Planting areas

Definition:There are 11 planting, or "USDA plant hardiness zones," in the United States and southern Canada. USDA planting areas are areas defined by a difference of 10 degrees farenheit in the average annual minimum temperature. To put the definition in poor, higher numbers, the hottest temperatures for gardening in those areas.

Is a standard practice for retailers and nurseries of seed label their products according to their areas of USDA Plant Hardiness-that is, areas of facility in which you will be more able to grow those plants.

Horticulture fans plan their gardens and part of this schedule means consulting maps showing the USDA planting zone. Growing plants not adapted to the climate in your region you can sometimes, but it is not recommended for beginners. Those experienced in gardening and landscaping, however, often make use of what are known as "micro-climates."

For a look at just where the various planting areas fall, see the map of USDA.

"USDA" stands for the United States Department of agriculture, the institution that issued the original map showing USDA planting zone (1960). The publication was sponsored by the American Horticultural Society, in conjunction with the United States National Arboretum.

Examples of cold-hardy plants (numbers in parentheses indicate zones):

Examples of plants that not are very cold-hardy: