To find out what gardening zone you are in, you can use the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, which divides regions based on average minimum winter temperatures to help determine which plants will survive in your area
. How to determine your zone:
- Visit the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map website and enter your zip code to get your exact zone
- Alternatively, view an interactive map to locate your area and identify the zone based on color-coded temperature ranges
What gardening zones mean:
- Zones are numbered from 1 (coldest) to 13 (warmest), each representing a 10°F range of average annual minimum temperatures
- Each zone has subzones “a” and “b” for finer temperature distinctions.
- Knowing your zone helps you select plants that are perennial (cold-hardy) or annual (not hardy) in your climate
Why it matters:
- Choosing plants suited to your zone ensures they survive winter and thrive year after year.
- It helps plan seasonal planting and protect plants from frost or extreme cold
If you provide your location or zip code, you can quickly find your exact gardening zone using the USDA tool or similar planting zone finders online
