What do plant hardiness zones indicate?

Plant hardiness zones are a key tool for understanding the climatic conditions suitable for plant growth. These zones categorize regions based on their average annual minimum winter temperatures, which is crucial for determining which plants are likely to thrive in a given area. By indicating the lowest temperatures that various plant species can withstand, hardiness zones effectively guide gardeners, landscapers, and agriculturalists in selecting appropriate plant species for their specific locale.

This system is particularly useful because it accounts for variations in climate that can significantly affect plant survival, such as frost dates and chilling requirements. Thus, knowing the hardiness zone helps individuals make informed decisions about what plants to grow, increasing the likelihood of successful cultivation.