The NEW Hardiness Zone Map (Explained)

[@GardenerScott]

If you view this video on your phone and click the link, you might not get the Zip Code box and if you do it might not recognize it. It works better with a PC.

[@MinOfForest]

I didn’t know there was more than the zip code box until this video because I’m on mobile. So thankful my phone had the option to “View desktop site” to see the map

[@juneramirez8580]

Oh well, only have internet on my phone!!! Guess I will have to call my County Extension Office for that information. I am in the low AZ desert and it doesn't look like my zone has changed from what you showed us.

[@TGTree]

I merely typed the SITE (in my cell phone, to browser) Totally worked. Thanks for this video!😊

[@pamtippett1589]

My area was moved from 8b to 9a. I understand they use 30 years to come up with the averages, but my past couple of winters have actually been many degrees COLDER than average. I don’t think the zone change is going to impact my gardening plans. I’ll continue to make my gardening decisions based on the patterns and averages of my experience.

[@emmalavenham]

Are you on the borderline? I think that is where there is still some work to be done.. Here, in New England, we shifted from Zone 6A to Zone 6b. But temps dropped to -10 F this winter... So, I am continuing to plan on -10 F - buying plants hardy to -15F... (ie Zone5b)

[@wmpx34]

Part of the issue is that they are using the coldest day of the year to map this and that is a highly variable factor.

[@jrkorman]

@@randompersonontheinternet8790 North of Abilene here. I was surprised to see how much warmer the maps indicated. I'll stick with the older maps and their indicated colder temperatures. I think part of the "problem" is we can be 70 on Sunday and Saturday with teens in the mid week.

[@nowistime8070]

that is the reply that tickles my brain. thank you for walking your own path!

[@revolruf]

Those were la niña winters. Definitely colder in a lot of areas.

[@JMeixsell]

According to this new Zoning, we have gone from 8a to 9a but the local nursery told me we were moving to Zone 7. We've lived here for 30 years. In that time we've experienced heat and drought in the summers but mild winters. That has gradually been changing. The last 3 winters have been devastating with freezes, sleet, and snow along with cold fronts following mild moments. So we have put up green houses, cold frames, and high tunnels to protect our winter crops. We've lost native plants that were doing fine in the previous winters so I no longer will grow Agave and Rosemary. Landscaping that doesn't grow through the winter doesn't get replanted so several things are off our list. What's going on? There's that new zoning, but there is also our experience and our experience says that Central Texas is getting colder in the winter.

[@puddintame7794]

Don't believe your lying eyes, believe the honest bureaucrats instead.

[@davidnormandin5428]

I agree I'm in Liberty,Mo, and have lost all my perennial herbs in the last three winters. Negative temps last for weeks not like in the past when one night at -9 would not kill everything but now it is ten nights below 0*

[@theadegroot1691]

My only caution for those who are in the warmer zones, you should also be aware of the chill hours needed for fruit trees to set fruit. Your tree will survive if you choose a variety rated for a colder zone, but you may never get fruit. This is probably most important for people in zone 9 and 10.

[@lindag9975]

Very true! Being in 9B, it's something that must be checked here especially since my state has many zones. The big box stores will sell the same fruit trees here that they sell in Zone 6, and that won't work. Fortunately the local nurseries tag those trees with the required chill hours.

[@spearageddon3279]

Linda, yes! 9b also, now 10a, and you def have to understand that just because it's in our stores does not mean it is suited for our climate.

[@dawnmitchell11]

This is kind of what I was thinking as to how it might impact warmer areas. Bud set for plants that need a cold period. Texas has had some extreme colds that dipped slightly below zone lows, but the average lows have been more mild in general for at least the last 5 years. Five years is a blip in time, so we will see if things bear out to continue in the same trend.

[@renel7303]

​@@lindag9975same here, 9B, totally agree. I'm central California. What state are you?

[@renel7303]

​@@spearageddon3279particularly in big box stores. Tractor Supply had some great stuff last year. Fortunately I did pics of the labels and went home to research. None of the fruit trees was suitable for 9B.

