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

Planting zone for 49729 — Ellsworth, MI

ZIP code 49729 (Ellsworth, Antrim County) is in USDA zone 5b: the coldest winter night averages −15 to −10 °F. The median last spring frost is May 16 and the first fall frost October 6.

Where ZIP 49729 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.

Zone5b−15 to −10 °F

Coldest night−26.1 to −23.3 °C

Last frostMay 16

First frostOct 6

2012 zone5b

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 5b means →

Frost forecast — next 7 nights

live from the National Weather Service

Loading the forecast for Ellsworth, 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 Ellsworth, MI

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

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

Last spring frostMay 16median — 50% chance of a later frost

Safe for tender plantsMay 30only 10% chance of frost after

First fall frostOctober 6median — 10% chance by Sep 22

Growing season144 daysfrost-free, median

A hard freeze (28 °F) usually ends around May 2 and returns around October 21.

From the NOAA station E Jordan 2nw, MI — 7 miles away, elevation 646 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 49729

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

PeasSow outdoors · Apr 4 – Apr 18

SpinachSow outdoors · Apr 4 – Apr 25

Broccoli, cabbageStart indoors · Mar 7 – Mar 21

Broccoli, cabbageTransplant · Apr 25 – May 9

Onion setsPlant outdoors · Apr 18 – May 2

PotatoesPlant outdoors · Apr 25 – May 9

LettuceSow outdoors · Apr 18 – May 2

Carrots, beetsSow outdoors · Apr 25 – May 9

TomatoesStart indoors · Mar 21 – Apr 4

TomatoesTransplant · May 23 – Jun 6

Peppers, eggplantStart indoors · Mar 7 – Mar 21

Peppers, eggplantTransplant · May 30 – Jun 13

BeansSow outdoors · May 23 – Jun 6

Sweet cornSow outdoors · May 23 – Jun 6

Cucumbers, squashSow outdoors · May 23 – Jun 6

Fall lettuce, spinachSow outdoors · Aug 11 – Aug 25

GarlicPlant cloves · Sep 22 – Oct 27

Start seeds indoorsSow or plant outdoorsFall plantingMedian last & first frost

Counted from the median last spring frost (May 16) and first fall frost (Oct 6) 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 49729 came on Apr 19 — about the same time as the 1991–2020 average (Apr 21).

average
Apr 212026
Apr 19

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 5b in Michigan

564 plants native to the lower 48 states, recorded in Michigan, and rated by the USDA to survive −15 °F or colder — the bottom of zone 5b. 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 Ellsworth, MI.

Soil in Ellsworth, MI

The soil mapped at the center of ZIP 49729 is Emmet — loamy sand, well drained.

TextureLoamy sanddrains and warms fast; dries out and needs more feeding

pH6.5neutral; most vegetables like 6.0–7.0

DrainageWell drainednatural drainage class

Organic matter2.2%moderate

Hydrologic groupBwater soaks in moderately

Farmland classFarmland of unique importanceUSDA classification

Map unit: Emmet-Blue Lake loamy sands, lake moderated, 6 to 12 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 49729; soils change within a few hundred feet, so a home soil test (pH, nutrients) is still the best guide.

Climate in Ellsworth, MI

Summer high78 °Faverage high, July

Winter low10 °Faverage low, February

Hot days5days a year at 90 °F or more

Freezing nights170nights a year at 32 °F or less

Growing degree days1,945base 50 °F — the season’s usable heat

Longest day15 h 38 mindaylight on June 21

Shortest day8 h 45 mindaylight on December 21

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

Precipitation35.8 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: E Jordan 2nw, MI (7 mi away); precipitation: E Jordan 2nw, MI (7 mi away). Daylight is calculated from latitude.

Nearby ZIP codes

4 of the 8 nearest ZIP codes are in a different zone — elevation and distance from water change winter lows quickly.

496276a

Eastport, MI · 5 mi

496225b

Central Lake, MI · 6 mi

497206a

Charlevoix, MI · 8 mi

497275b

East Jordan, MI · 9 mi

496486a

Kewadin, MI · 12 mi

497125b

Boyne City, MI · 14 mi

496155b

Bellaire, MI · 14 mi

496706b

Northport, MI · 16 mi

Michigan planting zones →

Questions about 49729

What planting zone is ZIP code 49729?

ZIP code 49729 (Ellsworth, MI) is in USDA hardiness zone 5b on the 2023 map: the coldest night of an average winter reaches −15 to −10 °F (−26.1 to −23.3 °C).

When is the last frost in Ellsworth, MI?

The median last spring frost (32 °F) near 49729 is May 16; after May 30 there is only a 10% chance of frost. Data: NOAA 1991–2020 normals, E Jordan 2nw station.

When is the first frost in Ellsworth, MI?

The median first fall frost near 49729 is October 6, giving a median frost-free growing season of 144 days.

When should I plant tomatoes in 49729?

Start tomato seeds indoors around Mar 21 – Apr 4 and set transplants outside around May 23 – Jun 6, one to three weeks after the median last frost.

How much rain and snow does 49729 get?

About 35.8 inches of precipitation a year (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, E Jordan 2nw station).

How hot do summers get in Ellsworth, MI?

The average high peaks at 78 °F in July, with about 5 days a year at 90 °F or more.

What kind of soil does 49729 have?

The USDA soil survey maps Emmet at the center of ZIP 49729: loamy sand, well drained, pH about 6.5 (neutral).

Did spring come early in Ellsworth, MI in 2026?

Spring leaf-out near 49729 came on Apr 19 in 2026, about the same as the 1991–2020 average (Apr 21), according to the USA National Phenology Network Spring Index.

What kind of onions grow in Ellsworth, MI?

Long-day onions: the longest day near 49729 is 15 h 38 min, so summer days reach 15+ hours, enough for long-day varieties (intermediate types work too).