The USDA's gardening zones shifted, this map shows you what's changed (apps.npr.org)

Article summary

The USDA has updated its plant hardiness zone map, which shows the average coldest winter temperature in different areas of the country. The new map reflects a 3.3 degree Fahrenheit increase in average winter temperatures over the past 30 years. This change has implications for gardeners, who may be able to grow new plants in their area, but also face challenges such as more extreme temperature fluctuations. The map is based on data from 1991-2020 and provides a useful tool for gardeners to determine which plants can thrive in their area.

Main themes

• USDA plant hardiness zone map
• Climate change
• Gardening
• Temperature fluctuations
• Plant survival
• Environmental impact

What commenters say

• The updated USDA plant hardiness zone map reflects a significant increase in average winter temperatures over the past 30 years, which has implications for gardeners and the environment.
• Climate change is causing more extreme temperature fluctuations, making it challenging for gardeners to predict which plants will thrive in their area.
• The term 'climate change' may not adequately convey the severity of the issue, and alternative terms such as 'climate instability' or 'climate crisis' may be more effective.
• Historical climate data is limited by inconsistent measuring equipment and standards, making it difficult to determine whether current temperature fluctuations are atypical.
• Gardeners are noticing changes in their local climate, including warmer winters and more extreme weather events, which is affecting their ability to grow certain plants.
• The updated map provides a useful tool for gardeners, but it has limitations, such as not taking into account summer temperature extremes or microclimates.
• Some argue that the focus on climate change is overstated, and that historical climate data is not reliable enough to support the narrative of a climate crisis.
• The impact of climate change on plant growth and survival is a pressing concern, and gardeners are seeking ways to adapt to the changing environment.