Print

New USDA zone hardiness map released, we're warmer!

Written by Doug Oster on .

pa

The USDA released a new Plant Hardiness Zone Map for the United States for the first time since 1990. It looks like we're getting warmer in general, most areas are jumping up a half zone. The map is the standard by which gardeners can determine which plants are most likely to thrive at a location. It's based on the average annual minimum winter temperature.

You can type your zip code in here and find out if your zone has changed. Here's the release from the USDA that also includes the overall map.

I'm just north of Pittsburgh and now I'm officially zone 6b, meaning a whole new palette of plants should thrive in my climate.

 

 

Join the conversation:

To report inappropriate comments, abuse and/or repeat offenders, please send an email to socialmedia@post-gazette.com and include a link to the article and a copy of the comment. Your report will be reviewed in a timely manner. Thank you.