Gardening in North Carolina is a rewarding endeavor, thanks to the state’s diverse climate and rich soil. Whether you're nestled in the northwest or lounging in the southeast, the USDA Plant Hardiness Zones provide a reliable framework to guide your planting decisions. In 2023, the USDA updated its Plant Hardiness Map, reflecting three decades of climate data to offer even more precise zone classifications. This map considers factors like elevation and proximity to large water bodies, dividing zones into 10-degree increments with 5-degree subzones for enhanced accuracy.