Thanks for the mention, @sunra108 ! I’m a first timer this year at OD but careful genetic choices helped me a lot along with this dryer warmer fall. Malana was definitely a winner for around here and I think in general the high altitude Zomia strains that can handle cold and wet are great options for New England. Next year I will grow Malana again and also try some others still to be chosen, but definitely more landraces and heirloom OD strains, the ease of growing was well worth it.
I learned most of what I’ve gleaned about northern outdoor growing and strain selection for above 42N (I’m at 42.5 but the USDA hardiness zone band is right here a few miles away between 6a and 5b) from the following threads besides my own research on other forums and breeder websites:
Also of note, they updated the USDA zone map for 2023, first update since 2012 and it takes into consideration our wacky weather so it should be a bit more accurate than the older ones:
