As cold weather sets in, we often find ourselves retreating indoors where it’s warm.

Plant hardiness zones are only a measure of the average extreme minimum temperature, and several other variables are at play ...

On the 2012 Plant Hardiness Zone map, Greater Columbus (and a good portion of the rest of Ohio) was in Zone 6a, where the average lowest temperature ranges from -10 to -5 degrees Fahrenheit.

We’ve had some cold temperatures and windy days. Without snow cover to act as insulation, it is a good idea to check winter ...