As you look at seed packets and nursery stock, you’ll likely see that phrase followed by a number. This is one of those numbers that actually matters, as it lists the regions where a plant is likely to do well based on its tolerance for cold.

Some plants, like my grapes, can take near-arctic conditions, others keel over at the first frost. Historically, banana trees haven’t done well in Nebraska; but my grapes (I’ll edit the actual name in when I remember it!) will bear fruit after a winter so cold that batteries on running vehicles freeze.
[Your browser doesn't support IFrames. <a href="http://www.arborday.org/TreeInfo/ZoneLookup.cfm" mce_href="http://www.arborday.org/TreeInfo/ZoneLookup.cfm" target="_blank">Click here</a> to look up your arborday.org hardiness zone.]

Use it … and then follow the link below for some eye-opening additional information.

Okay, that’s cool. But here is the real eye-opener.

When you get there, click on the play button.