Fig Trees in Boston; The USDA Updates Growing Map For Warmer Climate

In a low-key acknowledgment of changing climate, the USDA has updated the growing zones for gardeners across America.

“WASHINGTON (AP) — Global warming is hitting not just home, but garden. The color-coded map of planting zones often seen on the back of seed packets is being updated by the government, illustrating a hotter 21st century.

It’s the first time since 1990 that the U.S. Department of Agriculture has revised the official guide for the nation’s 80 million gardeners, and much has changed. Nearly entire states, such as Ohio, Nebraska and Texas, are in warmer zones.”