January 25, 2012
CORVALLIS, Ore. -- Gardeners, as you get ready for this next season, there is an updated resource you'll want to check out.
Researchers at Oregon State University created an updated, interactive plant hardiness zone map for the USDA.
This map shows the latest zone boundaries in the United States, which helps people know the best places to plant certain vegetables, fruits, berries, etc.
"Low temperature during the winter is a crucial factor in determining where particular plants will survive," said Chris Daly, a professor of engineering at OSU. "This new map updates and reflects those conditions based on temperatures from 1976 to 2005."
Zones are based on the area's temperature, elevation, climate, and other factors.
