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| New Plant Hardiness Zone Map from the USDA |
The nice thing about the new map is that there is an interactive map feature available if you have a good internet connection. There are static maps available for view if you are still on a dial up connection.
The drawback to these maps is that they are based on average official temperatures. Right away I can see a problem with it. The new map shows me as being in zone 9a with winter temps of 20-25 degrees. The problem is that there are any number of winters in the past twenty years when the temperature has been as low as 15 degrees. And just 6 miles away Globe shows up as being zone 8b with average temps of 15-20 degrees.
Of course the map is just meant to be a guideline, you have to use your own common sense and knowledge of your own yard and micro climate. So I think I'll adopt the colder rating of 8b as I feel it more accurately reflects what is happening in my own yard.
Interesting. Now I am 6a. That sounds way more bearable. :) Thank you
ReplyDeleteStay @ Home, what zone were you listed in before?
ReplyDelete