For the first time since 2012, the USDA has released a new Plant Hardiness Zone Map, which serves as the standard for determining what plants will most likely survive the winter. Not only do home gardeners abide by it, but the USDA uses it to set certain crop insurance guidelines, and scientists use it in their research tracking the spread of invasive plants and insects.
The new map shows that about half the country has transitioned to a new zone over the past decade, largely caused by the increase in temps due to climate change. While some of the change is also attributed to more sophisticated mapping techniques, the increase of 2.5 degrees C across the zones shows us another way climate change is getting our attention.
From Go Green Northfield
