What Growing Zone Is Kinston?
Our records indicate the United States Department of Agriculture has given Kinston a growing zone designation of 8b. Sometimes also called the planting or hardiness zone, this zone number gives you an idea of what plants can and cannot grow in Kinston's climate based on the average extreme annual temperature.Our data is based on the latest 2023 USDA maps, which used Kinston's weather data from 1991 - 2020 in their analysis.
Latest NC growing zone mapIf you are looking for plants suitable for growing in the Kinston area, head on over to our page on plants that grow well in Kinston, NC.
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Latest NC growing zone mapThe growing zone is a measure of the lowest temperature that a plant can survive based on average lowest year temperatures, helping you to decide what plants would grow best in your particular climate. Since Kinston is in growing zone 8b this means that plants there can survive temperatures as low as 15 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Plants for Kinston's climate should be chosen with this in mind, or plants should be moved inside to keep their core temperature in the right range if necessary.
Some zones may have been changed by the USDA as of 2023. To see if the Kinston area has been affected, refer to this map of half zone changes from the 2012 version of the USDA zones to the 2023 version.
Half zone changes from 2012 to 2023The updated map shows that over half of the Southeast has warmed by about half a zone. For gardeners, that means you can now grow plants that tolerate a bit more heat and less frost than before. The tan areas reflect this shift. Meanwhile, the white areas had slight temperature changes, but not enough to move them into a new zone. In the Western U.S., a few spots shifted cooler. That’s not due to a colder climate, but because the new map uses a larger dataset, giving a more accurate picture of local conditions. It's important to keep track of these changes when planning your garden!
Hardiness Zone FAQ
Have questions about hardiness zones and what they mean for your garden? Check out our FAQ below for quick answers to common questions about USDA hardiness zones and how they affect plant selection in Kinston, NC.
The USDA hardiness zone is 8b for Kinston. This is sometimes also referred to as the growing or planting zone. These terms are used interchangeably.
Kinston's Growing Zone Details
USDA Growing Zone: 8b
Zip Codes: 28501, 28504, 28502, 28503
Longitude: -77.5939
Latitude: 35.2747
Lowest Avg Temperatures (F): 15 to 20
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Plants For Other States
Looking for the best plants in a different area of the United States? Click on a button below to find plants that are ideal for that state's temperatures.
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