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US maps climate shift updates planting zones for gardeners
The USDA updated its official plant hardiness map for 80 million gardeners, reflecting warmer zones nationwide as winters grow milder. The 26 zones use five degree steps, with 1990-era cities like Des Moines and Griffin shifting into higher zones, enabling growth of plants previously restricted by cold. The change, based on broader data and wind, water, and urban heat factors, aligns with broader climate trends and will affect next year seed packaging and gardening plans.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Washington
US Department of Agriculture
Ohio
Nebraska
Texas
National Arboretum
Boston University
Richard Primack
Boston Yard
Boston
U.S
Honolulu
St. Louis
Des Moines
Iowa
St. Paul
Minn
Fairbanks
Alaska
Jerry Holub
Griffin
Bay Laurel
Stanford University
Terry Root
George Ball
Mark Kaplan
New York
National Climatic Data Center
USDA
Kim Kaplan
David W. Wolfe
Cornell University
Wolfe
Arbor Day Foundation
Woodrow Nelson
Plant Loving Organization
Nelson
Lincoln
Neb