Climate change is causing a shift in gardening zones, making it crucial for home gardeners to understand their plant hardiness and the impact of cold weather on perennial plants. The USDA hardiness zone map helps assess the risk of plant survival in different regions based on historical data. However, it is not a guarantee of future conditions or planting timelines. Home gardeners need to consider factors like last frost dates to make informed decisions. The map does not predict extreme weather events, making it essential for gardeners to adapt and experiment with plant varieties suitable for their changing zones.