Find Your Zone: USDA 2012 Zone Hardiness Map

This winter's temps are making it tempting for Northern gardeners, like myself, to want to get out and dig in the dirt. Of course, then the reality sets in. It's only February!

But their is hope, the groundhog may have predicted six more weeks of winter, but still, spring is only few months away!

And speaking of hope, the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) has just released the updated hardiness map for 2012- see below for Michigan gardeners, for other areas visit the USDA website.

  

The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map is the standard by which gardeners and growers can determine which plants are most likely to thrive at a location. The map is based on the average annual minimum winter temperature, divided into 10-degree F zones.

So before you place those orders for new plants and seeds, take note of the difference in zones stated on the map.(For instance, in and around Mid-Michigan area, the zone has been changed to 6a.) Changes like this will open the door for many more variety of plants destined to survive in our area. I am excited!

But many websites available to order from, and a gazillion catalogs in our mailboxes, it is hard to know which is best. Do you have a favorite garden website, or company you like to order from? Leave a comment and share it with fellow gardeners. Also check out the comprehensive list of garden and seed catalogs links at GardenList.com