USDA Plant Hardiness Zone vs First & Last Frost Dates
USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Maps
These are guides to the average lowest temperatures recorded in the area in the past 30 years. They are a good basis for initial planning and comparison, but should not be used as the only source of information for choosing what vegetables to grow or when to plant.
The Zone information is good when comparing notes with gardeners in other zones, as it is easy to use.
Find your USDA hardiness zone here.
Scroll using your cursor to grab the map and move it, then zoom in with the + and – buttons at the top left. Once you can see your town, city, or location click on the map to see your Zone info in a popup window.
First & Last Frost Dates Tool
Includes historical information from many regional NOAA weather stations to help determine the chance of frost in spring and fall.
This tool is much more detailed and accurate in providing the information needed for when to sow seed or transplant and when frost protection could be used to extend the growing season.
Find your First and Last frost dates here.
Enter your ZIP code and scroll down to see the general information as well as the three closest weather stations to you.