[@GardenUPLandscape]

How awesome that you are asked to be a part of this! I just found out about the new map this week and I am hoping to put together a short video to go live tomorrow. I love your comprehensive explanation and peek at the work behind the scenes!

[@TalkingThreadsMedia]

The gardening community in our area is all abuzz about this new map! How exciting that you got a chance to work on the new map! Best wishes from Kate in Olympia, WA - 11/18/2023.

[@MetalSqueak05]

Thank you for sharing this! I had no idea a new map was out. We've changed from 8b to 9a. I had suspicions based on how mild our winters have been the past few years.

[@isador4784]

Up in the True North, our environmental department re-classified the Canadian zones not too long ago also. But they dug deeper then just temperature. They identified plant species, geography and other items to come up with a very detailed zoning system. They even converted the USDA zones in Canada to their new system. The funny thing is though, since you guys down south are so much larger then us with your population and buying power, most seeds and plants still use the USDA zoning guide in Canada! And most gardeners here also! I will have to see if the data was updated here also. Love your channel Scott, very informative.

[@DDGLJ]

I think geography is so important- around the mountains in Montana zones change so quickly that I just don't think there's enough accurate data to really know, except from experience. They have always had us in the same zone as a larger town 50 miles away and 3000 feet lower in elevation.Everyone who lives here knows that's always been wrong.

[@dewainkoester1026]

Used to be 7b here but moved up to 8a. It's safe to keep it unchanged in your mind because Winter can kill your plants for not being conservative enough. Practicing microclimates can save your plants.

[@MsCherokee70]

Same for me... was 7B Now 8A... im still going to do things the same way. But 8A makes more since for a few years now. Things did change alot during winters. Much warmer than ever. We didn't get ANY snow last winter! Never seen that happen in my area of Va, in all my 53 years!

[@beazrich2.017]

@@MsCherokee70 I live in NJ. My zone was 7a now its 7b. In 13 colonial times it was 5b. Looks like only the far southern part of Cape May county is now 8A. However places like Ocean city, Stone Harbor, Sea Isle city are still 7b so no change at all. NJ is too cold to plant any palm trees thats for sure. No native palm trees can grow in this state.

[@cbak1819]

Thankful on your contribution on the zone map!

[@staceymonahamilton4435]

Thanks for the update. I had no idea and I peek periodically . This is great news!!! I moved from 7a to 7b. I will take into consideration next year.

[@heidijasper5915]

Colorado 5b is a world away from Indiana 5b. Altitude matters. Rainfall matters. Snowfall matters. Wind speeds and directions matter. The city 10 miles away is usually 3° warmer than my county home. So, location within each county matters as well. A more detailed map is very much appreciated!

[@dustyflats3832]

Same here. We are usually 5-10 degrees colder or hotter than near city.

[@renel7303]

All true. I'm 9B, central California and according to the Sunset Western Garden Book I am in a slightly warmer "banana belt" as they put it that stays a few degrees warmer in a hard freeze. This microclimate is only about 1½ miles wide, 2 ½ miles long. Just crazy but good for my lemon tree.

[@nolawarren3560]

So true. These maps are still just generally maybes

[@seanrich1367]

Great Job gardener Scott. First I have heard of this new zone layout.

[@rosalindhb]

Does zones really matter anymore? The weather is so wacky now, I just use it as a loose guide. Texas is so hot. I went from 8b to 9 zone. Alot of websites are not updated. My tomatoes and peppers are just now fruiting. That link you had, they should of use more colors that stand out. Because some colors are too close and you can't tell which yiu fall under.

[@pilsplease7561]

zones are vitally important.

[@kidstubehd6748]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge!! So grateful! Here in Northern California just 10 miles from point Reyes I am amazed at the microclimates in the San Geronimo valley. Definitely changed in past 20 years I have been here. Appreciate the work you put in to help make map updated and easy to use. Be well

[@stevefromthegarden1135]

Very cool that you were asked to be part of the review team. My zone is the same (5B) but there is now a completely new zone 6A that 10-12 miles east of me. It would not surprise me if 10 years from now, my house becomes zone 6A. The same is likely for your house 10 years from now. The way things are going, they will need to update the maps more often.

