3 Things to Know About a Plant Hardiness Zone

A plant hardiness zone is a guide that will let you know what types of plants are able to grow in the area you live in. This keeps you from buying and planting plants that will die just because they cannot survive the temperatures in your area. Plant hardiness zones are also referred to as climate zones or growing zones. The lowest temperature a plant is able to stand can be determined by lab tests. There are just a few things to know about plant hardiness zones.

1. 11 Hardiness Zones

North America is divided into 11 hardiness zones by the USDA plant hardiness map. 1 is the coldest zone while 11 is the warmest.

2. Growth of Plants

While plant hardiness zones are good to follow, they are only a guide. You may actually be able to grow more than what the book says, or you may not be able to grow a plant that the book says will be hardy in your zone. These zones are not foolproof. They are based on average temperatures.

3. Frost Date

Hardiness zones do not determine when you set plants in your garden. Your frost date is what determines your planting time.