The 2023 Plant Hardiness Zone Map.
(Photo:USDA)
For growing flowers and fruits, temperature is critical.
The coldest night of each year determines the survival ofperennial plants, those that pop up again every year.
The 2023 Plant Hardiness Zone Map. (Photo:USDA)
Meanwhile hot summer days can cause fruit to spoil while early thaws can allow flowers to spring too early.
Thirteen zones with a 10-degree-Fahrenheit range are subdivided into 5-degree range half-zones.
The central plains and Midwest generally warmed the most, with the southwestern U.S. warming very little.
The 2021 edition of the map. (Photo:USDA)
Gardeners had already noticed this warming in their daily activities.
It’s so much hotter, the tomatoes burn.
In the back of our mind, we’re like, ah, that means things are warming up.
So what does this mean in the long run?
Additionally, researches use the map in research models on how plants and insects spread.
The USDA considers it for risk and insurance purposes as well.
Patterson, like other gardeners, wants the map to be a reminder of a dangerously warming future.
She elaborated to NPR, It’s just going to keep getting hotter.
So the government has to make policy changes to slow climate change down.
The 2021 edition of the map.
