{"id":11544,"date":"2024-06-20T17:50:50","date_gmt":"2024-06-20T17:50:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/topat10.com\/?p=11544"},"modified":"2024-06-20T17:50:50","modified_gmt":"2024-06-20T17:50:50","slug":"hardiness-and-heat-tolerance-understanding-planting-zones","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/topat10.com\/?p=11544","title":{"rendered":"Hardiness and Heat Tolerance: Understanding Planting Zones"},"content":{"rendered":"


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There\u2019s nothing more disappointing to a gardener than planting the perfect plant in the perfect spot, only to watch it wither and die during a cold snap or heat wave. Thankfully, there are some great resources out there to help, including systems that divide the U.S. into \u201cplanting zones,\u201d such as the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map and the American Horticultural Society Heat Tolerance Map.<\/p>\n

The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map divides North America into 11 zones based on average annual minimum winter temperatures. Each zone represents a 10\u00b0F temperature difference, further subdivided into \u201ca\u201d and \u201cb\u201d for 5\u00b0F variations. To use this map, simply locate your area and identify your zone number.<\/p>\n

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map<\/h2>\n

If you look at most any plant label, you\u2019ll see a zone designation, such as \u201cHardy to Zone 7.\u201d These labels refer to the USDA Plant Hardiness Zones, which divide North America into 11 zones based on estimates of the minimum annual temperature. A plant is considered \u201chardy\u201d if it will survive the winter in that particular zone.<\/p>\n

Each zone represents a 10\u00ba F. temperature difference and is then further subdivided into \u201ca\u201d and \u201cb\u201d according to 5\u00ba differences. <\/p>\n

Zone 1 is the coldest and is subject to frost year-round while Zone 11 is the warmest and completely frost-free. If a plant is \u201cHardy to Zone 7,\u201d that means it should survive the winter in zones 7 and warmer.<\/p>\n

Once you know the cold hardiness zone you live in, you can choose plants that will survive the winter in your area.<\/p>\n

Finding Your Hardiness Zone<\/h2>\n

Use the below chart and the color coding on the map to determine your hardiness zone. <\/p>\n

USDA Hardiness Zone Map<\/h3>\n

The map below shows the zone ranges in color codes. The blue and purple regions (zone 1 and zone 2) have the longest periods of cold temperatures. On the other hand, the lighter blue and green zones (zone 5 and zone 6) make up most of the Midwest, which has more heat days per year and a longer growing season. <\/p>\n

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