Many mailorder catalogs and magazines frequently talk about the hardiness of certain plants and what "zone" they will grow in. I am always being asked "How do I know what zone I am in?". Generally, your local garden center will be able to help you with that, but for those who would like the reference at their fingertips, please find below all the information you need to find out exactly what your zone is. Keep in mind that there are also microclimates in every area, so I usually allow a couple of degrees either way.These temperatures are based on an average of the lowest recorded temperatures over the last twenty years.

Range of Average Annual Minimum Temperature

DEGREES IN FAHRENHEIT	ZONES	DEGREES IN CELSIUS
Below -50 Degrees	Zone 1	Below -46 Degrees
-50 Degrees to -40 Degrees	Zone 2	-46 Degrees to -40 Degrees
-40 Degrees to -30 Degrees	Zone 3	-40 Degrees to -34 Degrees
-30 Degrees to -20 Degrees	Zone 4	-34 Degrees to -29 Degrees
-20 Degrees to -10 Degrees	Zone 5	-29 Degrees to -23 Degrees
-10 Degrees to 0 Degrees	Zone 6	-23 Degrees to -18 Degrees
0 Degrees to 10 Degrees	Zone 7	-18 Degrees to -12 Degrees
10 Degrees to 20 Degrees	Zone 8	-12 Degrees to -7 Degrees
20 Degrees to 30 Degrees	Zone 9	-7 Degrees to -1 Degrees
30 Degrees to 40 Degrees	Zone 10	-1 Degrees to 4 Degrees
Above 40 Degrees	Zone 11	Above 4 Degrees

Many plants may survive in zones warmer or colder than they are recommended for - however, survival does not represent great performance, so while testing out new plants for your area is usually an adventure - try to keep the recommended zones in mind.