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

Planting zone for 49201 — Jackson, MI

ZIP code 49201 (Jackson, Jackson County) is in USDA zone 6a: the coldest winter night averages −10 to −5 °F. The median last spring frost is May 1 and the first fall frost October 14.

Where ZIP 49201 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 frostMay 1

First frostOct 14

2012 zone6a

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 6a means →

Frost forecast — next 7 nights

live from the National Weather Service

Loading the forecast for Jackson, MI…

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 Jackson, MI

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

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

Last spring frostMay 1median — 50% chance of a later frost

Safe for tender plantsMay 18only 10% chance of frost after

First fall frostOctober 14median — 10% chance by Sep 30

Growing season164 daysfrost-free, median

A hard freeze (28 °F) usually ends around April 20 and returns around October 28.

From the NOAA station Jackson Reynolds Field, MI — 3 miles away, elevation 997 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 49201

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

PeasSow outdoors · Mar 20 – Apr 3

SpinachSow outdoors · Mar 20 – Apr 10

Broccoli, cabbageStart indoors · Feb 20 – Mar 6

Broccoli, cabbageTransplant · Apr 10 – Apr 24

Onion setsPlant outdoors · Apr 3 – Apr 17

PotatoesPlant outdoors · Apr 10 – Apr 24

LettuceSow outdoors · Apr 3 – Apr 17

Carrots, beetsSow outdoors · Apr 10 – Apr 24

TomatoesStart indoors · Mar 6 – Mar 20

TomatoesTransplant · May 8 – May 22

Peppers, eggplantStart indoors · Feb 20 – Mar 6

Peppers, eggplantTransplant · May 15 – May 29

BeansSow outdoors · May 8 – May 22

Sweet cornSow outdoors · May 8 – May 22

Cucumbers, squashSow outdoors · May 8 – May 22

Fall lettuce, spinachSow outdoors · Aug 19 – Sep 2

GarlicPlant cloves · Sep 30 – Nov 4

Start seeds indoorsSow or plant outdoorsFall plantingMedian last & first frost

Counted from the median last spring frost (May 1) and first fall frost (Oct 14) 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 49201 came on Mar 26 — 14 days earlier than the 1991–2020 average (Apr 9).

average
Apr 92026
Mar 26

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 Michigan

580 plants native to the lower 48 states, recorded in Michigan, 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 Jackson, MI.

Soil in Jackson, MI

The soil mapped at the center of ZIP 49201 is Teasdale — fine sandy loam, somewhat poorly drained.

TextureFine sandy loamdrains and warms fast; dries out and needs more feeding

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

DrainageSomewhat poorly drainedconsider raised beds

Organic matter2.5%moderate

Hydrologic groupB/Dmoderate when drained; wet otherwise

Farmland classprime farmlandUSDA classification

Map unit: Teasdale fine sandy loam, 0 to 3 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 49201; soils change within a few hundred feet, so a home soil test (pH, nutrients) is still the best guide.

Climate in Jackson, MI

Summer high83 °Faverage high, July

Winter low18 °Faverage low, January

Hot days8days a year at 90 °F or more

Freezing nights137nights a year at 32 °F or less

Growing degree days2,767base 50 °F — the season’s usable heat

Longest day15 h 17 mindaylight on June 21

Shortest day9 h 05 mindaylight on December 21

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

Precipitation32.2 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: Jackson Reynolds Field, MI (3 mi away); precipitation: Jackson Reynolds Field, MI (3 mi away). Daylight is calculated from latitude.

Nearby ZIP codes

All 8 nearest ZIP codes share zone 6a.

Rives Junction, MI · 5 mi

Pleasant Lake, MI · 8 mi

492546a

Michigan Center, MI · 9 mi

492836a

Spring Arbor, MI · 9 mi

All 4 ZIP codes in Jackson → · Michigan planting zones →

Questions about 49201

What planting zone is ZIP code 49201?

ZIP code 49201 (Jackson, MI) 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 Jackson, MI?

The median last spring frost (32 °F) near 49201 is May 1; after May 18 there is only a 10% chance of frost. Data: NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Jackson Reynolds Field station.

When is the first frost in Jackson, MI?

The median first fall frost near 49201 is October 14, giving a median frost-free growing season of 164 days.

When should I plant tomatoes in 49201?

Start tomato seeds indoors around Mar 6 – Mar 20 and set transplants outside around May 8 – May 22, one to three weeks after the median last frost.

How much rain and snow does 49201 get?

About 32.2 inches of precipitation a year (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Jackson Reynolds Field station).

How hot do summers get in Jackson, MI?

The average high peaks at 83 °F in July, with about 8 days a year at 90 °F or more.

What kind of soil does 49201 have?

The USDA soil survey maps Teasdale at the center of ZIP 49201: fine sandy loam, somewhat poorly drained, pH about 5.8 (moderately acidic).

Did spring come early in Jackson, MI in 2026?

Spring leaf-out near 49201 came on Mar 26 in 2026, 14 days earlier than the 1991–2020 average (Apr 9), according to the USA National Phenology Network Spring Index.

What kind of onions grow in Jackson, MI?

Long-day onions: the longest day near 49201 is 15 h 17 min, so summer days reach 15+ hours, enough for long-day varieties (intermediate types work too).