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

Planting zone for 49648 — Kewadin, MI

ZIP code 49648 (Kewadin, Antrim County) is in USDA zone 6a: the coldest winter night averages −10 to −5 °F. The median last spring frost is May 13 and the first fall frost October 19.

Where ZIP 49648 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 13

First frostOct 19

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 Kewadin, 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 Kewadin, MI

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

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

Last spring frostMay 13median — 50% chance of a later frost

Safe for tender plantsMay 29only 10% chance of frost after

First fall frostOctober 19median — 10% chance by Oct 1

Growing season158 daysfrost-free, median

A hard freeze (28 °F) usually ends around April 30 and returns around November 4.

From the NOAA station Old Mission 3ssw, MI — 10 miles away, elevation 656 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 49648

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

PeasSow outdoors · Apr 1 – Apr 15

SpinachSow outdoors · Apr 1 – Apr 22

Broccoli, cabbageStart indoors · Mar 4 – Mar 18

Broccoli, cabbageTransplant · Apr 22 – May 6

Onion setsPlant outdoors · Apr 15 – Apr 29

PotatoesPlant outdoors · Apr 22 – May 6

LettuceSow outdoors · Apr 15 – Apr 29

Carrots, beetsSow outdoors · Apr 22 – May 6

TomatoesStart indoors · Mar 18 – Apr 1

TomatoesTransplant · May 20 – Jun 3

Peppers, eggplantStart indoors · Mar 4 – Mar 18

Peppers, eggplantTransplant · May 27 – Jun 10

BeansSow outdoors · May 20 – Jun 3

Sweet cornSow outdoors · May 20 – Jun 3

Cucumbers, squashSow outdoors · May 20 – Jun 3

Fall lettuce, spinachSow outdoors · Aug 24 – Sep 7

GarlicPlant cloves · Oct 5 – Nov 9

Start seeds indoorsSow or plant outdoorsFall plantingMedian last & first frost

Counted from the median last spring frost (May 13) and first fall frost (Oct 19) 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 49648 came on Apr 17 — 3 days earlier than the 1991–2020 average (Apr 20).

average
Apr 202026
Apr 17

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 Kewadin, MI.

Soil in Kewadin, MI

The soil mapped at the center of ZIP 49648 is Emmet — sandy loam, well drained.

TextureSandy loamdrains and warms fast; dries out and needs more feeding

pH6.5neutral; most vegetables like 6.0–7.0

DrainageWell drainednatural drainage class

Organic matter2%moderate

Hydrologic groupBwater soaks in moderately

Farmland classFarmland of unique importanceUSDA classification

Map unit: Emmet-Montcalm complex, lake moderated, 12 to 40 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 49648; soils change within a few hundred feet, so a home soil test (pH, nutrients) is still the best guide.

Climate in Kewadin, MI

Summer high80 °Faverage high, July

Winter low16 °Faverage low, February

Hot days5days a year at 90 °F or more

Freezing nights157nights a year at 32 °F or less

Growing degree days2,248base 50 °F — the season’s usable heat

Longest day15 h 37 mindaylight on June 21

Shortest day8 h 46 mindaylight on December 21

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

Precipitation31.3 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: Old Mission 3ssw, MI (10 mi away); precipitation: Old Mission 3ssw, MI (10 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.

496296a

Elk Rapids, MI · 6 mi

496225b

Central Lake, MI · 6 mi

496155b

Bellaire, MI · 7 mi

496736b

Old Mission, MI · 8 mi

Rapid City, MI · 11 mi

497295b

Ellsworth, MI · 12 mi

Michigan planting zones →

Questions about 49648

What planting zone is ZIP code 49648?

ZIP code 49648 (Kewadin, 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 Kewadin, MI?

The median last spring frost (32 °F) near 49648 is May 13; after May 29 there is only a 10% chance of frost. Data: NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Old Mission 3ssw station.

When is the first frost in Kewadin, MI?

The median first fall frost near 49648 is October 19, giving a median frost-free growing season of 158 days.

When should I plant tomatoes in 49648?

Start tomato seeds indoors around Mar 18 – Apr 1 and set transplants outside around May 20 – Jun 3, one to three weeks after the median last frost.

How much rain and snow does 49648 get?

About 31.3 inches of precipitation a year (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Old Mission 3ssw station).

How hot do summers get in Kewadin, MI?

The average high peaks at 80 °F in July, with about 5 days a year at 90 °F or more.

What kind of soil does 49648 have?

The USDA soil survey maps Emmet at the center of ZIP 49648: sandy loam, well drained, pH about 6.5 (neutral).

Did spring come early in Kewadin, MI in 2026?

Spring leaf-out near 49648 came on Apr 17 in 2026, 3 days earlier than the 1991–2020 average (Apr 20), according to the USA National Phenology Network Spring Index.

What kind of onions grow in Kewadin, MI?

Long-day onions: the longest day near 49648 is 15 h 37 min, so summer days reach 15+ hours, enough for long-day varieties (intermediate types work too).

Did the zone for 49648 change?

Yes. The 2012 USDA map put 49648 in zone 5b; the 2023 map puts it in zone 6a. The newer map uses 1991–2020 data and more weather stations.