What are Plant Hardiness Zones?

Spring is right around the corner, and you probably are getting an itch to start setting out plants in your landscape and garden. If you’re new to gardening, you’ll need to know what plant hardiness zone you’re in. What are plant hardiness zones and why are they important? 

Every 10 years, the U.S. Department of Agriculture releases updated plant hardiness zones. These zones are determined by the 30-year averages of annual extreme minimum temperatures in an area. Knowing which zone you live in is crucial for success in your garden, especially when determining the type of plants to purchase. 

Mississippi has five plant hardiness zones: 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, and 9b. The higher the zone number, the warmer the average temperatures are. 

Plants that thrive on the Gulf Coast (zone 9a and 9b) where there are warmer temperatures might not do so well in counties close to the Tennessee state line (zones 8a and 7b) where temperatures are cooler. When you’re out shopping for new shrubs, trees, or flowers, pay close attention to the tag inside the plant. The hardiness zone is labeled on every plant. Be sure to buy plants that will grow in your zone!

Find your plant hardiness zone on the USDA map for Mississippi.

If you’re interested in planting vegetables, the Mississippi Vegetable Gardener’s Guide breaks down when you should plant vegetables by zone, making it easy for you to succeed!