
New hardiness maps
Did you know the USDA recently updated its hardiness zone map? Referring to the map to find your zone is the easiest and most reliable way to choose plants that will survive the lowest yearly temperatures where you live. Check if your area is affected and view all the zone changes on our website.
This new map is based on weather data from 1976 to 2005 and includes Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico. (Canada has its own map, and Mexico doesn’t have one at this time.) The USDA added two new zones (12 and 13) to reflect areas with average annual minimum temperatures above 50 and 60 degrees. But you’ll only find those zones in Hawaii and Puerto Rico. There’s a lot more detail to the new map, and it’s more accurate, reflecting lake effects and high elevations.