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

Planting zone for 49706 — Alanson, MI

ZIP code 49706 (Alanson, Emmet County) is in USDA zone 5a: the coldest winter night averages −20 to −15 °F. The median last spring frost is May 31 and the first fall frost September 18.

Where ZIP 49706 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.

Zone5a−20 to −15 °F

Coldest night−28.9 to −26.1 °C

Last frostMay 31

First frostSep 18

2012 zone5a

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 5a means →

Frost forecast — next 7 nights

live from the National Weather Service

Loading the forecast for Alanson, 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 Alanson, MI

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

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

Last spring frostMay 31median — 50% chance of a later frost

Safe for tender plantsJune 21only 10% chance of frost after

First fall frostSeptember 18median — 10% chance by Sep 2

Growing season108 daysfrost-free, median

A hard freeze (28 °F) usually ends around May 19 and returns around October 1.

From the NOAA station Pellston Regional Airport, MI — 9 miles away, elevation 705 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 49706

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

PeasSow outdoors · Apr 19 – May 3

SpinachSow outdoors · Apr 19 – May 10

Broccoli, cabbageStart indoors · Mar 22 – Apr 5

Broccoli, cabbageTransplant · May 10 – May 24

Onion setsPlant outdoors · May 3 – May 17

PotatoesPlant outdoors · May 10 – May 24

LettuceSow outdoors · May 3 – May 17

Carrots, beetsSow outdoors · May 10 – May 24

TomatoesStart indoors · Apr 5 – Apr 19

TomatoesTransplant · Jun 7 – Jun 21

Peppers, eggplantStart indoors · Mar 22 – Apr 5

Peppers, eggplantTransplant · Jun 14 – Jun 28

BeansSow outdoors · Jun 7 – Jun 21

Sweet cornSow outdoors · Jun 7 – Jun 21

Cucumbers, squashSow outdoors · Jun 7 – Jun 21

Fall lettuce, spinachSow outdoors · Jul 24 – Aug 7

GarlicPlant cloves · Sep 4 – Oct 9

Start seeds indoorsSow or plant outdoorsFall plantingMedian last & first frost

Counted from the median last spring frost (May 31) and first fall frost (Sep 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 49706 came on Apr 23 — about the same time as the 1991–2020 average (Apr 24).

average
Apr 242026
Apr 23

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 5a in Michigan

551 plants native to the lower 48 states, recorded in Michigan, and rated by the USDA to survive −20 °F or colder — the bottom of zone 5a. 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 Alanson, MI.

Soil in Alanson, MI

The center of ZIP 49706 is mapped as Gravel pits: built-over ground without natural soil data. Garden soil here is usually imported or disturbed — test before you plant.

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 49706; soils change within a few hundred feet, so a home soil test (pH, nutrients) is still the best guide.

Climate in Alanson, MI

Summer high79 °Faverage high, July

Winter low7 °Faverage low, February

Hot days5days a year at 90 °F or more

Freezing nights180nights a year at 32 °F or less

Growing degree days1,796base 50 °F — the season’s usable heat

Longest day15 h 41 mindaylight on June 21

Shortest day8 h 43 mindaylight on December 21

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

Precipitation30 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: Pellston Regional Airport, MI (9 mi away); precipitation: Pellston Regional Airport, MI (9 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.

Indian River, MI · 10 mi

497695a

Pellston, MI · 10 mi

Michigan planting zones →

Questions about 49706

What planting zone is ZIP code 49706?

ZIP code 49706 (Alanson, MI) is in USDA hardiness zone 5a on the 2023 map: the coldest night of an average winter reaches −20 to −15 °F (−28.9 to −26.1 °C).

When is the last frost in Alanson, MI?

The median last spring frost (32 °F) near 49706 is May 31; after June 21 there is only a 10% chance of frost. Data: NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Pellston Regional Airport station.

When is the first frost in Alanson, MI?

The median first fall frost near 49706 is September 18, giving a median frost-free growing season of 108 days.

When should I plant tomatoes in 49706?

Start tomato seeds indoors around Apr 5 – Apr 19 and set transplants outside around Jun 7 – Jun 21, one to three weeks after the median last frost.

How much rain and snow does 49706 get?

About 30 inches of precipitation a year (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Pellston Regional Airport station).

How hot do summers get in Alanson, MI?

The average high peaks at 79 °F in July, with about 5 days a year at 90 °F or more.

Did spring come early in Alanson, MI in 2026?

Spring leaf-out near 49706 came on Apr 23 in 2026, about the same as the 1991–2020 average (Apr 24), according to the USA National Phenology Network Spring Index.

What kind of onions grow in Alanson, MI?

Long-day onions: the longest day near 49706 is 15 h 41 min, so summer days reach 15+ hours, enough for long-day varieties (intermediate types work too).