While (imo) long overdue, the updated USDA Hardiness Zone map is just average lowest temperature. It’s good to have that as a data point, but I think it’s better utilized when cross referenced with something like the Köppen classification system - my preferred version of this is the Trewartha classification system.
I think this here is a really good explanation of this type of climate classification system.
Nice! Thank you!
Yes, that is a much better representation of what is growing in a given spot, but I can see why the hardiness map is more useful for gardeners who will: choose how to amend their soil, how much watering to do, and what protection to give. For people actively choosing the plants they will to tend to, the threat of temperatures is the hardest to handle. That said, I have plants I bring inside for the winter, so even frost is avoidable if you don’t have too much to insulate.
Thank you! I’ve advocated the koppen climate classifications for years into a void, but I’d never heard of trewartha!