We're still on the border of 5a - 5b, we haven't moved. But we're on the Connecticut River, which separates VT and NH, and any large body of water will moderate the temperatures. For example, when our temperature is around 35*, it might be 32* or colder at our sugarhouse, which is 8 miles away, all uphill. So our garden area here at our house, has a longer growing season.