USDA Hardiness Zones are a system developed by the United States Department of Agriculture to categorize geographical areas based on their average annual minimum winter temperature. These zones are a guide for gardeners and landscapers to help them understand which plants are most likely to thrive in their location.
The map is divided into zones, each representing a 10-degree Fahrenheit difference in the average annual minimum temperature. For example, Zone 1 is the coldest, with average minimum temperatures below -50°F, while Zone 13 is the warmest, with minimum temperatures above 60°F. Each zone is further divided into "a" and "b" for more precision, representing 5-degree Fahrenheit differences within the 10-degree zone.
In essence, USDA Hardiness Zones provide a quick reference to determine the plants’ suitability to the climate in a specific region, aiding in the selection of plants that will be able to survive and flourish in a particular growing area.
The map is divided into zones, each representing a 10-degree Fahrenheit difference in the average annual minimum temperature. For example, Zone 1 is the coldest, with average minimum temperatures below -50°F, while Zone 13 is the warmest, with minimum temperatures above 60°F. Each zone is further divided into "a" and "b" for more precision, representing 5-degree Fahrenheit differences within the 10-degree zone.
In essence, USDA Hardiness Zones provide a quick reference to determine the plants’ suitability to the climate in a specific region, aiding in the selection of plants that will be able to survive and flourish in a particular growing area.