What is a hardiness zone and where are they located?
Hardiness zones are areas on climatic zone maps that indicate the coldest or hottest temperatures a geographical area receives. Usually they are indicated in 10F ranges. In northeastern Indiana we are in zone-5 which is -10° to 20°F. These charts are very useful in determining whether or not a plant is going to be hardy in a particular area of the country. Plants do not generally grow in one zone. Usually at a minimum they grow in two zones and often three to four different zones. An example of this would be Weigela Florida which grows in zones 5 to 8. However these zones are not the be all end all in gardening. There are areas called microclimates and many times these areas are on the east side of houses sheltered from the northwest winter winds. They could be anywhere though as long as the area is protected. Many times in northeast Indiana you can grow zone-6 plants in these areas. Its fun to pull this type of thing off, but it can blow up in your face and cost you some money too, so
