Identify U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) plant hardiness zones and how they affect plant selection.

Identification should include

• determining local zone(s)
• discussing the factors that create USDA hardiness zones Links to an external site.
• reading a plant/seed tag to evaluate suitability for planting in a specific zone.

Process/Skill Questions:

• What is a hardiness zone? What other factors need to be considered during plant selection?
• How does the plant hardiness zone assist one in plant selection and in determining what plants can grow in a specific area?