Crap! I think I need to change my blog name to Hortus | 6.
A recent update to the USDA Hardiness Zone Map shows that half of the nation is officially a half-zone warmer. With increased computing power available to researchers, more factors such as elevation, the slope of land, even heat generation from large cities, can be taken into account to produce finer zone delineations than ever before.
The new map was built using Geographic Information System technology. As a result, sharper boundaries and better resolution are noticeably different on the interactive map.
The Fun Part
If you want to see if your zone changed, click here. You will be prompted to enter your zip code.
If you live in Canada, use this link instead.
What’s The Big Deal?
The more accurate the info, the better success rate we all have. Gardeners, nurseries and plant breeders will now be able to apply the updated findings to their work. For gardeners, plants once thought to be not fit for the garden are now an option. The new data also affects the agricultural industry as the data is used for crop-risk assessment, and the spread of insects and exotic weeds.
Global Climate Change?
Maybe, maybe not. The USDA claims that a different set of data is used to figure those calculations. So, they’re not confirming that there is a trend toward global warming.
My Conslusion
So, it’s all making sense now. As a self proclaimed Zone-pusher, I had been slowly introducing Zone 6 plants to my Zone 5 garden and having good success with survival rate. I thought I was special. Turns out my instincts were right as I am now officially in Zone 6a. But really- should I change the blog name?
Kevin Collard– if you’re reading this, start picking out some cool Zone 7 stuff to ‘push’ at Sutherland!!