Gardening enthusiasts, brace yourself! Last week, the USDA shook up the gardening world with their 2023 Plant Hardiness Zone Map update. This update means that many gardeners' planting zones have shifted, requiring them to adapt their gardens to better suit their new climate.
But what is a winter hardiness zone, you ask?
The United States is divided into regions, each with a ten-degree difference, starting from 1a in Alaska and ending at 13b in Puerto Rico. Regions within the U.S. use a regional classification system that gives you an idea of the vegetative period, beginning and ending dates, expected conditions, last frost date, and more. When you buy a plant, you'll see the zones marked on the label to help you choose appropriate seed packets. If your zone changes, even by ten degrees, your gardening knowledge needs a bit of an adjustment.
These zone changes don't happen frequently – the map last saw an update in 2012 – but when they do, they can turn your gardening world upside down.
Finding your new winter hardiness zone has become a bit more challenging with the update. In the past, you could simply enter your zip code on Google, and up would pop the information. Unfortunately, Google hasn't kept pace with the newest data, so you must now visit the USDA Maps website and enter your zip code to find out your new zone.
With your new winter hardiness zone in hand, you can make more informed decisions about the plants you purchase and cultivate. This new information also serves as a reminder that although artificial measures can help plants survive, they may not be sustainable in the long run if they're not well-suited to your specific region. For instance, citrus fruits that you aim to grow in a 8b zone may not fare as well in a 9a zone. If you're planning to sow seeds this winter, don't forget to consider seeds suitable for your new zone.
Learning about your new winter hardiness zone is not only beneficial for gardening purposes but also serves as a reminder that not all gardening methods are sustainable in the long run.
Sources:
- aussiedlerbote.de
Enrichment Data: To find your new USDA Plant Hardiness Zone following the 2023 update, you can utilize various methods.
- USDA Website: The USDA provides an online tool where you can enter your zip code to determine your hardiness zone. Simply visit the USDA's website and use their interactive map tool to find your zone.
- Zip Code Lookup: Websites like Upworthy and Wikipedia offer tools where you can enter your zip code to see the updated hardiness zone for your area.
- Hardiness Zone Map: You can also refer to the updated hardiness zone map provided by the USDA. This map is available online and shows the new zones for various cities across the United States.
By using these methods, you can easily determine your new hardiness zone and plan your gardening accordingly.
