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

Planting zone for 31557 — Patterson, GA

ZIP code 31557 (Patterson, Pierce County) is in USDA zone 9a: the coldest winter night averages 20 to 25 °F. The median last spring frost is March 25 and the first fall frost November 15.

Where ZIP 31557 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.

Zone9a20 to 25 °F

Coldest night−6.7 to −3.9 °C

Last frostMar 25

First frostNov 15

2012 zone8b

Was 8b 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 9a means →

Frost forecast — next 7 nights

live from the National Weather Service

Loading the forecast for Patterson, 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 Patterson, GA

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

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

Last spring frostMarch 25median — 50% chance of a later frost

Safe for tender plantsApril 15only 10% chance of frost after

First fall frostNovember 15median — 10% chance by Oct 31

Growing season236 daysfrost-free, median

A hard freeze (28 °F) usually ends around March 10 and returns around November 27.

From the NOAA station Nahunta 6ne, GA — 12 miles away, elevation 69 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 31557

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

PeasSow outdoors · Feb 11 – Feb 25

SpinachSow outdoors · Feb 11 – Mar 4

Broccoli, cabbageStart indoors · Jan 14 – Jan 28

Broccoli, cabbageTransplant · Mar 4 – Mar 18

Onion setsPlant outdoors · Feb 25 – Mar 11

PotatoesPlant outdoors · Mar 4 – Mar 18

LettuceSow outdoors · Feb 25 – Mar 11

Carrots, beetsSow outdoors · Mar 4 – Mar 18

TomatoesStart indoors · Jan 28 – Feb 11

TomatoesTransplant · Apr 1 – Apr 15

Peppers, eggplantStart indoors · Jan 14 – Jan 28

Peppers, eggplantTransplant · Apr 8 – Apr 22

BeansSow outdoors · Apr 1 – Apr 15

Sweet cornSow outdoors · Apr 1 – Apr 15

Cucumbers, squashSow outdoors · Apr 1 – Apr 15

Fall lettuce, spinachSow outdoors · Sep 20 – Oct 4

GarlicPlant cloves · Nov 1 – Dec 6

Start seeds indoorsSow or plant outdoorsFall plantingMedian last & first frost

Counted from the median last spring frost (Mar 25) and first fall frost (Nov 15) 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 31557 came on Jan 27 — about the same time as the 1991–2020 average (Jan 28).

average
Jan 282026
Jan 27

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 9a in Georgia

603 plants native to the lower 48 states, recorded in Georgia, and rated by the USDA to survive 20 °F or colder — the bottom of zone 9a. 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 Patterson, GA.

Soil in Patterson, GA

The soil mapped at the center of ZIP 31557 is Mascotte — sand, poorly drained.

TextureSanddrains and warms fast; dries out and needs more feeding

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

DrainagePoorly drainedconsider raised beds

Organic matter4.5%moderate

Hydrologic groupC/Dslow when drained; wet otherwise

Farmland classNot prime farmlandUSDA classification

Map unit: Mascotte sand, 0 to 2 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 31557; soils change within a few hundred feet, so a home soil test (pH, nutrients) is still the best guide.

Climate in Patterson, GA

Summer high91 °Faverage high, July

Winter low37 °Faverage low, January

Hot days76days a year at 90 °F or more

Freezing nights40nights a year at 32 °F or less

Growing degree days6,026base 50 °F — the season’s usable heat

Longest day14 h 11 mindaylight on June 21

Shortest day10 h 06 mindaylight on December 21

Onions to growShort-daysummer days stay under about 14 h 20 min, so long-day varieties won’t bulb

Precipitation51.2 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: Nahunta 6ne, GA (12 mi away); precipitation: Screven 2.3 Ene, GA (11 mi away). Daylight is calculated from latitude.

Nearby ZIP codes

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

Blackshear, GA · 10 mi

Georgia planting zones →

Questions about 31557

What planting zone is ZIP code 31557?

ZIP code 31557 (Patterson, GA) is in USDA hardiness zone 9a on the 2023 map: the coldest night of an average winter reaches 20 to 25 °F (−6.7 to −3.9 °C).

When is the last frost in Patterson, GA?

The median last spring frost (32 °F) near 31557 is March 25; after April 15 there is only a 10% chance of frost. Data: NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Nahunta 6ne station.

When is the first frost in Patterson, GA?

The median first fall frost near 31557 is November 15, giving a median frost-free growing season of 236 days.

When should I plant tomatoes in 31557?

Start tomato seeds indoors around Jan 28 – Feb 11 and set transplants outside around Apr 1 – Apr 15, one to three weeks after the median last frost.

How much rain and snow does 31557 get?

About 51.2 inches of precipitation a year (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Screven 2.3 Ene station).

How hot do summers get in Patterson, GA?

The average high peaks at 91 °F in July, with about 76 days a year at 90 °F or more.

What kind of soil does 31557 have?

The USDA soil survey maps Mascotte at the center of ZIP 31557: sand, poorly drained, pH about 4.6 (strongly acidic).

Did spring come early in Patterson, GA in 2026?

Spring leaf-out near 31557 came on Jan 27 in 2026, about the same as the 1991–2020 average (Jan 28), according to the USA National Phenology Network Spring Index.

What kind of onions grow in Patterson, GA?

Short-day onions: the longest day near 31557 is 14 h 11 min, so summer days stay under about 14 h 20 min, so long-day varieties won’t bulb.

Did the zone for 31557 change?

Yes. The 2012 USDA map put 31557 in zone 8b; the 2023 map puts it in zone 9a. The newer map uses 1991–2020 data and more weather stations.