Know Which Plant Hardiness Zone You Live In

Plant hardiness zones are a standard by which gardeners and growers can determine which plants are most likely to thrive at a location. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Plant Hardiness Zone Map is the most commonly used system in North America. It divides the region into 13 zones based on the average annual minimum winter temperature, with each zone further divided into “a” and “b” subzones.

Here’s a breakdown of the USDA Plant Hardiness Zones:

USDA Plant Hardiness Zones:

– Zone 1: -60°F to -50°F (-51°C to -46°C)
– Zone 2: -50°F to -40°F (-46°C to -40°C)
– Zone 3: -40°F to -30°F (-40°C to -34°C)
– Zone 4: -30°F to -20°F (-34°C to -29°C)
– Zone 5: -20°F to -10°F (-29°C to -23°C)
– Zone 6: -10°F to 0°F (-23°C to -18°C)
– Zone 7: 0°F to 10°F (-18°C to -12°C)
– Zone 8: 10°F to 20°F (-12°C to -7°C)
– Zone 9: 20°F to 30°F (-7°C to -1°C)
– Zone 10: 30°F to 40°F (-1°C to 4°C)
– Zone 11: 40°F to 50°F (4°C to 10°C)
– Zone 12: 50°F to 60°F (10°C to 16°C)
– Zone 13: 60°F to 70°F (16°C to 21°C)

Understanding the Zones:

– Zone 1: This zone encompasses the coldest regions, such as parts of Alaska and northern Canada, where only the most cold-hardy plants can survive.
– Zone 2-3: These zones are also very cold and found in areas like central Alaska and northern parts of the contiguous United States.
– Zone 4-5: These zones cover the northern United States and much of Canada, where winters are still harsh, but a broader range of plants can be grown.
– Zone 6-7: These zones include much of the central United States and southern Canada. They have milder winters, allowing for a wider variety of plants.
– Zone 8-9: These zones are in the southern United States, where winters are mild and a diverse range of plants can thrive.
– Zone 10-11: These zones are in the warmest parts of the United States, such as southern Florida and southern California, where tropical and subtropical plants can be grown.
– Zone 12-13: These zones are found in tropical regions, where frost is rare, and plants that are sensitive to cold can flourish.

Global Adaptations:

While the USDA system is prevalent in North America, other regions have their own adaptations. For example, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) in the United Kingdom uses a different hardiness rating system.

Understanding your plant hardiness zone helps in selecting plants that are best suited to your local climate, ensuring better growth and survival rates.