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

Planting zone for 49232 — Camden, MI

ZIP code 49232 (Camden, Hillsdale County) is in USDA zone 6a: the coldest winter night averages −10 to −5 °F. The median last spring frost is April 28 and the first fall frost October 18.

Where ZIP 49232 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 28

First frostOct 18

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 Camden, 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 Camden, MI

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

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

Last spring frostApril 28median — 50% chance of a later frost

Safe for tender plantsMay 12only 10% chance of frost after

First fall frostOctober 18median — 10% chance by Oct 4

Growing season173 daysfrost-free, median

A hard freeze (28 °F) usually ends around April 17 and returns around October 31.

From the NOAA station Montpelier, OH — 11 miles away, elevation 860 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 49232

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

PeasSow outdoors · Mar 17 – Mar 31

SpinachSow outdoors · Mar 17 – Apr 7

Broccoli, cabbageStart indoors · Feb 17 – Mar 3

Broccoli, cabbageTransplant · Apr 7 – Apr 21

Onion setsPlant outdoors · Mar 31 – Apr 14

PotatoesPlant outdoors · Apr 7 – Apr 21

LettuceSow outdoors · Mar 31 – Apr 14

Carrots, beetsSow outdoors · Apr 7 – Apr 21

TomatoesStart indoors · Mar 3 – Mar 17

TomatoesTransplant · May 5 – May 19

Peppers, eggplantStart indoors · Feb 17 – Mar 3

Peppers, eggplantTransplant · May 12 – May 26

BeansSow outdoors · May 5 – May 19

Sweet cornSow outdoors · May 5 – May 19

Cucumbers, squashSow outdoors · May 5 – May 19

Fall lettuce, spinachSow outdoors · Aug 23 – Sep 6

GarlicPlant cloves · Oct 4 – Nov 8

Start seeds indoorsSow or plant outdoorsFall plantingMedian last & first frost

Counted from the median last spring frost (Apr 28) and first fall frost (Oct 18) 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 49232 came on Mar 26 — 13 days earlier than the 1991–2020 average (Apr 8).

average
Apr 82026
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 Camden, MI.

Soil in Camden, MI

The soil mapped at the center of ZIP 49232 is Glynwood — clay loam, moderately well drained.

TextureClay loamholds water and nutrients; slow to drain and warm up

pH6.5neutral; most vegetables like 6.0–7.0

DrainageModerately well drainednatural drainage class

Organic matter1.5%low — add compost

Hydrologic groupDwater soaks in very slowly

Farmland classPrime farmland if drainedUSDA classification

Map unit: Glynwood-Blount complex, 1 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 49232; soils change within a few hundred feet, so a home soil test (pH, nutrients) is still the best guide.

Climate in Camden, MI

Summer high83 °Faverage high, July

Winter low17 °Faverage low, January

Hot days16days a year at 90 °F or more

Freezing nights145nights a year at 32 °F or less

Growing degree days2,876base 50 °F — the season’s usable heat

Longest day15 h 13 mindaylight on June 21

Shortest day9 h 08 mindaylight on December 21

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

Precipitation37.9 inper year, rain and melted snow

Snowfall33 inper year; 47 days with snow on the ground

Average high and low, by month

Precipitation by month inches · ❄ = snowfall

NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 — temperature: Montpelier, OH (11 mi away); precipitation: Montpelier, OH (11 mi away). Daylight is calculated from latitude.

Nearby ZIP codes

All 8 nearest ZIP codes share zone 6a.

Montpelier, OH · 9 mi

492426a

Hillsdale, MI · 10 mi

492556a

Montgomery, MI · 10 mi

435186a

Edon, OH · 11 mi

Michigan planting zones →

Questions about 49232

What planting zone is ZIP code 49232?

ZIP code 49232 (Camden, 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 Camden, MI?

The median last spring frost (32 °F) near 49232 is April 28; after May 12 there is only a 10% chance of frost. Data: NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Montpelier station.

When is the first frost in Camden, MI?

The median first fall frost near 49232 is October 18, giving a median frost-free growing season of 173 days.

When should I plant tomatoes in 49232?

Start tomato seeds indoors around Mar 3 – Mar 17 and set transplants outside around May 5 – May 19, one to three weeks after the median last frost.

How much rain and snow does 49232 get?

About 37.9 inches of precipitation a year and 33 inches of snowfall (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Montpelier station).

How hot do summers get in Camden, MI?

The average high peaks at 83 °F in July, with about 16 days a year at 90 °F or more.

What kind of soil does 49232 have?

The USDA soil survey maps Glynwood at the center of ZIP 49232: clay loam, moderately well drained, pH about 6.5 (neutral).

Did spring come early in Camden, MI in 2026?

Spring leaf-out near 49232 came on Mar 26 in 2026, 13 days earlier than the 1991–2020 average (Apr 8), according to the USA National Phenology Network Spring Index.

What kind of onions grow in Camden, MI?

Long-day onions: the longest day near 49232 is 15 h 13 min, so summer days reach 15+ hours, enough for long-day varieties (intermediate types work too).

Did the zone for 49232 change?

Yes. The 2012 USDA map put 49232 in zone 5b; the 2023 map puts it in zone 6a. The newer map uses 1991–2020 data and more weather stations.