[@gardeninjake]

I'm now in 6B roughly 20 miles away from 7A to the south and about 70 miles south of 6A. I was on the border of 6A&B.

[@stevefromthegarden1135]

@@gardeninjake 10 more years you might end up in 7A. I might need to move down your way once I retire so I can have a shorter winter. 😀

[@gardeninjake]

@@stevefromthegarden1135 You come right on down my northern friend. My growing season usually runs from mid to late April until mid to late October. This year my frost dates were April 17 and Oct. 30. Normally around 180 growing days. Longest I recall was 203 days, but that's rare.

[@jwstanley2645]

Hey, thanks Gardener Scott, thanks. I am in the zone, my zone. Love your informative videos, as precise as the zones can be, well, are. Thanks for helping refine the zones. Hopefully, seed and plant providers will follow suit. Love your professionalism, clear and organized presentations.

[@RecycleBen]

Very cool that you were able to contribute to the USDA zone map Scott! Both thank you for contributing to it and sharing the map. And it is more detailed, super cool!

[@howdyEB]

I am still in 9a, but most winters it seems I don't get must of a frost, and it doesn't get much colder than 32. I think I'm in a microclimate or something, being on top of a hill, surrounded by trees.

[@titi7178]

Oh I was Zone 6b and now I’m 7a ! Thank you so much for the information and work you put into this

[@eliandkate]

How amazing that you got to help create the new map. It’s so interesting to hear how it’s created and used. We do things the other way around here in the UK, the changes happen so often and with such small distance boundaries that using zones for areas doesn’t work here. Instead we have a similar system but for plants. So plants here carry hardiness ratings so you know what temperatures and weathers it will survive in and you can then decide if it would work for your garden.

[@janaemccullough510]

So beautiful! Listening to this was the highlight of my weekend.

[@slreythuge8113]

Thank you so much for sharing the web address. It has so many great informations.

[@Michael-s2p3p]

Thanks, all good info. I took a chance last spring and planted some Chester and Prime Ark thornless blackberries (both Zone 5) in my location that was upgraded from 4b to 5a. I got a few big fat juicy blackberries this fall, but maybe now I’ll get even more!

[@brianseybert192]

Still in 5A, 5B all around me, think the pavement and concrete pushed Madison into 5B. Really cool you were part of this. I would imagine other professional gardeners throughout the country were consulted on their specific locations. 30 years is less than a fraction of an instant of our climate history. Wonder how quickly the planet is warming now, compared to other events. Terrific video! Congratulations on being selected to be a part of it. Stay Well !!!!

[@simplifygardening]

It's good that they have updated this; things are changing. I think this will be a much better map for folks to plan their next garden. more data better results. Great video Scott

[@palmsandsand]

Thank you for sharing! This was great information and while my zone hasn’t changed either, I’m glad they are looking at the increasing averages and adjusting accordingly. It’s mid-end November and I’m still growing tomatoes in zone 8b. I’m definitely using this as a guide, but experience as my best teacher.

[@cocobrwngl]

Thank you. Mine changed from 6b to 7a.

[@robinholbrook8296]

Mine to in SE Kentucky. 7a

[@amymorales4622]

I guess that the map isn’t updated for my region of Arizona yet. Within a 10 mile radius of my home, the elevation ranges from 4500 ft. to 7800 ft. So it has always been a challenge for gardeners who are new to the area to get good information on what to plant.

[@patkrueger7353]

Thank you for this info. Didn't know they updated it

[@CanielDonrad]

6B moved WAY farther than I expected it to. I lived in a rural area of Kentucky until last year when I moved to the Cincinnati OH area. I was in 6B in Kentucky and near the 6A line in the new area. Now 6B reaches up to Columbus! Most of phoenix metro is 10 now as well. Holy moly!

[@lostinspace2780]

Excellent helpful info. Thank you!

[@bwayne40004]

Wow! Thanks! I see I have changed from 6b to 7a and the border runs right through my county, in the northeast section, only a few miles away from me. Interesting! I'm literally a five or six minute drive from 6b and I won't change from what I have been doing the last few years in the garden. Thanks again! I had no idea it was that precise when look at the county map.

