The USDA has shifted southern Maine to a warmer hardiness-ready zone, but what does this mean for Mainers? In previous years Southern Maine was in zones 5B/5A and as of a recent shift the state has shifted to 5B/6A zones due to annual average minimum temperatures, which have been on the rise. This can affect how farmers and gardeners plan for their growing seasons. Shane Patrick, the owner of Pleasant Pond Orchard in Richmond has seen it firsthand. “ spring looked like it was going to be early, but then it cooled off again and the apples and pears blossomed when they were supposed to,” Patrick said. “We got a little bit of rain, which scares growers.” Alongside the warming temperatures, we have seen that the growing season has been extended an average of 17 days, since the 1970s. Despite the longer seasons, Mainers should still be cautious about planting early. State horticulturist Gary Fish says “ we had a very late frost that really affected a lot of woody plants. And then some people lost the early plantings on their vegetable gardens as well.” He also says these zone changes can invite a new battle with invasive plants and insects that will be able to survive our warmer winters. The changes made by the USDA are also due to the advancements in mapping technology, allowing for more accurate analysis of temperatures. “ As we get more and more technology available, they’re able to make the map more accurate and that’s going to obviously make some changes.” These guidelines are beneficial for the use of farmers and gardeners, but they do not serve as a guarantee for the patterns ahead. If you would like to know what zone you are living and planting in, check the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map for more information.