Data: 2023 USDA zones (PRISM/OSU) · NOAA 1991–2020 normals · updated Oct 29, 2026

Planting zone for 29845 — Plum Branch, SC

ZIP code 29845 (Plum Branch, McCormick County) is in USDA zone 8b: the coldest winter night averages 15 to 20 °F. The median last spring frost is March 28 and the first fall frost November 7.

Where ZIP 29845 is

Outlined: the ZIP code area · tap the map for the zone at any spot · scroll or pinch to zoom

Not the official USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. Zones come from the 2023 USDA hardiness-zone data by the PRISM Group, Oregon State University; we re-mapped and recolored them. The official map is at planthardiness.ars.usda.gov.

Zone8b15 to 20 °F

Coldest night−9.4 to −6.7 °C

Last frostMar 28

First frostNov 7

2012 zone8a

Was 8a on the 2012 map — half a zone warmer now. The zone is the one at the center of the ZIP code; hilly ZIPs can span two zones. What zone 8b means →

Frost forecast — next 7 nights

live from the National Weather Service

Loading the forecast for Plum Branch, SC…

Forecast data: National Weather Service (api.weather.gov), public domain. This is not a warning service — for official frost and freeze warnings see weather.gov.

Frost dates in Plum Branch, SC

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Blue: frost possible · fading green: frost risk falling or rising (90% → 10%) · green: frost-free

Last spring frostMarch 28median — 50% chance of a later frost

Safe for tender plantsApril 13only 10% chance of frost after

First fall frostNovember 7median — 10% chance by Oct 25

Growing season226 daysfrost-free, median

A hard freeze (28 °F) usually ends around March 16 and returns around November 20.

From the NOAA station Mccormick, SC — 7 miles away, elevation 509 ft. NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, 32 °F threshold. Low spots and valleys can freeze later in spring than the station.

When to plant vegetables in 29845

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

PeasSow outdoors · Feb 14 – Feb 28

SpinachSow outdoors · Feb 14 – Mar 7

Broccoli, cabbageStart indoors · Jan 17 – Jan 31

Broccoli, cabbageTransplant · Mar 7 – Mar 21

Onion setsPlant outdoors · Feb 28 – Mar 14

PotatoesPlant outdoors · Mar 7 – Mar 21

LettuceSow outdoors · Feb 28 – Mar 14

Carrots, beetsSow outdoors · Mar 7 – Mar 21

TomatoesStart indoors · Jan 31 – Feb 14

TomatoesTransplant · Apr 4 – Apr 18

Peppers, eggplantStart indoors · Jan 17 – Jan 31

Peppers, eggplantTransplant · Apr 11 – Apr 25

BeansSow outdoors · Apr 4 – Apr 18

Sweet cornSow outdoors · Apr 4 – Apr 18

Cucumbers, squashSow outdoors · Apr 4 – Apr 18

Fall lettuce, spinachSow outdoors · Sep 12 – Sep 26

GarlicPlant cloves · Oct 24 – Nov 28

Start seeds indoorsSow or plant outdoorsFall plantingMedian last & first frost

Counted from the median last spring frost (Mar 28) and first fall frost (Nov 7) with the rules of thumb U.S. extension services publish. Cool-season crops take a light frost; warm-season crops do best once the soil is above about 60 °F.

When spring arrived in 2026

In 2026, spring leaf-out near 29845 came on Feb 13 — 5 days later than the 1991–2020 average (Feb 8).

average
Feb 82026
Feb 13

JanFebMarAprMayJun

The Spring Index marks the day when accumulated warmth is enough for lilac and honeysuckle to leaf out — a widely used signal that the growing season has started. Source: USA National Phenology Network, www.usanpn.org — Spring Indices, first leaf, 2026 (data as of 2026-09-08) and 30-year average 1991–2020 (CC BY 4.0).

Native plants for zone 8b in South Carolina

566 plants native to the lower 48 states, recorded in South Carolina, and rated by the USDA to survive 15 °F or colder — the bottom of zone 8b. Each links to its USDA PLANTS profile.