[@CelticLady01]

Thank you so much for this new information 😊

[@Joan-ph2es]

Winters here (western Iowa) are colder, setting record low temps each year when polar vortexes sweep in -- people in houses with frozen, broken pipes. Didn't use to be that way. Got down to -40° actual degrees last year. Previously, -20° was rare. Warmer temps would be welcome. Zone here didn't change.

[@renel7303]

Joan, I can't even imagine that cold. California girl, 9B, we might hit 30 F once or twice a year, a dusting of snow every 10 years. Tee shirts and sandals are usually standard on Christmas day. Stay warm.

[@hansonlegacyfarm]

Thank you for this valuable information Mr. Scott. Our zone changed from 8a to 8b here in Texas.

[@charlesward8196]

I was checking the climate zone on my Evan’s (Bali) sour cherry that delivered $950.00 worth of pitted frozen cherries this year, and wondered how a “Zone 5 tree” has survived in my Zone 3 in S. Central Montana. Turns out my 20 year average is now Zone 5a in a tiny “worm” about 5 miles wide and 10 miles long on the west side of Billings. We had almost a 160 day frost free season this year. The freezer is full, we canned, and dehydrated most of the rest. There were numerous trips to the food bank, including a 42 pound Musquee d; Provence heirloom winter squash, apples, kale and chard, out of our 25’ x 35’ garden and 9 fruit trees. We picked about seventeen 5-gallon pails of apples, ten 5 gallon pails of pears, and four 5 gallon pails of plums We still have about 80 pounds of Small sugar, Long Island Cheese, butternut and Musquee d’ Provence squashes in the cool basement. I estimate HALF of that will take a trip to the food bank this winter for pies, soups and side vegetables. “Climate change” is no crisis here!

[@curly__3]

Awesome! Thanks Scott!

[@carmenfringer4740]

..yeah..I'm supposedly in 6a now. I live on the open plains in Kansas -10... is that without the windchill? Doubtful so sticking to 5 and below like I usually do. I can't afford buying perennials and trees not hardy enough to withstand the windchill.

[@growintogether627]

That’s awesome USDA hit you up! And that your valuable knowledge was used :)

[@debheartplants]

I went from 10b to 10a in Southern California. It makes sense, the winters feel colder and seem to last longer.

[@DDGLJ]

Happy to have found your channel! I’ve always gardened for zone 3b- the zones change quickly heading into the mountains and what they have for me has never been correct. I live not far from Yellowstone, yet we're in the same zone as Billings??? So it got down to - 30 F a few days ago. I'm supposed to be in zone 5a. I think I'll stick to my old ways, the microclimates here are just too crazy!

[@TDAEON]

Same 9b in Cali for me. Though last year we had late, late frosts. Messed with my planting plans. And then it was lots of rain. No complaints about that, though. 😊

[@flyfly29]

Wow. I think this may be more accurate. I am in northern California which had been 9a, however my micro climate is a shorter growing season. I am a new gardener and in the spring I had talked with master gardeners from UCDavis. They were the ones who told me to choose varieties that grow 100 days or less. I found that to be true since I had already started varieties with longer grow time and found they did not do as well or failed as compared to the ones that were in alignment of what the master gardeners had explained. I am now listed as zone 8b. We will see how this works out for next year. Great explanation on the development of new map.

[@dennisblevins5723]

When I put in my zip it shows my town is now 9b. However, zooming in on the map there is only a small part of our town in 9b in the SW corner. So in reality where I live and most of the town is in 9a which is not a change. Not really a big deal though. I still plant by first and last frost dates and summer heat for my vegetable garden. The trees and perennials will stay the same as we rarely get close to 25F.

[@sshaw4429]

I believe it. I have plants that come back year, after year now which used to always die in winter. My list of annuals have decreased, while my list of perennials had doubled.

[@CoffeeCakeCrumble]

I live in NL Michigan 5b. Right now, today, November 18, I have goldenrod blooming by my pond.

[@bowtielife]

I went from the warm side of zone 8b to the cool side of 9a but I pretty much had figured that out already.

