USDA Growing Zone Maps for Iowa - Identifying Ideal Planting Regions for Agriculture
In the heart of the Midwest, Iowa offers a unique growing environment for plants. To help you find the right plants for your garden in Iowa, here's a guide based on the revised USDA plant hardiness zones map for the state.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) conducted a revision of the plant hardiness zones in 2023, taking into account recent climate changes. This update has resulted in warmer climate zones in some previously cooler areas of Iowa. The map, based on the USDA hardiness zone system, is a valuable tool for determining the appropriate planting zone for your location in Iowa.
To find your growing zone, locate your general area on the interactive map provided. The color of your planting zone can be compared to the legend to the right of the Iowa plant zones map. Reputable nurseries will sell landscaping plants that survive your area's climate conditions, and these plants will also be marked as hardy to a specific growing zone. Non-hardy plants should also be labeled as such.
By choosing plants that match your zone, or one lower, they will be better equipped to survive wintry conditions. Plants grown outside your zone, or in higher zones, will generally require additional protection or relocation indoors.
The map is user-friendly, allowing you to click on the image to see a larger version. It's essential to understand your Iowa growing zones to choose plants that will tolerate your winter region.
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