On January 25th, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) released an updated version of their Plant Hardiness Zone Map. Here are some excerpts from the USDA website, where you can also view and download the new maps:
The 2012 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map is the standard by which gardeners and growers can determine which plants are most likely to thrive at a location. The map is based on the average annual minimum winter temperature, divided into 10-degree F zones. For the first time, the map is available as an interactive GIS-based map, for which a broadband Internet connection is recommended, and as static images for those with slower Internet access. Users may also simply type in a ZIP Code and find the hardiness zone for that area. No posters of the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map have been printed. But state, regional, and national images of the map can be downloaded and printed in a variety of sizes and resolutions.My thoughts: It is kind of surprising that the maps have not been updated since 1990.
You can enter your zip code, search by state, or simply click on your state on the national map to get a new state map.
Colorado, like most places, got a little warmer. Now Zone 3 only includes areas at high elevations. The foothills are a mix of Zone 4 and 5, and the urban “heat island effect” is taken into consideration with Denver in Zone 6. What changes are you seeing for your area?
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