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

Planting zone for 49730 — Elmira, MI

ZIP code 49730 (Elmira, Otsego County) is in USDA zone 5a: the coldest winter night averages −20 to −15 °F. The median last spring frost is May 25 and the first fall frost September 26.

Where ZIP 49730 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 25

First frostSep 26

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 Elmira, 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 Elmira, MI

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

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

Last spring frostMay 25median — 50% chance of a later frost

Safe for tender plantsJune 8only 10% chance of frost after

First fall frostSeptember 26median — 10% chance by Sep 13

Growing season125 daysfrost-free, median

A hard freeze (28 °F) usually ends around May 13 and returns around October 7.

From the NOAA station Gaylord, MI — 7 miles away, elevation 1,319 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 49730

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

PeasSow outdoors · Apr 13 – Apr 27

SpinachSow outdoors · Apr 13 – May 4

Broccoli, cabbageStart indoors · Mar 16 – Mar 30

Broccoli, cabbageTransplant · May 4 – May 18

Onion setsPlant outdoors · Apr 27 – May 11

PotatoesPlant outdoors · May 4 – May 18

LettuceSow outdoors · Apr 27 – May 11

Carrots, beetsSow outdoors · May 4 – May 18

TomatoesStart indoors · Mar 30 – Apr 13

TomatoesTransplant · Jun 1 – Jun 15

Peppers, eggplantStart indoors · Mar 16 – Mar 30

Peppers, eggplantTransplant · Jun 8 – Jun 22

BeansSow outdoors · Jun 1 – Jun 15

Sweet cornSow outdoors · Jun 1 – Jun 15

Cucumbers, squashSow outdoors · Jun 1 – Jun 15

Fall lettuce, spinachSow outdoors · Aug 1 – Aug 15

GarlicPlant cloves · Sep 12 – Oct 17

Start seeds indoorsSow or plant outdoorsFall plantingMedian last & first frost

Counted from the median last spring frost (May 25) and first fall frost (Sep 26) 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 49730 came on Apr 20 — 3 days earlier than the 1991–2020 average (Apr 23).

average
Apr 232026
Apr 20

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 Elmira, MI.

Soil in Elmira, MI

The soil mapped at the center of ZIP 49730 is Springlake — sand, somewhat excessively drained.

TextureSanddrains and warms fast; dries out and needs more feeding

pH5.3strongly acidic; most vegetables like 6.0–7.0

DrainageSomewhat excessively drainednatural drainage class

Organic matter2.2%moderate

Hydrologic groupAwater soaks in fast

Farmland classNot prime farmlandUSDA classification

Map unit: Springlake-Kalkaska sands, 0 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 49730; soils change within a few hundred feet, so a home soil test (pH, nutrients) is still the best guide.

Climate in Elmira, MI

Summer high77 °Faverage high, July

Winter low7 °Faverage low, February

Hot days3days a year at 90 °F or more

Freezing nights176nights a year at 32 °F or less

Growing degree days1,779base 50 °F — the season’s usable heat

Longest day15 h 37 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)

Precipitation36.9 inper year, rain and melted snow

Snowfall140 inper year; 125 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: Gaylord, MI (7 mi away); precipitation: Gaylord, MI (7 mi away). Daylight is calculated from latitude.

Nearby ZIP codes

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

Boyne Falls, MI · 12 mi

496595a

Mancelona, MI · 13 mi

497275b

East Jordan, MI · 13 mi

497125b

Boyne City, MI · 14 mi

497975a

Waters, MI · 16 mi

Michigan planting zones →

Questions about 49730

What planting zone is ZIP code 49730?

ZIP code 49730 (Elmira, 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 Elmira, MI?

The median last spring frost (32 °F) near 49730 is May 25; after June 8 there is only a 10% chance of frost. Data: NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Gaylord station.

When is the first frost in Elmira, MI?

The median first fall frost near 49730 is September 26, giving a median frost-free growing season of 125 days.

When should I plant tomatoes in 49730?

Start tomato seeds indoors around Mar 30 – Apr 13 and set transplants outside around Jun 1 – Jun 15, one to three weeks after the median last frost.

How much rain and snow does 49730 get?

About 36.9 inches of precipitation a year and 140 inches of snowfall (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Gaylord station).

How hot do summers get in Elmira, MI?

The average high peaks at 77 °F in July, with about 3 days a year at 90 °F or more.

What kind of soil does 49730 have?

The USDA soil survey maps Springlake at the center of ZIP 49730: sand, somewhat excessively drained, pH about 5.3 (strongly acidic).

Did spring come early in Elmira, MI in 2026?

Spring leaf-out near 49730 came on Apr 20 in 2026, 3 days earlier than the 1991–2020 average (Apr 23), according to the USA National Phenology Network Spring Index.

What kind of onions grow in Elmira, MI?

Long-day onions: the longest day near 49730 is 15 h 37 min, so summer days reach 15+ hours, enough for long-day varieties (intermediate types work too).