The U.S. Department of Agriculture's "Plant Hardiness Zone Map" was updated in 2023. As Vermonters begin to dream of spring and summertime planting, it's a great resource to use while choosing plants, trees and shrubs.
This first map was published in 1937 with just eight zones, showing the average winter minimum temperatures all around the country. The resource helps home gardeners and farmers know the the likeliness plants and trees in their area will survive.
And though the map has stayed fairly steady — it was updated in 1991 and again in 2012 — as the climate changes, certain zones have slightly shifted and now the map includes 13 distinct hardiness areas.
Growing climates range from zone 1 (think Alaska) to zone 13 (think Hawaii and Puerto Rico) and everywhere in between. Vermont is in zone 4 and 5, with "A" and "B" sections within those zones.
And as average winter minimum temperatures have climbed due to a warming climate, the occasional polar vortex still descends, causing really deep-cold periods in our region.
That means that though knowing what zone a plant thrives best in is a great first step, it isn't a perfect science. Do check those tags on plants, trees and shrubs when you go to purchase them at nurseries and garden centers. And know that you can always choose native plants, which are well-adapted to our climates.
You can also push the envelope a bit, too, and create "microclimate" areas that a more protected. Try planting next to a house, garage or a barn near a stone wall if you want to plant a tree, shrub that is on the fringe of one of our plant hardiness zones.
What plants would wildlife and pollinators benefit from on a sandy, sunny hillside?
Q: I'd love to create an area in my yard next to the woods that has plants to feed animals and insects. What native plants would you recommend for my sandy, sunny hillside? - Michelle, in Essex
A: There are so many to choose from, especially for areas with sandy soil and full sun! Search online for native plants that do well in those conditions or begin with native shrubs, like dogwoods, viburnums, aronia and elderberries. Berry-producing plants are great for wildlife.
Trees like hawthorn, amelanchier and mountain ash are great, as well. Then choose all kinds of perennial flowers from rudbeckia to milkweeds, asters, goldenrod, beebalm and the list goes on!
When you've chosen a few, try planting things that bloom at different times for all the various pollinators who will be visiting your sunny hillside this spring and summer.
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