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

Planting zone for 39870 — Newton, GA

ZIP code 39870 (Newton, Baker County) is in USDA zone 8b: the coldest winter night averages 15 to 20 °F. The median last spring frost is March 11 and the first fall frost November 13.

Where ZIP 39870 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 11

First frostNov 13

2012 zone8b

Same zone as on the 2012 map. 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 Newton, 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 Newton, GA

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

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

Last spring frostMarch 11median — 50% chance of a later frost

Safe for tender plantsApril 1only 10% chance of frost after

First fall frostNovember 13median — 10% chance by Oct 29

Growing season245 daysfrost-free, median

A hard freeze (28 °F) usually ends around February 27 and returns around November 26.

From the NOAA station Newton 8 W, GA — 3 miles away, elevation 177 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 39870

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

PeasSow outdoors · Jan 28 – Feb 11

SpinachSow outdoors · Jan 28 – Feb 18

Broccoli, cabbageStart indoors · Dec 31 – Jan 14

Broccoli, cabbageTransplant · Feb 18 – Mar 4

Onion setsPlant outdoors · Feb 11 – Feb 25

PotatoesPlant outdoors · Feb 18 – Mar 4

LettuceSow outdoors · Feb 11 – Feb 25

Carrots, beetsSow outdoors · Feb 18 – Mar 4

TomatoesStart indoors · Jan 14 – Jan 28

TomatoesTransplant · Mar 18 – Apr 1

Peppers, eggplantStart indoors · Dec 31 – Jan 14

Peppers, eggplantTransplant · Mar 25 – Apr 8

BeansSow outdoors · Mar 18 – Apr 1

Sweet cornSow outdoors · Mar 18 – Apr 1

Cucumbers, squashSow outdoors · Mar 18 – Apr 1

Fall lettuce, spinachSow outdoors · Sep 18 – Oct 2

GarlicPlant cloves · Oct 30 – Dec 4

Start seeds indoorsSow or plant outdoorsFall plantingMedian last & first frost

Counted from the median last spring frost (Mar 11) and first fall frost (Nov 13) 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 39870 came on Jan 28 — about the same time as the 1991–2020 average (Jan 30).

average
Jan 302026
Jan 28

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 Newton, GA.

Soil in Newton, GA

The soil mapped at the center of ZIP 39870 is Norfolk — loamy sand, well drained.

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

pH5.3strongly acidic; most vegetables like 6.0–7.0

DrainageWell drainednatural drainage class

Organic matter1.25%low — add compost

Hydrologic groupBwater soaks in moderately

Farmland classprime farmlandUSDA classification

Map unit: Norfolk loamy sand, 2 to 5 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 39870; soils change within a few hundred feet, so a home soil test (pH, nutrients) is still the best guide.

Climate in Newton, GA

Summer high92 °Faverage high, July

Winter low38 °Faverage low, January

Hot days78days a year at 90 °F or more

Freezing nights38nights a year at 32 °F or less

Growing degree days6,180base 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

Precipitation52.9 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: Newton 8 W, GA (3 mi away); precipitation: Newton 8 W, GA (3 mi away). Daylight is calculated from latitude.

Nearby ZIP codes

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

Arlington, GA · 17 mi

Georgia planting zones →

Questions about 39870

What planting zone is ZIP code 39870?

ZIP code 39870 (Newton, 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 Newton, GA?

The median last spring frost (32 °F) near 39870 is March 11; after April 1 there is only a 10% chance of frost. Data: NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Newton 8 W station.

When is the first frost in Newton, GA?

The median first fall frost near 39870 is November 13, giving a median frost-free growing season of 245 days.

When should I plant tomatoes in 39870?

Start tomato seeds indoors around Jan 14 – Jan 28 and set transplants outside around Mar 18 – Apr 1, one to three weeks after the median last frost.

How much rain and snow does 39870 get?

About 52.9 inches of precipitation a year (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Newton 8 W station).

How hot do summers get in Newton, GA?

The average high peaks at 92 °F in July, with about 78 days a year at 90 °F or more.

What kind of soil does 39870 have?

The USDA soil survey maps Norfolk at the center of ZIP 39870: loamy sand, well drained, pH about 5.3 (strongly acidic).

Did spring come early in Newton, GA in 2026?

Spring leaf-out near 39870 came on Jan 28 in 2026, about the same as the 1991–2020 average (Jan 30), according to the USA National Phenology Network Spring Index.

What kind of onions grow in Newton, GA?

Short-day onions: the longest day near 39870 is 14 h 11 min, so summer days stay under about 14 h 20 min, so long-day varieties won’t bulb.