USDA Zones Change for First Time in 10 Years, Half of U.S. Impacted
Spring is officially here, and if you’re into gardening or farming, that means it’s time to start planting. This year is going to be very different than past years when it comes to planting, though. That’s because the USDA zones have changed for the first time in 10 years, and half of the U.S. is impacted. This is a big change for me, because previously, I was actually right on the border of a zone. So, certain plants that weren’t recommended for my area were actually recommended just a few blocks away. Now, pretty much my entire area is in the same zone. So, here’s what’s different with the USDA Zone Map for 2024.
USDA Zones: What’s the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map?
The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map help gardeners, farmers and growers figure out which perennial plants are most likely to “thrive” at any given location. “The map is based on the average annual extreme minimum winter temperature, displayed as 10-degree F zones and 5-degree F half zones,” according to the USDA. I’ve also found it interesting that when ordering plants online, I’m actually not allowed to order certain plants that don’t fit the zone map of my address. Similarly, certain plants I’m only allowed to order certain times of the year, based on where I’m located in the USDA zones. These are ways that the USDA tried to prevent people from planting invasive plants or plants that aren’t intended for a given area.
According to the new map, a whopping half of the United States has changed to a new hardiness zone. You can check your area with a handy USDA map. It’s interactive and free. Just type in your zip code, and it gives you zoomed in view of your area and its hardiness zone. Find the USDA map here. This zone map should also help you decided when to start planting this season, as it factors in things like frosts. Happy planting in your new USDA zones.
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