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

Planting zone for 30549 — Jefferson, GA

ZIP code 30549 (Jefferson, Jackson County) is in USDA zone 8b: the coldest winter night averages 15 to 20 °F. The median last spring frost is March 31 and the first fall frost November 6.

Where ZIP 30549 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 31

First frostNov 6

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 Jefferson, GA…

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 Jefferson, GA

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

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

Last spring frostMarch 31median — 50% chance of a later frost

Safe for tender plantsApril 14only 10% chance of frost after

First fall frostNovember 6median — 10% chance by Oct 23

Growing season222 daysfrost-free, median

A hard freeze (28 °F) usually ends around March 16 and returns around November 19.

From the NOAA station Commerce 4 Nnw, GA — 12 miles away, elevation 820 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 30549

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

PeasSow outdoors · Feb 17 – Mar 3

SpinachSow outdoors · Feb 17 – Mar 10

Broccoli, cabbageStart indoors · Jan 20 – Feb 3

Broccoli, cabbageTransplant · Mar 10 – Mar 24

Onion setsPlant outdoors · Mar 3 – Mar 17

PotatoesPlant outdoors · Mar 10 – Mar 24

LettuceSow outdoors · Mar 3 – Mar 17

Carrots, beetsSow outdoors · Mar 10 – Mar 24

TomatoesStart indoors · Feb 3 – Feb 17

TomatoesTransplant · Apr 7 – Apr 21

Peppers, eggplantStart indoors · Jan 20 – Feb 3

Peppers, eggplantTransplant · Apr 14 – Apr 28

BeansSow outdoors · Apr 7 – Apr 21

Sweet cornSow outdoors · Apr 7 – Apr 21

Cucumbers, squashSow outdoors · Apr 7 – Apr 21

Fall lettuce, spinachSow outdoors · Sep 11 – Sep 25

GarlicPlant cloves · Oct 23 – Nov 27

Start seeds indoorsSow or plant outdoorsFall plantingMedian last & first frost

Counted from the median last spring frost (Mar 31) and first fall frost (Nov 6) 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 30549 came on Feb 16 — 5 days later than the 1991–2020 average (Feb 11).

average
Feb 112026
Feb 16

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 Georgia

590 plants native to the lower 48 states, recorded in Georgia, 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 Jefferson, GA.

Soil in Jefferson, GA

The soil mapped at the center of ZIP 30549 is Cecil — sandy clay loam, well drained.

TextureSandy clay loamholds water and nutrients; slow to drain and warm up

pH5.5moderately acidic; most vegetables like 6.0–7.0

DrainageWell drainednatural drainage class

Organic matter0.75%low — add compost

Hydrologic groupBwater soaks in moderately

Farmland classNot prime farmlandUSDA classification

Map unit: Cecil sandy clay loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes, eroded.

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 30549; soils change within a few hundred feet, so a home soil test (pH, nutrients) is still the best guide.

Climate in Jefferson, GA

Summer high89 °Faverage high, July

Winter low31 °Faverage low, January

Hot days45days a year at 90 °F or more

Freezing nights60nights a year at 32 °F or less

Growing degree days4,819base 50 °F — the season’s usable heat

Longest day14 h 26 mindaylight on June 21

Shortest day9 h 53 mindaylight on December 21

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

Precipitation52.6 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: Commerce 4 Nnw, GA (12 mi away); precipitation: Winder 3.9 Nne, GA (8 mi away). Daylight is calculated from latitude.

Nearby ZIP codes

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

305678a

Pendergrass, GA · 8 mi

Nicholson, GA · 10 mi

Georgia planting zones →

Questions about 30549

What planting zone is ZIP code 30549?

ZIP code 30549 (Jefferson, GA) 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 Jefferson, GA?

The median last spring frost (32 °F) near 30549 is March 31; after April 14 there is only a 10% chance of frost. Data: NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Commerce 4 Nnw station.

When is the first frost in Jefferson, GA?

The median first fall frost near 30549 is November 6, giving a median frost-free growing season of 222 days.

When should I plant tomatoes in 30549?

Start tomato seeds indoors around Feb 3 – Feb 17 and set transplants outside around Apr 7 – Apr 21, one to three weeks after the median last frost.

How much rain and snow does 30549 get?

About 52.6 inches of precipitation a year (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Winder 3.9 Nne station).

How hot do summers get in Jefferson, GA?

The average high peaks at 89 °F in July, with about 45 days a year at 90 °F or more.

What kind of soil does 30549 have?

The USDA soil survey maps Cecil at the center of ZIP 30549: sandy clay loam, well drained, pH about 5.5 (moderately acidic).

Did spring come early in Jefferson, GA in 2026?

Spring leaf-out near 30549 came on Feb 16 in 2026, 5 days later than the 1991–2020 average (Feb 11), according to the USA National Phenology Network Spring Index.

What kind of onions grow in Jefferson, GA?

Intermediate onions: the longest day near 30549 is 14 h 26 min, so day-neutral types bulb best; long-day varieties may not bulb fully.

Did the zone for 30549 change?

Yes. The 2012 USDA map put 30549 in zone 8a; the 2023 map puts it in zone 8b. The newer map uses 1991–2020 data and more weather stations.