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

Planting zone for 75839 — Elkhart, TX

ZIP code 75839 (Elkhart, Anderson County) is in USDA zone 8b: the coldest winter night averages 15 to 20 °F. The median last spring frost is March 23 and the first fall frost November 9.

Where ZIP 75839 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 23

First frostNov 9

2012 zone8b

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 8b means →

Frost forecast — next 7 nights

live from the National Weather Service

Loading the forecast for Elkhart, TX…

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 Elkhart, TX

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

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

Last spring frostMarch 23median — 50% chance of a later frost

Safe for tender plantsApril 9only 10% chance of frost after

First fall frostNovember 9median — 10% chance by Oct 28

Growing season234 daysfrost-free, median

A hard freeze (28 °F) usually ends around March 9 and returns around November 20.

From the NOAA station Palestine 2 Ne, TX — 12 miles away, elevation 466 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 75839

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

PeasSow outdoors · Feb 9 – Feb 23

SpinachSow outdoors · Feb 9 – Mar 2

Broccoli, cabbageStart indoors · Jan 12 – Jan 26

Broccoli, cabbageTransplant · Mar 2 – Mar 16

Onion setsPlant outdoors · Feb 23 – Mar 9

PotatoesPlant outdoors · Mar 2 – Mar 16

LettuceSow outdoors · Feb 23 – Mar 9

Carrots, beetsSow outdoors · Mar 2 – Mar 16

TomatoesStart indoors · Jan 26 – Feb 9

TomatoesTransplant · Mar 30 – Apr 13

Peppers, eggplantStart indoors · Jan 12 – Jan 26

Peppers, eggplantTransplant · Apr 6 – Apr 20

BeansSow outdoors · Mar 30 – Apr 13

Sweet cornSow outdoors · Mar 30 – Apr 13

Cucumbers, squashSow outdoors · Mar 30 – Apr 13

Fall lettuce, spinachSow outdoors · Sep 14 – Sep 28

GarlicPlant cloves · Oct 26 – Nov 30

Start seeds indoorsSow or plant outdoorsFall plantingMedian last & first frost

Counted from the median last spring frost (Mar 23) and first fall frost (Nov 9) 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 75839 came on Feb 3 — 3 days later than the 1991–2020 average (Jan 31).

average
Jan 312026
Feb 3

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 Texas

620 plants native to the lower 48 states, recorded in Texas, 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 Elkhart, TX.

Soil in Elkhart, TX

The soil mapped at the center of ZIP 75839 is Elrose — fine sandy loam, well drained.

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

pH5.5moderately acidic; most vegetables like 6.0–7.0

DrainageWell drainednatural drainage class

Organic matter1.25%low — add compost

Hydrologic groupCwater soaks in slowly

Farmland classprime farmlandUSDA classification

Map unit: Elrose fine sandy loam, 1 to 3 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 75839; soils change within a few hundred feet, so a home soil test (pH, nutrients) is still the best guide.

Climate in Elkhart, TX

Summer high95 °Faverage high, August

Winter low35 °Faverage low, January

Hot days87days a year at 90 °F or more

Freezing nights38nights a year at 32 °F or less

Growing degree days6,242base 50 °F — the season’s usable heat

Longest day14 h 13 mindaylight on June 21

Shortest day10 h 05 mindaylight on December 21

Onions to growShort-daysummer days stay under about 14 h 20 min, so long-day varieties won’t bulb

Precipitation46.8 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: Palestine 2 Ne, TX (12 mi away); precipitation: Palestine 2 Ne, TX (12 mi away). Daylight is calculated from latitude.

Nearby ZIP codes

All 8 nearest ZIP codes share zone 8b.

758018b

Palestine, TX · 9 mi

758448b

Grapeland, TX · 10 mi

758028b

Palestine, TX · 11 mi

758828b

Palestine, TX · 14 mi

Palestine, TX · 20 mi

Texas planting zones →

Questions about 75839

What planting zone is ZIP code 75839?

ZIP code 75839 (Elkhart, TX) 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 Elkhart, TX?

The median last spring frost (32 °F) near 75839 is March 23; after April 9 there is only a 10% chance of frost. Data: NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Palestine 2 Ne station.

When is the first frost in Elkhart, TX?

The median first fall frost near 75839 is November 9, giving a median frost-free growing season of 234 days.

When should I plant tomatoes in 75839?

Start tomato seeds indoors around Jan 26 – Feb 9 and set transplants outside around Mar 30 – Apr 13, one to three weeks after the median last frost.

How much rain and snow does 75839 get?

About 46.8 inches of precipitation a year (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Palestine 2 Ne station).

How hot do summers get in Elkhart, TX?

The average high peaks at 95 °F in August, with about 87 days a year at 90 °F or more.

What kind of soil does 75839 have?

The USDA soil survey maps Elrose at the center of ZIP 75839: fine sandy loam, well drained, pH about 5.5 (moderately acidic).

Did spring come early in Elkhart, TX in 2026?

Spring leaf-out near 75839 came on Feb 3 in 2026, 3 days later than the 1991–2020 average (Jan 31), according to the USA National Phenology Network Spring Index.

What kind of onions grow in Elkhart, TX?

Short-day onions: the longest day near 75839 is 14 h 13 min, so summer days stay under about 14 h 20 min, so long-day varieties won’t bulb.