Plant Hardiness Map, Online And Warmer

Plant hardiness zones have been adjusted and the map used to track what to grow and when has been updated. The new version of the USDA's Plant Hardiness Zone Map is now available on the web.

"The new map takes the form of an interactive geographical information system software tool that's presented to the viewer on the internet."

Peter Bretting of the USDA's Ag research service says users will find most zones have changed to about a half a zone warmer.

Casper, Wyoming has stepped up from zone 4-b to 5-a.

Plant specialists suggest with the warmer temperatures may come additional pest problems.

The upnote is that the shifts bring potential for greater plant diversity especially in urban micro-climates.