USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map shows the lowest temperature and determines the planting zone for every region in North America. This map can be used to determine the viability of over-wintering plants in certain regions, when to start gardening, and what specific plants will grow.

It is also handy for knowing when to start temperamental plants such as eggplants that originated in more tropical regions. Most seed packets or nurseries will give out information on the best planting times for various hardiness zones. Many varieties of tropical plants can be grown in temperate regions if treated like an annual.

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