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Warmer Weather, Changing Gardens

The United States is growing warmer and it's affecting planting zones.

The USDA has updated its planting zones map for the first time since 1990. The results are startling.

The Plant Hardiness Zone Map is found on the back of seed packets and it shows what can be planted where.

The hardiness is determined by the average lowest temperature in the area. Since many places are not as cold as they used to be, different plants and trees can now survive farther north.

The USDA warns the map isn't indicative of global warming, and cautions the map is based only on the coldest days of the year.

View the interactive map to see how your neck of the woods is being affected.

Read More:

  • Global warming felt in gardens (Chicago Sun-Times)
  • America's Gardens Are Warmer in 2012 (The Atlantic Wire)