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The article describes the Plant Hardiness Zone Map released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to aid gardeners and growers in understanding a plant's survival odds in their region. Among the helpful features included in the map are a zip-code finder and the ability to zoom in and out on the interactive version. A background on the art and science of map-making is also discussed.

Reports that the publication of the updated 2003 United States Department of Agriculture Plant Hardiness Zone Map has been delayed. Reasons for the delay; Publication of the digital version of the map at the American Horticultural Society's Web site.

Reports on the debut of a printed copy of the revised and updated U.S. Department of Agriculture Plant-Hardiness Zone Map in a special pullout section of the March/April 2003 issue of "The American Gardener". Creation of the map using temperature information from weather stations throughout the United States and compilation by the Meteorological Evaluation Service Co.; Definition of zone changes reflected in the map and their relevance to the American gardener.