Temperature Tango: Why USDA Hardiness Zones Are Moving and What It Means for You

[@erkocab]

This has been enormously informative. Thanks!

[@wekwertm]

Thanks, Corey. Very interesting to see the old map compared to the new one. I'm going to follow your link to the map to see exactly where we are.

[@judyingram-kh1vm]

Great information, thank you so much.❤

[@aalejardin]

Great information. I bought my property three years ago. We are about 145 feet above the Hudson River in an area that, due to the surrounding mountains, is called the Hudson Highlands. These mountains are not very tall but still I thought that we were a bit warmer than the surrounding areas on the other side of the mountains. When speaking to the local nurserymen (also on the other side of the mountains) it seemed that I was able to grow some plants that they didn't think did well in "our" area. I've had some luck keeping dahlias in the ground. So I wasn't surprised when in the new Zone map there now is a small area of 7a where I am along the river, while the rest of the area is still 6b. This is likely the result of the more granular information used for this map. It probably doesn't hurt that the Hudson River is tidal to well north of us, so we get a kind of ocean effect. Anyway, I may try experimenting with some Zone 7a plants in sheltered or warmer areas on the property. Manhattan (an hour south of us) is unchanged at 7b. The zone maps are based on averages and we could always get a polar vortex in the winter. I grew up in Wisconsin back when -20 was not uncommon, so I know colder climates!

[@UpNorthGardenMI]

You definitely live in a spot where several factors are giving you a few “bonus” degrees each winter. Hope you discover all kinds of great plants that grow!!!