Source: USDA, NRCS. 2026. The PLANTS Database (plants.usda.gov), National Plant Data Team — state distribution, native status and the “Temperature, Minimum” characteristic. Check light, moisture and soil needs before buying; local nurseries and your state native plant society can confirm what thrives in Plum Branch, SC.

Soil in Plum Branch, SC

The soil mapped at the center of ZIP 29845 is Goldston — channery silt loam, excessively drained.

TextureChannery silt loama good balance for most vegetables

pH4.6strongly acidic; most vegetables like 6.0–7.0

DrainageExcessively drainednatural drainage class

Organic matter1.25%low — add compost

Hydrologic groupDwater soaks in very slowly

Farmland classNot prime farmlandUSDA classification

Map unit: Goldston slaty silt loam, 6 to 15 percent slopes.

Soil Survey Staff, Natural Resources Conservation Service, USDA. Soil Survey Geographic (SSURGO) Database, via Soil Data Access, accessed 2026-10-29. The soil at the center point of ZIP 29845; soils change within a few hundred feet, so a home soil test (pH, nutrients) is still the best guide.

Climate in Plum Branch, SC

Summer high92 °Faverage high, July

Winter low33 °Faverage low, January

Hot days79days a year at 90 °F or more

Freezing nights58nights a year at 32 °F or less

Growing degree days5,330base 50 °F — the season’s usable heat

Longest day14 h 24 mindaylight on June 21

Shortest day9 h 54 mindaylight on December 21

Onions to growIntermediateday-neutral types bulb best; long-day varieties may not bulb fully

Precipitation47.3 inper year, rain and melted snow

Average high and low, by month

Precipitation by month inches

NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 — temperature: Mccormick, SC (7 mi away); precipitation: Mccormick, SC (7 mi away). Daylight is calculated from latitude.

Nearby ZIP codes

3 of the 8 nearest ZIP codes are in a different zone — elevation and distance from water change winter lows quickly.

298448b

Parksville, SC · 3 mi

298388b

Modoc, SC · 6 mi

298998a

Mc Cormick, SC · 7 mi

298358b

Mc Cormick, SC · 8 mi

298248a

Edgefield, SC · 13 mi

308178b

Lincolnton, GA · 13 mi

298488a

Troy, SC · 13 mi

298218b

Clarks Hill, SC · 14 mi

South Carolina planting zones →

Questions about 29845

What planting zone is ZIP code 29845?

ZIP code 29845 (Plum Branch, SC) is in USDA hardiness zone 8b on the 2023 map: the coldest night of an average winter reaches 15 to 20 °F (−9.4 to −6.7 °C).

When is the last frost in Plum Branch, SC?

The median last spring frost (32 °F) near 29845 is March 28; after April 13 there is only a 10% chance of frost. Data: NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Mccormick station.

When is the first frost in Plum Branch, SC?

The median first fall frost near 29845 is November 7, giving a median frost-free growing season of 226 days.

When should I plant tomatoes in 29845?

Start tomato seeds indoors around Jan 31 – Feb 14 and set transplants outside around Apr 4 – Apr 18, one to three weeks after the median last frost.

How much rain and snow does 29845 get?

About 47.3 inches of precipitation a year (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Mccormick station).

How hot do summers get in Plum Branch, SC?

The average high peaks at 92 °F in July, with about 79 days a year at 90 °F or more.

What kind of soil does 29845 have?

The USDA soil survey maps Goldston at the center of ZIP 29845: channery silt loam, excessively drained, pH about 4.6 (strongly acidic).

Did spring come early in Plum Branch, SC in 2026?

Spring leaf-out near 29845 came on Feb 13 in 2026, 5 days later than the 1991–2020 average (Feb 8), according to the USA National Phenology Network Spring Index.

What kind of onions grow in Plum Branch, SC?

Intermediate onions: the longest day near 29845 is 14 h 24 min, so day-neutral types bulb best; long-day varieties may not bulb fully.

Did the zone for 29845 change?

Yes. The 2012 USDA map put 29845 in zone 8a; the 2023 map puts it in zone 8b. The newer map uses 1991–2020 data and more weather stations.