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

Planting zone for 46787 — South Whitley, IN

ZIP code 46787 (South Whitley, Whitley County) is in USDA zone 6a: the coldest winter night averages −10 to −5 °F. The median last spring frost is April 27 and the first fall frost October 17.

Where ZIP 46787 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 27

First frostOct 17

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 South Whitley, IN…

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 South Whitley, IN

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

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

Last spring frostApril 27median — 50% chance of a later frost

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

First fall frostOctober 17median — 10% chance by Oct 1

Growing season171 daysfrost-free, median

A hard freeze (28 °F) usually ends around April 16 and returns around October 29.

From the NOAA station Columbia City, IN — 9 miles away, elevation 833 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 46787

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

PeasSow outdoors · Mar 16 – Mar 30

SpinachSow outdoors · Mar 16 – Apr 6

Broccoli, cabbageStart indoors · Feb 16 – Mar 2

Broccoli, cabbageTransplant · Apr 6 – Apr 20

Onion setsPlant outdoors · Mar 30 – Apr 13

PotatoesPlant outdoors · Apr 6 – Apr 20

LettuceSow outdoors · Mar 30 – Apr 13

Carrots, beetsSow outdoors · Apr 6 – Apr 20

TomatoesStart indoors · Mar 2 – Mar 16

TomatoesTransplant · May 4 – May 18

Peppers, eggplantStart indoors · Feb 16 – Mar 2

Peppers, eggplantTransplant · May 11 – May 25

BeansSow outdoors · May 4 – May 18

Sweet cornSow outdoors · May 4 – May 18

Cucumbers, squashSow outdoors · May 4 – May 18

Fall lettuce, spinachSow outdoors · Aug 22 – Sep 5

GarlicPlant cloves · Oct 3 – Nov 7

Start seeds indoorsSow or plant outdoorsFall plantingMedian last & first frost

Counted from the median last spring frost (Apr 27) and first fall frost (Oct 17) 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 46787 came on Mar 16 — 19 days earlier than the 1991–2020 average (Apr 4).

average
Apr 42026
Mar 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 6a in Indiana

558 plants native to the lower 48 states, recorded in Indiana, 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 South Whitley, IN.

Soil in South Whitley, IN

The soil mapped at the center of ZIP 46787 is Blount — loam, somewhat poorly drained.

TextureLoama good balance for most vegetables

pH6.4slightly acidic; most vegetables like 6.0–7.0

DrainageSomewhat poorly drainedconsider raised beds

Organic matter2%moderate

Hydrologic groupDwater soaks in very slowly

Farmland classPrime farmland if drainedUSDA classification

Map unit: Blount loam, interlobate moraines, 1 to 4 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 46787; soils change within a few hundred feet, so a home soil test (pH, nutrients) is still the best guide.

Climate in South Whitley, IN

Summer high83 °Faverage high, July

Winter low16 °Faverage low, January

Hot days9days a year at 90 °F or more

Freezing nights134nights a year at 32 °F or less

Growing degree days2,939base 50 °F — the season’s usable heat

Longest day15 h 08 mindaylight on June 21

Shortest day9 h 13 mindaylight on December 21

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

Precipitation40.1 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: Columbia City, IN (9 mi away); precipitation: Columbia City 4.6 S, IN (8 mi away). Daylight is calculated from latitude.

Nearby ZIP codes

All 8 nearest ZIP codes share zone 6a.

469466a

Liberty Mills, IN · 6 mi

467136a

Bippus, IN · 8 mi

469626a

North Manchester, IN · 9 mi

467256a

Columbia City, IN · 10 mi

467646a

Larwill, IN · 10 mi

465626a

Pierceton, IN · 10 mi

Indiana planting zones →

Questions about 46787

What planting zone is ZIP code 46787?

ZIP code 46787 (South Whitley, IN) 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 South Whitley, IN?

The median last spring frost (32 °F) near 46787 is April 27; after May 14 there is only a 10% chance of frost. Data: NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Columbia City station.

When is the first frost in South Whitley, IN?

The median first fall frost near 46787 is October 17, giving a median frost-free growing season of 171 days.

When should I plant tomatoes in 46787?

Start tomato seeds indoors around Mar 2 – Mar 16 and set transplants outside around May 4 – May 18, one to three weeks after the median last frost.

How much rain and snow does 46787 get?

About 40.1 inches of precipitation a year (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Columbia City 4.6 S station).

How hot do summers get in South Whitley, IN?

The average high peaks at 83 °F in July, with about 9 days a year at 90 °F or more.

What kind of soil does 46787 have?

The USDA soil survey maps Blount at the center of ZIP 46787: loam, somewhat poorly drained, pH about 6.4 (slightly acidic).

Did spring come early in South Whitley, IN in 2026?

Spring leaf-out near 46787 came on Mar 16 in 2026, 19 days earlier than the 1991–2020 average (Apr 4), according to the USA National Phenology Network Spring Index.

What kind of onions grow in South Whitley, IN?

Long-day onions: the longest day near 46787 is 15 h 08 min, so summer days reach 15+ hours, enough for long-day varieties (intermediate types work too).

Did the zone for 46787 change?

Yes. The 2012 USDA map put 46787 in zone 5b; the 2023 map puts it in zone 6a. The newer map uses 1991–2020 data and more weather stations.