Mississippi Growing Zones for Plants, Trees, and Shrubs
Mississippi enjoys a rather temperate climate and according to the Mississippi USDA planting map, the state includes zones 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, and 9a. Many plants, trees, and shrubs thrive in these zones and gardeners tend to enjoy a longer growing season. The 2012 USDA plant hardiness map takes into consideration average annual extreme winter low temperatures for the past 30 years. Some changes have been made to the map that also takes into account the general winter warming trend. The extreme winter low temperatures have risen over the past data collection period. To find which growing zone you are in, you can enlarge the above map and find the area where you live. Although many plants enjoy warmer weather in zones 8 through 9, some flowers, trees, and shrubs do require a period of colder weather in the winter in order to thrive. While the northern United States battles temperatures that are too low for some plants, those in the south cannot successfully grow certain plants because winter lows are too high. While you can visit your local nursery where all the plants for sale should thrive in your particular growing zone, you may be interested in obtaining plants from other sources, such as online distributors. Fortunately, most online dealers will use USDA plant hardiness zone information. Just be sure that any plant you purchase is suitable for your Mississippi zone in order to keep your garden looking its best.
