USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map Gets an Update in 2023!

While we’re all bundled up for winter, it’s the perfect time to dive into a blooming topic that’s been making waves in the gardening community – the recent update to the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map in 2023.  

The Zone Map Shuffle: A Quick Recap 

For those new to gardening, the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map helps gardeners understand which plants are most likely to thrive in a specific region based on the average annual minimum winter temperature. It’s like a GPS for your garden, guiding you toward plants that can weather the local climate.  The map has only been updated 5 other times since its first release in 1927, so this is a big deal! 

The first Plant Hardiness Zone Map by Dr. Alfred Rehder 1927                                           The recently updated 2023 Plant Hardiness Zone Map

Now, drumroll, please! The 2023 update brings some exciting news for us in Massachusetts and New England. With warmer winters on the horizon, the hardiness zones are on the move, creating opportunities and challenges that every plant enthusiast should be aware of.  Previously Massachusetts fell in between 5b-7b depending on where you were in the state, and while we still fall within those zones, much of the state has now moved into the warmer zones of 6a-7a. If you’re near our Winchester, Brighton, Concord, Tewksbury, or Chelmsford stores, you’re in zone 6b!  But if you frequent our Falmouth or Osterville stores, you’re probably in 7a. 

Curious about far away locales and their zones?  You can play around with the brand-new interactive USDA Plant Hardiness Zone map on their website here! 

Hello, New Green Friends! 

One of the perks of this shift is the chance to welcome a broader range of plants into our gardens. With milder winters, you can experiment with species that were previously a bit finicky in the colder weather.  Want a quick and easy way to see if the new plant of your dreams would work in your zone?  A quick search of the intended plant name and the keywords ‘growing zone’ or ‘hardiness zone’ should give you the answers you’re searching for (just bear in mind that the changes are new so some growers may still be catching up).

Imagine the vibrant hues of new flowers, the exotic foliage of different shrubs, and the sweet fragrance of novel blooms gracing your backyard. It’s a plant party, and you’re invited! 

But Wait, Let’s Be Mindful Gardeners 

As we embrace change, it’s crucial to keep in mind the delicate balance of our local ecosystems. While the update opens doors to new plant possibilities, let’s not forget our native flora. These plants are the backbone of our environment, providing food and shelter for local wildlife. As we introduce newcomers, let’s do so responsibly and avoid pushing out the tried-and-true natives that make our region unique. 

The Not-So-Welcome Guests: Invasive Pests and Plants 

Warmer winters might sound like a dream, but there’s a potential downside – invasive pests and plants gaining a stronger foothold. With milder temperatures, these unwelcome guests may survive and thrive when they would have otherwise been knocked back by frosty winters. Vigilance is key, folks. Keep an eye out for any signs of invasive trouble and act promptly to keep your garden and the surrounding environment in harmony. 

In Conclusion: A Blooming Future 

So, there you have it – the lowdown on the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map update. Change is in the air, and our gardens are ready to blossom with newfound potential. Let’s embrace the opportunities, be mindful stewards of our environment, and continue to cultivate the beauty that makes Massachusetts and New England truly special. 

We’re here all winter at Mahoney’s and the chilly months are perfect for planning. Stop by and let’s dream about your spring garden together! Here’s to a year of growth, both in our gardens and in our knowledge. Happy gardening, and may your plants thrive in this ever-changing, ever-exciting world! 

Winter Birding: The Importance of Food

In Massachusetts, winter is a difficult time for birds. Days are often windy and cold; nights are long and even colder. Lush vegetation has withered or been consumed, and most insects have died or become dormant. During these extremely cold days, finding food can be especially difficult. They cannot forage as easily for food when snow accumulates or temperatures drop to freezing. Some birds remain in the same location year-round and benefit greatly from the extra food sources offered by backyard feeders. These birds require high calorie and oil rich foods to survive our winter.

During spring and summer, most songbirds eat insects and spiders, which are highly nutritious, abundant, and, for the most part, easily captured. During fall and winter, nonmigratory songbirds shift their diets to fruits and seeds to survive. This is the time of year when bird feeding enthusiasts roll out the welcome mat and set the table. The question is, what to serve to attract a diversity of birds? The answer is to provide a variety of food types.  Also consider leaving your perennials untouched for the winter, as an extra food source for our winged friends.  You can check out our whole blog post on the concept here!

In Massachusetts, we can expect to see the friendly Black-capped Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, the spectacularly colored Northern Cardinal, all manner of Finch, Sparrows, Woodpeckers and Jays; for a comprehensive list, check out Mass Audubon’s website!

Which seed types should I provide?

Black-oil sunflower seeds attract the greatest number of species. These seeds have a high meat-to-shell ratio, they are nutritious and high in fat which is especially important in the winter months. Their small size and thin shells make them easy for small birds to handle and crack. Several studies, including the Cornell Lab of Ornithology Seed Preference Test, show that this high-energy food is the favorite of most birds that visit feeders. Striped sunflower seeds are popular with larger-beaked birds. These striped seeds are larger and have a thicker seed coat than black-oil sunflower.

Peanuts, and tree nuts like almonds, cashews, pecans and pistachios are enjoyed by Jays, Woodpeckers, Chickadees, Nuthatches, Carolina Wrens and Titmice. If you don’t want squirrels “going nuts” for these foods, try using a squirrel-resistant feeder.

Millet is a small round seed. It comes in white and red varieties; most birds prefer white proso millet over red. Nyjer®, or thistle seed, is a delicacy for small Finches such as Goldfinches, Siskins, and Redpolls. Offering the small-sized, premium-priced Nyjer seeds in special Nyjer feeders will provide more value for your money. These feeders come in either a sock form with a small mesh fabric, or a tube feeder with tiny ports that prevent the seeds from spilling out. Finches will pull the seeds individually through the mesh or ports to enjoy them.

Birds’ feeding habits vary based on weather patterns and season. The best thing to do is experiment with seed and your backyard feeders. Take notes and photos for a personal sense of well-being and a great activity to do with kids!

We love Lyric Bird Seed because of their superior ingredients that ensure our New England birds have their essential nutrients to thrive- especially in the winter months. A superior seed means you will attract the widest variety of birds around! All birding products are available in our Winchester, Falmouth, Tewksbury and Concord stores.