HARDINESS ZONES Meaning and
Definition
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Hardiness zones refer to geographic areas that categorize the suitability of different plants to withstand particular climatic conditions. These zones are typically determined by average annual minimum temperatures and serve as a guide for gardeners, horticulturists, and agriculturalists in selecting plants that can survive and thrive in specific regions.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) developed the most widely used hardiness zone map, which divides North America into several numbered zones based on the average extreme minimum temperature experienced in each region. The USDA Hardiness Zone Map provides a standard framework for understanding plant hardiness across the country.
Each zone represents a ten-degree Fahrenheit difference in average annual minimum temperatures and is further divided into "a" and "b" subzones that represent five-degree differences. For instance, Zone 5a has an average annual minimum temperature range of -20°F to -15°F, while Zone 5b has a range of -15°F to -10°F. Similarly, Zone 6a has a range of -10°F to -5°F and Zone 6b has a range of -5°F to 0°F.
Gardeners use hardiness zones to select plants suitable for their specific region, ensuring the plants can withstand the lowest temperatures experienced in the area. This knowledge helps in deciding which plants to grow and when to plant them, reducing the risk of plant injury or death due to extreme cold temperatures. Hardiness zones aid in proper plant selection, ensuring successful gardening and landscaping outcomes.
Etymology of HARDINESS ZONES
The term "hardiness zones" originated from the field of horticulture and agriculture to categorize geographical regions and determine which plants can survive in particular climates. The etymology of the word can be broken down as follows:1. Hardiness: The word "hardiness" dates back to the 14th century and originates from the Old French word "hardi", meaning "bold, daring, courageous". This derives from the Old Frankish word "hardjan", which means "to make hard or bold". Over time, "hardiness" evolved to refer to the ability of a person, animal, or plant to withstand difficult conditions or harsh environments.2. Zones: The term "zone" has a much simpler origin. It comes from the Latin word "zona", meaning "belt" or "girdle". In the context of hardiness zones, it refers to the defined areas or regions based on specific climate characteristics.