[@adampetherick6266]

Why is nobody talking about this on all the garden channels this is why I love your Channel❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@victornicklow9792]

I just found out today Orlando, fl changed. Then I see you video.

[@marjoriejohnson6535]

Its nice to know that i am in same zone as you . I live in Binghamton area of NYS.

[@abernathyrah3513]

SE NM. Been growing for the last 10 years here, 2 years ago I started planting zone 8a plants and trees, good to see that my gamble paid off. I should be harvesting lemons and oranges in 2024!

[@CardiacCat]

Okay so I was in zone 7b before, but now I am in 8a. I feel better about trying to plant my Satsuma Orange trees now on the South end of my house where the micro climate should help with the winter cold.

[@Momma_Tomma]

Whoa! I moved up a zone! I was wondering because the winters have been so mild the last few years.

[@marilynwitherell186]

Thank you, great information.

[@TerribleTim68]

Still in zone 8b here in Tacoma. 😎 I think the more important info is understanding micro climates, because 8b here in my yard isn't the same as 8b on the South Carolina coast, or even 8b 20 miles up the road in Seattle. That's the key.

[@heidiclark6612]

Good job on the work that you did on helping with the new zone map! I put in my zip code and my zone has not changed. I did not know about the ability to zoom in and look closer so I will have to check that out.

[@D4ni3773]

Great Video!

[@MinOfForest]

I moved recently and a week ago was talking to some farmers in my area about our zone 4b/5a because we’re in a strange little 5-mile microclimate circle. Couple days later this map came out and the dividing line is now in my yard 😂 I’m going to assume the colder, though these last few winters have been weirdly warm.

[@HealyMeans]

hi scott 🤗 thanks for your contributions. my zone didn't change. im still in zone 10b in southern california. tfs

[@backyardplantlife3580]

I am in the Upstate of South Carolina. I was considered zone 7b but now it’s 8a. It’s been back and forth the past few years. Last year it got to 7 degrees which is zone 7. But that’s because we had that wicked cold snap that froze half the country last winter. But we’re playing averages. So go have a zone 8 winter average means we must have had some winters that were warmer in the past. I’ll take it. I have a food forest and I’ve planted a few plants rated at zone 8 just in case I ever moved up a zone. Mainly loquats and a pindo palm with a few fruiting bananas. It may not be a true 8a yet, but we’re moving that direction and I can dig it :)

[@marktoldgardengnome4110]

Good morning Scott. We too are in zone 5b, but in Maine lat 45 degrees north (longer days than you) and only about 50-60 miles from the ocean where tidal head waters, tide has an affect on both water and air temperatures. We have no fruit trees, so it's all veg we are growing. Maine. Storms/temps vary vastly. Dip in the jet stream, temps bottom out. Up the coast, well wetter and higher temps 50 degree swings in less than 12 hours. It happened last Spring. 94 degree high, one day and woke up to 40 degree low. Based on all of this, we plant by variety of plant, acceptable soil temps, and germination length. Also, frost possibility. Our last frost recorded date, on record, not average date, was May 26th. First frost, Sept 3rd. Having said all that, climate change, IMHO, is like an umbrella, that controls all of these other factors. All this considered, we have a very short growing season but, being aware of our individual surroundings, a normal 90 day garden can turn into a 120+ day season. We are no different than anyone reading this, we want to see GREEN in the garden as soon as possible, just have to know your plants. Soil temps primarily is what we use. Oh, and Green means Go. We all just have to adapt. Great info Scott, TYFS

[@robrod7120]

Zone 10b now, and my neighbors are 11a!! We can grow tropical fruit trees now

[@austintrees]

I'm happy to see my Zone 5b is now 6a!!! (Especially because I was already zone pushing some zone sevens in my area by mulching heavily and protecting them in the winter... Now i can try zone 8's)😂😂😂🎉🎉🎉😂😂😂

[@HitTheDirt]

Very interesting video. Added to my interesting by others playlist! I try to keep a variety of information like a library for any visitors! Thank You for your efforts!

