What Growing Zone Is Altoona?
Our records indicate the United States Department of Agriculture has given Altoona a growing zone designation of 5b. Sometimes also called the planting or hardiness zone, this zone number gives you an idea of what plants can and cannot grow in Altoona's climate based on the average extreme annual temperature.Our data is based on the latest 2023 USDA maps, which used Altoona's weather data from 1991 - 2020 in their analysis.
Latest IA growing zone mapIf you are looking for plants suitable for growing in the Altoona area, head on over to our page on plants that grow well in Altoona, IA.
Raised Garden Planter
Elevated planter for easy access and better drainage.
Large Greenhouse Kit
Spacious greenhouse for extending your growing season.
Shiitake Mushroom Kit
Grow your own delicious shiitake mushrooms at home.
Steel Hori Hori Weeding Knife
Versatile Japanese-style gardening knife for weeding and planting.
Worm Composting Kit
Complete kit for starting your own worm composting system.
Latest IA 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 Altoona is in growing zone 5b this means that plants there can survive temperatures as low as -15 to -10 degrees Fahrenheit. Plants for Altoona'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 Altoona area has been affected, refer to this map of half zone changes from the 2012 version of the USDA zones to the 2023 version.
The 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 Altoona, IA.
The USDA hardiness zone is 5b for Altoona. This is sometimes also referred to as the growing or planting zone. These terms are used interchangeably.
Altoona's Growing Zone Details
USDA Growing Zone: 5b
Zip Codes:
Longitude: -93.4783
Latitude: 41.6483
Lowest Avg Temperatures (F): -15 to -10
Bronze Girl on Tree Statue
A graceful bronze art piece that brings a regal presence to your garden.
Rustic Iron Garden Trellis
Sturdy trellis for supporting climbing plants and vines.
Hydroponic Garden Grow Kit
Grow fresh herbs and vegetables year-round with this indoor hydroponic garden system.
Cluck Around Sign
Whimsical sign for your chicken coop area.
Stainless Steel Garden Tool Set
Complete garden tool set with heavy-duty stainless steel tools for all your gardening needs.
Map of the Altoona Area
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Worm Composting Kit
Complete kit for starting your own worm composting system.
Fiskars Garden Harvest Basket
Sturdy basket for collecting and carrying your garden harvest.
Seed Starting Trays
Perfect for starting seeds indoors before transplanting to your garden.
Brass Decorative Faucet Handle
Elegant brass handle to enhance your garden faucet.
Shiitake Mushroom Kit
Grow your own delicious shiitake mushrooms at home.
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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Worm Composting Kit
Complete kit for starting your own worm composting system.
Naughty Garden Gnome Statue
Know someone with a naughty sense of humor? This gnome statue is sure to get some laughs.
Are You Pooping? Sign
Funny cow sign, great for gardeners and farmers.
Hydroponic Garden Grow Kit
Grow fresh herbs and vegetables year-round with this indoor hydroponic garden system.
Raised Garden Planter
Elevated planter for easy access and better drainage.
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