Westerners may swear by the Sunset maps, but for most of the country the U.S. Department of Agriculture map of plant hardiness zones is the gold standard. Why hasn't it been updated since 1990? A new ...

Whenever you purchase a new perennial plant, shrub, tree, or even seeds, you've probably noticed information about hardiness zones on the plant tag or description. But what does it mean? "Plant ...

The first day of spring will be here before you know it! And for green thumbs, that means planning and starting your seasonal garden. But before you buy your seeds, there's some very important ...

Farmers aren’t the only ones who start the day by checking the weather report. Backyard gardeners do it, too. We like to be warned if frosts or polar vortexes are headed our way. If all I grew were ...

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More › Sometimes called “growing zones” or “gardening zones,” USDA plant hardiness zones refer ...

Anyone who loves gardening knows the importance of understanding their area’s growing conditions. To help farmers and gardeners lay the foundation for their crops and gardens, the United States ...

Before wasting time, money and effort in the garden, you need to take a close look the USDA Planting Zones. Here is how to understand it. You don’t want to start planting your garden without knowing ...

These warmer days have me hankering for gardening. Although I received a small hydroponic unit as a Christmas present, I don’t think a 7-inch by 14-inch lighted box is going to satisfy my yearning for ...

Tom Oder is a writer, editor, and communication expert who specializes in sustainability and the environment with a sweet spot for urban agriculture. The official news that 2012 was the hottest year ...

Dallas-area gardeners have known for years the region is warmer than its official status as USDA Zone 7. The government acknowledged the fact on Jan. 25 with the release of its updated Plant Hardiness ...