[@ivethgo2876]

YES !! I was 6b and now I'm 7a

[@GmamaGrowz]

Thanks for explaining the new hardiness zones. I'm okaye with remaining in zone 6a 🥶.

[@naturaljoy007]

When I first moved to my current home it was zone 8b. In 2012 update it changed to 9a, and is now 9b with this latest update. I guess one day we’ll be considered tropical!

[@janetscruising]

Thank you for the information I did not know the map would do all that. Although the map from our area is outdated as far as topographical information, they cleared 30 acres behind me earlier this year. But I’m now an 8B instead of an 8A it’s gonna take me a while to remember that.

[@vidili68]

Hi there Good job have good day . I was 6 now 7 .I know for 5 years not to cold and the sun is more strong.

[@monicam.8006]

I checked your map. My zone has gone up! I'm happy. Many of the fruits I like to eat will grow on trees in zone 9A but not in zone 8B- where I was. That having been writ, I have an interesting tidbit about gardening that I learned recently. Many TREES will survive in zone 9A and 8B, but the SAPLINGS won't survive in 8B. Trees produce fruit. Saplings don't. They're too young. It's the saplings that will die- not the trees. All I have to do is keep my saplings alive until they produce fruit. Then they'll survive in both zones!

[@GardenerScott]

I've noticed that as well. Getting the saplings to survive is worth the effort.

[@monicam.8006]

What I'm learning is that the summer here will kill both trees and saplings. The winters will only kill saplings. It's easier and cheaper for me to spend $5.00 on a 2 inch sapling in the autumn (when none of the big box stores are selling them), plant it in the autumn, keep it alive all winter long, and give the roots time to develop than what it is to spend $150.00 for a 4 ft sapling in the spring from a big box store, keep it alive all summer, plant it in the autumn and pray it survives the winter. @@GardenerScott

[@ellenrittgers990]

My gladiolus bulbs can now be left in the soil through the winter. 40 years ago they were not winter hardy. Essex county, Massachusetts.

[@topsieBeezelbub]

3 Years ago I moved from North Alabama to Middle Tennessee which is not very far, but I am still in shock and how much colder it is. Supposedly I went from 7b to 7a, but last winter we had a flash freeze that went from 53 degrees down to 10 below zero in a snap of your fingers.. the botanical gardens in Nashville lost 17 full grown mature cryptomeria trees, which I was planning to plant in my yard. If anything I consider myself to be in z6 and will not be planting anything that can't take -10. I will continue to observe mother nature and not be fooled by a map.

[@douellette7960]

I get your point but the map is just an avg of the coldest annual temps from 1991-2020. That's the data. It's an average so some winters had a much lower temp than that. Of course it just takes one abnormally cold night to kill some shrubs and trees that might be borderline hardy in your zone. The super cold temp in Dec 2022 in much of the south won't be a datapoint until the next map update 10 years from now

[@XavierIsraelMatamoros]

We're zone 6A in northeast Kansas but the winters are still extremely windy and cold. Not warm enough for me.

[@dustyflats3832]

Good to know! Hope we got a bit warmer as we were on a line. Just did front yard landscaping and questioned company if a couple cultivars of redbuds would survive here Z5a and they said yes. We still have our microclimate though🙄. I will check it out, thank you. Edit: Ugh! No such luck, we are too low and still a 5a. The higher bluff areas are 5b. Well, hope the new trees make it.

[@debramccormick456]

We have been 5a historically (5b now) and our Eastern Redbuds do very well.☺️

[@heartsong111]

We did switch here in our area of Michigan. I pushed growing veggies anyway, so I’m curious if I’d have done anything differently. I was still hoping the broccoli would finish. 😂 30s are days away. Time to put the garden to sleep.

[@wendyburston3132]

Great info.

[@glennm9307]

7 to 8 % of the population is colorblind. I am one of them. Looking at the map doesn't do me much good as I find it very difficult to distinguish between the shades of colors. Might I suggest some form of various cross hatching be included with each shade of color. It would sure help those of us in the 7 to 8 % category.

[@DeanLogan]

It's just better to use the zip code search to get the information. Burpee, Gurney, and other seed and plant companies use that to determine your zone.

[@7eyesopenwide168]

Awesome thanks!!

