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

Planting zone for 49877 — Ralph, MI

ZIP code 49877 (Ralph, Dickinson County) is in USDA zone 4b: the coldest winter night averages −25 to −20 °F. The median last spring frost is May 13 and the first fall frost October 2.

Where ZIP 49877 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.

Zone4b−25 to −20 °F

Coldest night−31.7 to −28.9 °C

Last frostMay 13

First frostOct 2

2012 zone4a

Was 4a 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 4b means →

Frost forecast — next 7 nights

live from the National Weather Service

Loading the forecast for Ralph, 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 Ralph, 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 2median — 10% chance by Sep 15

Growing season141 daysfrost-free, median

A hard freeze (28 °F) usually ends around May 1 and returns around October 14.

From the NOAA station Ki Sawyer Wwtp, MI — 20 miles away, elevation 1,116 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 49877

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 7 – Aug 21

GarlicPlant cloves · Sep 18 – Oct 23

Start seeds indoorsSow or plant outdoorsFall plantingMedian last & first frost

Counted from the median last spring frost (May 13) and first fall frost (Oct 2) 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 49877 came on May 1 — 3 days later than the 1991–2020 average (Apr 28).

average
Apr 282026
May 1

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 4b in Michigan

514 plants native to the lower 48 states, recorded in Michigan, and rated by the USDA to survive −25 °F or colder — the bottom of zone 4b. 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 Ralph, MI.

Soil in Ralph, MI

The soil mapped at the center of ZIP 49877 is Pemene — fine sandy loam, well drained.

TextureFine sandy loamdrains and warms fast; dries out and needs more feeding

pH5.8moderately acidic; most vegetables like 6.0–7.0

DrainageWell drainednatural drainage class

Organic matter1.75%low — add compost

Hydrologic groupAwater soaks in fast

Farmland classFarmland of local importanceUSDA classification

Map unit: Pemene fine sandy loam, 6 to 18 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 49877; soils change within a few hundred feet, so a home soil test (pH, nutrients) is still the best guide.

Climate in Ralph, MI

Summer high78 °Faverage high, July

Winter low8 °Faverage low, February

Hot days3days a year at 90 °F or more

Freezing nights178nights a year at 32 °F or less

Growing degree days1,770base 50 °F — the season’s usable heat

Longest day15 h 47 mindaylight on June 21

Shortest day8 h 37 mindaylight on December 21

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

Precipitation32.8 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: Ki Sawyer Wwtp, MI (20 mi away); precipitation: Ishpeming 7.2 Sw, MI (17 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.

Foster City, MI · 13 mi

498494b

Ishpeming, MI · 19 mi

Michigan planting zones →

Questions about 49877

What planting zone is ZIP code 49877?

ZIP code 49877 (Ralph, MI) is in USDA hardiness zone 4b on the 2023 map: the coldest night of an average winter reaches −25 to −20 °F (−31.7 to −28.9 °C).

When is the last frost in Ralph, MI?

The median last spring frost (32 °F) near 49877 is May 13; after May 29 there is only a 10% chance of frost. Data: NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Ki Sawyer Wwtp station.

When is the first frost in Ralph, MI?

The median first fall frost near 49877 is October 2, giving a median frost-free growing season of 141 days.

When should I plant tomatoes in 49877?

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 49877 get?

About 32.8 inches of precipitation a year (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Ishpeming 7.2 Sw station).

How hot do summers get in Ralph, MI?

The average high peaks at 78 °F in July, with about 3 days a year at 90 °F or more.

What kind of soil does 49877 have?

The USDA soil survey maps Pemene at the center of ZIP 49877: fine sandy loam, well drained, pH about 5.8 (moderately acidic).

Did spring come early in Ralph, MI in 2026?

Spring leaf-out near 49877 came on May 1 in 2026, 3 days later than the 1991–2020 average (Apr 28), according to the USA National Phenology Network Spring Index.

What kind of onions grow in Ralph, MI?

Long-day onions: the longest day near 49877 is 15 h 47 min, so summer days reach 15+ hours, enough for long-day varieties (intermediate types work too).

Did the zone for 49877 change?

Yes. The 2012 USDA map put 49877 in zone 4a; the 2023 map puts it in zone 4b. The newer map uses 1991–2020 data and more weather stations.