl” behavior. It’s not uncommon for turkeys to become territorial or even attack humans, especially while on the prowl for a mate. Read on for tips + a space to document your turkey sightings.

Sightings map

Whether there’s a turkey hindering your morning commute or chasing you in the park, we want to hear about it. Drop the location you saw the bird(s) — along with any other details you’d like to share, including any photos you’ve snapped — on our map of local sightings.

Turkey tips

If you come across a turkey — or are hoping to keep them at bay — keep these tips in mind:
  • Don’t feed wild turkeys. It could lead to bold or aggressive behavior, especially during breeding season.
  • Have a bird feeder? Ensure that it’s out of reach.
  • If they start acting aggressive, be aggressive back. Try loud noises, swatting with a broom, or spraying them with water.
  • If you can, cover windows and shiny objects; turkeys may respond aggressively to shiny objects + their reflection.
The Buy
Eco-friendly self-care options. Parrotfish has shampoo, conditioner, soap bars, and shower steamers that will level up your night in.
Share BOStoday
 
ReferralGIF1-BOS.gif

Share the good news. Get rewarded.

Have someone who needs to stay in the know? Get amazing rewards for every new subscriber you bring by sharing your unique referral link (below).

{{profile.vars.rh_reflink_7}}
Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email

{{profile.vars.rh_totref_7}} friends are looped into all things local because of you.
Claim your rewards
 
 
The Wrap
 
Brianna Williams

Today’s edition by:
Brianna
From the editor
Today marks the 50-year anniversary of Red Sox superfan (and prolific writer) Stephen King’s first published novel, “Carrie.” Fun fact about me: I’m a huge horror nerd. In fact, I wrote my thesis on horror short stories, so this interview with King, other horror writers, friends, and family by Mark Shanahan at The Boston Globe is a must-read.
Missed our previous newsletter?     ›
Send Us A Scoop, Question, or Feedback     ›
Advertise     ›
Shop     ›
 
 

Content marked with an * is paid advertising. Content marked with an ^ is created by our content studio. The company may also generate commission from affiliate links in the newsletter.

Change your preferences or unsubscribe here.

Copyright © 2023 6AM City Inc, All rights reserved.

P.O. Box 2505, Greenville, SC 29602

ADVERTISE | CAREERS | ETHICS | PRIVACY | THE BUY