[@Concept_education]

This video will go viral.

[@pardwayne]

But, you should still err on the side of colder zone, right?

[@GardenerScott]

I think that's a good strategy for many gardeners.

[@mouysal8575]

Thanks for information

[@KosmicKaren]

I got bumped from 9a to 9b. Yay!!!

[@emmalavenham]

I am hoping that the USDA will continue to work on this map. I am very very close to a borderline, and IMHO, I am still zone 6A here in New England. It is about extreme winter temps, and although our winters have been mild in recent years, just this year temps dropped to -10F. So, I am planning on -10 F not -5F as the historic low (selecting 5b hardiness whenever possible). That being said, where I grew up, the change is long overdue. It is the borders - that is where I think there is some work to do...

[@demitaylor8873]

Now it makes more sense!!! I couldn't figure why nothing grew like it should...

[@robyartist1]

It never was correct for my area. Now it's really wrong. Our Temps are way colder then they say. We would get plants sent to us when the Temps were below freezing. We had to stop ordering plants.

[@puddintame7794]

In the ten years I've lived in Zone 7b... there has not been one winter that didn't get down to zero or below. -15 one winter and it killed half the prickly pears. Try planting a cold hardy olive, it won't last the first winter. 5 to 10 degrees as the coldest, is the best case... I haven't seen it but I hope to someday.

[@debbybrady1246]

I have been wondering if this was going to happen since our weather has gotten warmer. I have moved from 9a to 9b.

[@jolj1]

I have been gardening for fifty years & that the same map I have used all that time. Matter a fact I have had K. van Bourgondien catalog for the past thirty years & that map is printed on the back of the order forum, all those years.

[@Barbaralee1205]

So winters do seem a little milder with less snow but then last year we had 3 days of -12 degrees and everything froze to death!!

[@nathaniverson]

5b to 6a. I'm a little north of Gardener Scott.

[@scoobydoo5447]

Yay, I went from being right on the border of 5a/5b to being solidly 5b!

[@stevenbryant4718]

I have been planting Dahlias and Cannnas in the ground and they have been making it through the winter even though I am now on the border of 6a/b in Indianapolis. It did get down to -10deg.F last winter. I suspect the frost didn't go deep enough to kill the rhizomes. I am going to mulch more this year anyway.

[@mommy6671]

We have had some really cold winters here, in the last several years. The map doesn't make sense.

[@jodieh4739]

I live in the zip code you highlighted here! And we went to 6a which I find kind of funny after last winter. I'm pretty sure we got to -18 or -16 just last winter right around Christmas (conflicting thermometers). We also used to live in another part of town that is also now a 6a and I know it was -16 there. Moving forward it won't have a whole lot of impact on me anyway. I'd rather have plants more suited to go through the winter with less maintenance. I do bring some of the less hardy ones in pots into the garage during the coldest months when I can, but I'd rather not worry.

[@BonnieBlue2A]

Where is the actual link to the new FDA Hardiness Map? I did not find it in the description.

[@GardenerScott]

Here it is; planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/

[@hera7884]

I rarely see negatives in the Winter anymore and when I do I cover my plants with plastic trashcans and maybe a blanket. I might do this with a pomegranate plant and see if it’s survives! I can plant it right next to my house in a south facing position

[@renel7303]

Good luck with the pomegranate. They are beautiful trees. Mine is about 10' from the kitchen window. Not quite done with the harvest.

[@WilReid]

They shifted me from zone 7 to 8, but we had a zone 6 winter this year. It got cold enough to kill wild onions growing in the yard, or so I hoped at the time. They seemed to come back pretty well still. It was the first time I'd ever seen or at least noticed the yard looking like it did. It's just been weird weather here the last 2 years. This June, normally our wettest month, was dry as could be and insanely hot. We got less than 20%, maybe less than 10%, our normal rainfall that month. But then August was usually mild. We've already had a 24F freeze that killed all the summer annuals. But then days later we were setting new record highs in the upper 80s.

[@revolruf]

Here in Portland Oregon it moved from 8b to 9a

[@roxannabrauch991]

Very cool!