Maps from USDA and NOAA show bands of similar planting zones running roughly east to west across the U.S. Plants adapted to mild winters and hot summers, such as watermelons and tangerines, thrive in Zone 8 (10 to 20☏), which runs through the Southeast and central Texas. For example:Ĭold-tolerant plants such as garlic and asparagus thrive in Zone 3 (-40 to -30☏), which runs across the upper Northeast, Midwest, and Plains. Each zone spans a 10☏ range in average annual minimum temperature. (including Alaska and Hawaii) is divided into 13 plant hardiness zones based on each location’s annual minimum temperature, averaged over 30-year normal periods. If heat-trapping carbon pollution continues these shifts could force growers to select plants adapted to a wider and warmer range of temperatures.Ĭlick the downloadable graphic: Local Shifting Planting Zones Plant hardiness zonesĪs gardeners and farmers across the country decide which plants to grow this spring, many look to plant hardiness zones for guidance. These 231 locations warmed by 3.3☏ on average since the 1951-1980 period. have shifted to the north over the three most recent 30-year normal periods.Īverage annual minimum temperatures warmed in 231 (95%) of 242 U.S. These zones-based on each location’s average annual minimum temperature-determine which plants can grow and thrive in different parts of the country.Īs the coldest times of year warm, plant hardiness zones across the contiguous U.S. Plant hardiness zones are shifting north as the U.S. ApShifting Planting Zones KEY CONCEPTS.
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