Planting Zones, also known as hardiness zones, are geographic areas defined by climatic conditions, particularly the lowest temperatures in winter. The zones help gardeners and landscapers determine which plants are most likely to thrive in a specific region. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) created a widely used hardiness zone map that divides the country into different zones based on temperature averages. Knowing the planting zone is critical for selecting the right plants that will survive year-round.
