Indiana Accredited Horticulture Initial Practice Exam

The USDA Hardiness zones are specifically designed to provide information about the average coldest temperatures that can be expected in a given area during the winter months. These zones are crucial for gardeners and horticulturists because they help determine which plant species are likely to survive in various climates based on their cold tolerance. Each zone represents a range of minimum winter temperatures, which assists individuals in selecting appropriate plants for their specific region, ensuring better growth and survival rates.

In terms of environmental conditions, the primary focus of these hardiness zones is on winter cold, as this is often the most critical factor affecting a plant's survival. The other options, while relevant to overall climate considerations, do not pertain to the primary function of the USDA Hardiness Zones. These zones are not designed to reflect summer temperatures, precipitation levels, or humidity, which are important but serve different purposes in horticultural planning and plant selection.