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

Planting zone for 71222 — Bernice, LA

ZIP code 71222 (Bernice, Union County) is in USDA zone 8b: the coldest winter night averages 15 to 20 °F. The median last spring frost is March 14 and the first fall frost November 16.

Where ZIP 71222 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.

Zone8b15 to 20 °F

Coldest night−9.4 to −6.7 °C

Last frostMar 14

First frostNov 16

2012 zone8a

Was 8a 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 8b means →

Frost forecast — next 7 nights

live from the National Weather Service

Loading the forecast for Bernice, LA…

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 Bernice, LA

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

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

Last spring frostMarch 14median — 50% chance of a later frost

Safe for tender plantsApril 2only 10% chance of frost after

First fall frostNovember 16median — 10% chance by Nov 2

Growing season246 daysfrost-free, median

A hard freeze (28 °F) usually ends around March 2 and returns around November 29.

From the NOAA station Farmerville, LA — 15 miles away, elevation 180 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 71222

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

PeasSow outdoors · Jan 31 – Feb 14

SpinachSow outdoors · Jan 31 – Feb 21

Broccoli, cabbageStart indoors · Jan 3 – Jan 17

Broccoli, cabbageTransplant · Feb 21 – Mar 7

Onion setsPlant outdoors · Feb 14 – Feb 28

PotatoesPlant outdoors · Feb 21 – Mar 7

LettuceSow outdoors · Feb 14 – Feb 28

Carrots, beetsSow outdoors · Feb 21 – Mar 7

TomatoesStart indoors · Jan 17 – Jan 31

TomatoesTransplant · Mar 21 – Apr 4

Peppers, eggplantStart indoors · Jan 3 – Jan 17

Peppers, eggplantTransplant · Mar 28 – Apr 11

BeansSow outdoors · Mar 21 – Apr 4

Sweet cornSow outdoors · Mar 21 – Apr 4

Cucumbers, squashSow outdoors · Mar 21 – Apr 4

Fall lettuce, spinachSow outdoors · Sep 21 – Oct 5

GarlicPlant cloves · Nov 2 – Dec 7

Start seeds indoorsSow or plant outdoorsFall plantingMedian last & first frost

Counted from the median last spring frost (Mar 14) and first fall frost (Nov 16) 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 71222 came on Feb 9 — 4 days later than the 1991–2020 average (Feb 5).

average
Feb 52026
Feb 9

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 8b in Louisiana

503 plants native to the lower 48 states, recorded in Louisiana, and rated by the USDA to survive 15 °F or colder — the bottom of zone 8b. 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 Bernice, LA.

Soil in Bernice, LA

The soil mapped at the center of ZIP 71222 is Iuka — fine sandy loam, moderately well drained.

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

pH5.0strongly acidic; most vegetables like 6.0–7.0

DrainageModerately well drainednatural drainage class

Organic matter1.75%low — add compost

Hydrologic groupCwater soaks in slowly

Farmland classNot prime farmlandUSDA classification

Map unit: Iuka-Dela complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded.

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 71222; soils change within a few hundred feet, so a home soil test (pH, nutrients) is still the best guide.

Climate in Bernice, LA

Summer high93 °Faverage high, August

Winter low36 °Faverage low, January

Hot days81days a year at 90 °F or more

Freezing nights39nights a year at 32 °F or less

Growing degree days6,056base 50 °F — the season’s usable heat

Longest day14 h 19 mindaylight on June 21

Shortest day9 h 59 mindaylight on December 21

Onions to growIntermediateday-neutral types bulb best; long-day varieties may not bulb fully

Precipitation57.2 inper year, rain and melted snow

Snowfall1 inper year

Average high and low, by month

Precipitation by month inches · ❄ = snowfall

NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 — temperature: Farmerville, LA (15 mi away); precipitation: Spearsville Fire Twr, LA (7 mi away). Daylight is calculated from latitude.

Nearby ZIP codes

All 8 nearest ZIP codes share zone 8b.

Spearsville, LA · 10 mi

710488b

Lisbon, LA · 11 mi

710798b

Summerfield, LA · 12 mi

712738b

Ruston, LA · 15 mi

712418b

Farmerville, LA · 18 mi

717498b

Junction City, AR · 19 mi

Louisiana planting zones →

Questions about 71222

What planting zone is ZIP code 71222?

ZIP code 71222 (Bernice, LA) is in USDA hardiness zone 8b on the 2023 map: the coldest night of an average winter reaches 15 to 20 °F (−9.4 to −6.7 °C).

When is the last frost in Bernice, LA?

The median last spring frost (32 °F) near 71222 is March 14; after April 2 there is only a 10% chance of frost. Data: NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Farmerville station.

When is the first frost in Bernice, LA?

The median first fall frost near 71222 is November 16, giving a median frost-free growing season of 246 days.

When should I plant tomatoes in 71222?

Start tomato seeds indoors around Jan 17 – Jan 31 and set transplants outside around Mar 21 – Apr 4, one to three weeks after the median last frost.

How much rain and snow does 71222 get?

About 57.2 inches of precipitation a year and 1 inches of snowfall (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Spearsville Fire Twr station).

How hot do summers get in Bernice, LA?

The average high peaks at 93 °F in August, with about 81 days a year at 90 °F or more.

What kind of soil does 71222 have?

The USDA soil survey maps Iuka at the center of ZIP 71222: fine sandy loam, moderately well drained, pH about 5.0 (strongly acidic).

Did spring come early in Bernice, LA in 2026?

Spring leaf-out near 71222 came on Feb 9 in 2026, 4 days later than the 1991–2020 average (Feb 5), according to the USA National Phenology Network Spring Index.

What kind of onions grow in Bernice, LA?

Intermediate onions: the longest day near 71222 is 14 h 19 min, so day-neutral types bulb best; long-day varieties may not bulb fully.

Did the zone for 71222 change?

Yes. The 2012 USDA map put 71222 in zone 8a; the 2023 map puts it in zone 8b. The newer map uses 1991–2020 data and more weather stations.