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

Planting zone for 32033 — Elkton, FL

ZIP code 32033 (Elkton, Saint Johns County) is in USDA zone 9b: the coldest winter night averages 25 to 30 °F. The median last spring frost is February 14 and the first fall frost December 30.

Where ZIP 32033 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.

Zone9b25 to 30 °F

Coldest night−3.9 to −1.1 °C

Last frostFeb 14

First frostDec 30

2012 zone9a

Was 9a 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 9b means →

Frost forecast — next 7 nights

live from the National Weather Service

Loading the forecast for Elkton, FL…

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 Elkton, FL

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

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

Last spring frostFebruary 14median — 50% chance of a later frost

Safe for tender plantsMarch 17only 10% chance of frost after

First fall frostDecember 30median — 10% chance by Nov 28

Growing season308 daysfrost-free, median

A hard freeze (28 °F) usually ends around January 31 and returns around January 8.

From the NOAA station Hastings 4ne, FL — 2 miles away, elevation 10 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 32033

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

PeasSow outdoors · Jan 3 – Jan 17

SpinachSow outdoors · Jan 3 – Jan 24

Broccoli, cabbageStart indoors · Dec 6 – Dec 20

Broccoli, cabbageTransplant · Jan 24 – Feb 7

Onion setsPlant outdoors · Jan 17 – Jan 31

PotatoesPlant outdoors · Jan 24 – Feb 7

LettuceSow outdoors · Jan 17 – Jan 31

Carrots, beetsSow outdoors · Jan 24 – Feb 7

TomatoesStart indoors · Dec 20 – Jan 3

TomatoesTransplant · Feb 21 – Mar 7

Peppers, eggplantStart indoors · Dec 6 – Dec 20

Peppers, eggplantTransplant · Feb 28 – Mar 14

BeansSow outdoors · Feb 21 – Mar 7

Sweet cornSow outdoors · Feb 21 – Mar 7

Cucumbers, squashSow outdoors · Feb 21 – Mar 7

Fall lettuce, spinachSow outdoors · Nov 4 – Nov 18

GarlicPlant cloves · Dec 16 – Jan 20

Start seeds indoorsSow or plant outdoorsFall plantingMedian last & first frost

Counted from the median last spring frost (Feb 14) and first fall frost (Dec 30) 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 32033 came on Jan 16 — 5 days earlier than the 1991–2020 average (Jan 21).

average
Jan 212026
Jan 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 9b in Florida

477 plants native to the lower 48 states, recorded in Florida, and rated by the USDA to survive 25 °F or colder — the bottom of zone 9b. 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 Elkton, FL.

Soil in Elkton, FL

The soil mapped at the center of ZIP 32033 is Ellzey — fine sand, poorly drained.

TextureFine sanddrains and warms fast; dries out and needs more feeding

pH6.3slightly acidic; most vegetables like 6.0–7.0

DrainagePoorly drainedconsider raised beds

Organic matter2%moderate

Hydrologic groupB/Dmoderate when drained; wet otherwise

Farmland classFarmland of unique importanceUSDA classification

Map unit: Ellzey fine sand.

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 32033; soils change within a few hundred feet, so a home soil test (pH, nutrients) is still the best guide.

Climate in Elkton, FL

Summer high91 °Faverage high, July

Winter low45 °Faverage low, January

Hot days76days a year at 90 °F or more

Freezing nights10nights a year at 32 °F or less

Growing degree days7,310base 50 °F — the season’s usable heat

Longest day14 h 04 mindaylight on June 21

Shortest day10 h 14 mindaylight on December 21

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

Precipitation56.3 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: Hastings 4ne, FL (2 mi away); precipitation: Hastings 4ne, FL (2 mi away). Daylight is calculated from latitude.

Nearby ZIP codes

All 8 nearest ZIP codes share zone 9b.

321459b

Hastings, FL · 8 mi

320869b

Saint Augustine, FL · 9 mi

320849b

Saint Augustine, FL · 10 mi

321319b

East Palatka, FL · 10 mi

320859b

Saint Augustine, FL · 10 mi

322609b

Jacksonville, FL · 10 mi

320929b

Saint Augustine, FL · 11 mi

320079b

Bostwick, FL · 11 mi

Florida planting zones →

Questions about 32033

What planting zone is ZIP code 32033?

ZIP code 32033 (Elkton, FL) is in USDA hardiness zone 9b on the 2023 map: the coldest night of an average winter reaches 25 to 30 °F (−3.9 to −1.1 °C).

When is the last frost in Elkton, FL?

The median last spring frost (32 °F) near 32033 is February 14; after March 17 there is only a 10% chance of frost. Data: NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Hastings 4ne station.

When is the first frost in Elkton, FL?

The median first fall frost near 32033 is December 30, giving a median frost-free growing season of 308 days.

When should I plant tomatoes in 32033?

Start tomato seeds indoors around Dec 20 – Jan 3 and set transplants outside around Feb 21 – Mar 7, one to three weeks after the median last frost.

How much rain and snow does 32033 get?

About 56.3 inches of precipitation a year (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Hastings 4ne station).

How hot do summers get in Elkton, FL?

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 32033 have?

The USDA soil survey maps Ellzey at the center of ZIP 32033: fine sand, poorly drained, pH about 6.3 (slightly acidic).

Did spring come early in Elkton, FL in 2026?

Spring leaf-out near 32033 came on Jan 16 in 2026, 5 days earlier than the 1991–2020 average (Jan 21), according to the USA National Phenology Network Spring Index.

What kind of onions grow in Elkton, FL?

Short-day onions: the longest day near 32033 is 14 h 04 min, so summer days stay under about 14 h 20 min, so long-day varieties won’t bulb.

Did the zone for 32033 change?

Yes. The 2012 USDA map put 32033 in zone 9a; the 2023 map puts it in zone 9b. The newer map uses 1991–2020 data and more weather stations.