Botanic Garden >> Gardening > >> Question and Answer >> About Gardening

Understanding Georgia's USDA Hardiness Zones: Which Map to Trust?

The 1960 USDA map placed North Georgia in Zone 7 (0-10°F lows). The 1990 revision split it into 7a and 7b. The 2003 update, using newer data, shows most of Georgia in Zone 8. However, most plant labels still reference the 1960 map. For safety, choose plants rated for Zone 7 and warmer—this aligns with label recommendations and gives a buffer against occasional severe winters.

About Gardening: K-Rain Valves All Open Simultaneously: Wiring and Valve Configuration Errors; Understanding USDA Plant Hardiness Zones; Hardiness Zones: USDA Map for Outdoor Plant Survival; The New USDA Hardiness Zone Map: Useful But Not Foolproof; Understanding Plant Hardiness Zones and Microclimates; Plant Hardiness Zone Maps: USDA and Agriculture Canada; Growing Salsify (Oyster Plant) in the South; USDA Hardiness Zones: Which Map to Trust?; Hardiness Zone Realities: Daryl Pulis on Map Accuracy & Microclimates; Shannon Pable on Hardiness Zones: Conservative Approach and Native Habitat Clues

Garden Articles

Hunter Pro‑C: Zones 1 and 7 Always On – Module Damaged

Cold Hardiness of North American Carnivorous Plants in Zone 4

Understanding Hardiness Zones: USDA, Heat Zones, and Microclimates

'Quinault' Strawberry Not Suited for Georgia

Potato Varieties for Georgia: Why 'Shepody' Failed and What to Plant Instead

Flowers for Coastal Georgia Properties: Salt-Tolerant Natives

Growing Meyer Lemon Trees in Georgia: Container Culture Essentials

Plants

Rain Bird RC-7Bi with K-Rain Indexing Valve: Zones Change on Manual Advance

Sprinkler System Stuck on One Zone: Electrical Troubleshooting

4-Zone Sprinkler: Zone 3 Dead, System Cycles Endlessly

Understanding Multiple Programs on a Rain Bird Controller

White Birch in North Georgia: Only River Birch Thrives

"Quicklawn" and "Canada Green": Miracle Grasses That Fail in Georgia

Growing Horseradish in North Georgia: Perfect Climate, Easy Start