In news that’s sure to get global warming advocates gloating, the USDA has issued a new zone map for the first time since 1990, and the big change is that half of American gardeners will learn they’re now in a warmer zone. The truth is that the revision owes more to improved computer technology than to actual climate change; today’s tools allow more accurate measurement of geography-driven micro-climates and the like.
So for those of you who are already zone-pushing experimenters, it’s not your imagination (or necessarily your green thumb…ouch!) that outdoor sub-tropicals are sometimes within your reach.
For me, on the other hand, it changes little in that dark, muddy, toxic microclimate I call “my backyard.”
USDA has provided a handy interactive tool here that allows you to take a closer look at your own state.
Thanks to the always-informative Margaret Roach at the delightful awaytogarden.com for the heads-up.
