Climates, They are a Changin’ – Due to the global increase in temperatures over the last decade, the USDA has been hard at work revamping the Hardiness Zone map that helps gardeners determine when to plant.  A hardiness zone, according to Wikipedia, is “a geographically defined area in which a specific category of plant life is capable of growing, as defined by climatic conditions, including its ability to withstand the minimum temperatures of the zone”.  Hardiness Zones are also tied to first and last frost dates, which means if you know your zone, you can look up your frost dates, and that means that you are more likely to plant successfully without killing your crops.  The new map was recently published, so it’s time to find out if your zone has shifted.  Two new zones have been added, 12 and 13, for areas that don’t dip below 50 degrees.  Each zone has been adjusted about 5 degrees.  You can download your copy of the map or just type in your zip code to find out if your zone has changed.