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Understanding New Jersey USDA Plant Hardiness Map
If you live in New Jersey and you want your garden to be a success, you need to know the growing zone that covers your region. The map above is the New Jersey planting map, which the USDA released for 2012. New Jersey is divided into four different planting zones, 6a, 6b, 7a and 7b. Click on the map to enlarge it to determine which zone you are in.
USDA revised the old plant hardiness map to reflect changes in average winter low temperatures over the last thirty years. The map helps gardeners know which plants will survive winters in their region and is a great tool for both novice and experienced plant enthusiasts.
In addition to new winter low temperatures, the USDA plant hardiness map now takes into consideration the closeness to a large body of water, elevation and the urban heat effect.
Zone information should serve as a guide, so gardeners need to understand that failure to follow planting and care instructions can cause extensive damage, and even death, to a flower, shrub or tree.
When shopping for plants for your region, visit your local greenhouses or plant distributors who will carry plants best suited for your USDA planting zone.