Hardiness Zone Advice for Southeast Gardeners: Mary Kay Woodworth

Mary Kay Woodworth offers practical guidance on navigating USDA hardiness zones in the Southeast, emphasizing local expertise over rigid map lines.

Conservative Baseline with Room to Experiment

For cautious or new gardeners, Woodworth recommends sticking with Zone 7b as a safe baseline. However, she encourages experimentation: "At some point gardeners will have that 'come to Jesus' moment and acknowledge that pushing the envelope is great fun, but a beloved 'whatever plant' just might not make it."

Trust Regional Experts

Her top advice: Seek information from garden experts specific to the Southeast (excluding Florida, which has different climate patterns). Local knowledge trumps generalized maps.

Microclimates Exist

Woodworth acknowledges rare exceptions—microclimates where plants survive outside their rated zones. She cites her mother's 8-year-old lavender lantana that returns yearly despite not being rated cold-hardy for their area. "I can't explain why, maybe good will on her part! But it does occur."

Soil Amendment Makes the Difference

Most importantly: Stick to plants rated for USDA Zones 7-8, amend your soil well, and your success rate skyrockets. Depending on weather, staying in that range with proper soil preparation means "they probably can't miss."