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

Planting zone for 44072 — Novelty, OH

ZIP code 44072 (Novelty, Geauga County) is in USDA zone 6a: the coldest winter night averages −10 to −5 °F. The median last spring frost is April 26 and the first fall frost October 31.

Where ZIP 44072 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.

Zone6a−10 to −5 °F

Coldest night−23.3 to −20.6 °C

Last frostApr 26

First frostOct 31

2012 zone5b

Was 5b 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 6a means →

Frost forecast — next 7 nights

live from the National Weather Service

Loading the forecast for Novelty, OH…

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 Novelty, OH

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

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

Last spring frostApril 26median — 50% chance of a later frost

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

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

Growing season184 daysfrost-free, median

A hard freeze (28 °F) usually ends around April 16 and returns around November 10.

From the NOAA station Kirtland-Holden 2, OH — 10 miles away, elevation 1,030 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 44072

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

PeasSow outdoors · Mar 15 – Mar 29

SpinachSow outdoors · Mar 15 – Apr 5

Broccoli, cabbageStart indoors · Feb 15 – Mar 1

Broccoli, cabbageTransplant · Apr 5 – Apr 19

Onion setsPlant outdoors · Mar 29 – Apr 12

PotatoesPlant outdoors · Apr 5 – Apr 19

LettuceSow outdoors · Mar 29 – Apr 12

Carrots, beetsSow outdoors · Apr 5 – Apr 19

TomatoesStart indoors · Mar 1 – Mar 15

TomatoesTransplant · May 3 – May 17

Peppers, eggplantStart indoors · Feb 15 – Mar 1

Peppers, eggplantTransplant · May 10 – May 24

BeansSow outdoors · May 3 – May 17

Sweet cornSow outdoors · May 3 – May 17

Cucumbers, squashSow outdoors · May 3 – May 17

Fall lettuce, spinachSow outdoors · Sep 5 – Sep 19

GarlicPlant cloves · Oct 17 – Nov 21

Start seeds indoorsSow or plant outdoorsFall plantingMedian last & first frost

Counted from the median last spring frost (Apr 26) and first fall frost (Oct 31) 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 44072 came on Mar 12 — 24 days earlier than the 1991–2020 average (Apr 5).

average
Apr 52026
Mar 12

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 6a in Ohio

565 plants native to the lower 48 states, recorded in Ohio, and rated by the USDA to survive −10 °F or colder — the bottom of zone 6a. 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 Novelty, OH.

Soil in Novelty, OH

The soil mapped at the center of ZIP 44072 is Wadsworth — silt loam, somewhat poorly drained.

TextureSilt loama good balance for most vegetables

pH5.8moderately acidic; most vegetables like 6.0–7.0

DrainageSomewhat poorly drainedconsider raised beds

Organic matter2.9%moderate

Hydrologic groupDwater soaks in very slowly

Farmland classPrime farmland if drainedUSDA classification

Map unit: Wadsworth silt loam, 2 to 6 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 44072; soils change within a few hundred feet, so a home soil test (pH, nutrients) is still the best guide.

Climate in Novelty, OH

Summer high82 °Faverage high, July

Winter low19 °Faverage low, January

Hot days8days a year at 90 °F or more

Freezing nights124nights a year at 32 °F or less

Growing degree days2,913base 50 °F — the season’s usable heat

Longest day15 h 11 mindaylight on June 21

Shortest day9 h 10 mindaylight on December 21

Onions to growLong-daysummer days reach 15+ hours, enough for long-day varieties (intermediate types work too)

Precipitation48.1 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: Kirtland-Holden 2, OH (10 mi away); precipitation: Kirtland-Holden 2, OH (10 mi away). Daylight is calculated from latitude.

Nearby ZIP codes

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

440736a

Novelty, OH · 2 mi

440266a

Chesterland, OH · 4 mi

440226b

Chagrin Falls, OH · 4 mi

440656a

Newbury, OH · 5 mi

440406b

Gates Mills, OH · 6 mi

440236a

Chagrin Falls, OH · 6 mi

All 2 ZIP codes in Novelty → · Ohio planting zones →

Questions about 44072

What planting zone is ZIP code 44072?

ZIP code 44072 (Novelty, OH) is in USDA hardiness zone 6a on the 2023 map: the coldest night of an average winter reaches −10 to −5 °F (−23.3 to −20.6 °C).

When is the last frost in Novelty, OH?

The median last spring frost (32 °F) near 44072 is April 26; after May 14 there is only a 10% chance of frost. Data: NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Kirtland-Holden 2 station.

When is the first frost in Novelty, OH?

The median first fall frost near 44072 is October 31, giving a median frost-free growing season of 184 days.

When should I plant tomatoes in 44072?

Start tomato seeds indoors around Mar 1 – Mar 15 and set transplants outside around May 3 – May 17, one to three weeks after the median last frost.

How much rain and snow does 44072 get?

About 48.1 inches of precipitation a year (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Kirtland-Holden 2 station).

How hot do summers get in Novelty, OH?

The average high peaks at 82 °F in July, with about 8 days a year at 90 °F or more.

What kind of soil does 44072 have?

The USDA soil survey maps Wadsworth at the center of ZIP 44072: silt loam, somewhat poorly drained, pH about 5.8 (moderately acidic).

Did spring come early in Novelty, OH in 2026?

Spring leaf-out near 44072 came on Mar 12 in 2026, 24 days earlier than the 1991–2020 average (Apr 5), according to the USA National Phenology Network Spring Index.

What kind of onions grow in Novelty, OH?

Long-day onions: the longest day near 44072 is 15 h 11 min, so summer days reach 15+ hours, enough for long-day varieties (intermediate types work too).

Did the zone for 44072 change?

Yes. The 2012 USDA map put 44072 in zone 5b; the 2023 map puts it in zone 6a. The newer map uses 1991–2020 data and more weather stations.