In November 2023 the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) released a new version of its Plant Hardiness Zone Map, updating this valuable tool for gardeners and researchers for the first time since 2012 and it shows the impact that climate change will have on gardens and yards across the country. USDA’s Plant Hardiness Zone Map is the standard by which gardeners and growers can determine which plants are most likely to thrive at a location. The new map,
jointly developed by USDA's Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and Oregon State University's (OSU) PRISM Climate Group, is more accurate and contains greater detail than prior versions. Merchantville and the surrounding area are now in Zone 7b with expected last frost date from the Franklin Institute of April 4th and first frost date of November 11th - giving us a 220 day growing season.