New plant hardiness zones based on warmer temps

Eastern Red Bud, now growing in northern climates

The impact of global warming has not gone unnoticed by farmers and gardeners.  As a result of the warmer temperatures the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map has been updated.

A broadcast  on Minnesota Public Radio discusses the impact on plants of a five degree warming in temperature.

The trend of warmer winters certainly was evidenced this year in the Twin Cities. January 19th, when it finally dipped below zero in the Twin Cities, was within a day of setting a record for the latest day of the winter with a temperature below zero.