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

Planting zone for 76849 — Junction, TX

ZIP code 76849 (Junction, Kimble County) is in USDA zone 8a: the coldest winter night averages 10 to 15 °F. The median last spring frost is April 8 and the first fall frost October 28.

Where ZIP 76849 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.

Zone8a10 to 15 °F

Coldest night−12.2 to −9.4 °C

Last frostApr 8

First frostOct 28

2012 zone8a

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 8a means →

Frost forecast — next 7 nights

live from the National Weather Service

Loading the forecast for Junction, 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 Junction, TX

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

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

Last spring frostApril 8median — 50% chance of a later frost

Safe for tender plantsApril 27only 10% chance of frost after

First fall frostOctober 28median — 10% chance by Oct 13

Growing season202 daysfrost-free, median

A hard freeze (28 °F) usually ends around March 27 and returns around November 5.

From the NOAA station Junction 4ssw, TX — 2 miles away, elevation 1,749 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 76849

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

PeasSow outdoors · Feb 25 – Mar 11

SpinachSow outdoors · Feb 25 – Mar 18

Broccoli, cabbageStart indoors · Jan 28 – Feb 11

Broccoli, cabbageTransplant · Mar 18 – Apr 1

Onion setsPlant outdoors · Mar 11 – Mar 25

PotatoesPlant outdoors · Mar 18 – Apr 1

LettuceSow outdoors · Mar 11 – Mar 25

Carrots, beetsSow outdoors · Mar 18 – Apr 1

TomatoesStart indoors · Feb 11 – Feb 25

TomatoesTransplant · Apr 15 – Apr 29

Peppers, eggplantStart indoors · Jan 28 – Feb 11

Peppers, eggplantTransplant · Apr 22 – May 6

BeansSow outdoors · Apr 15 – Apr 29

Sweet cornSow outdoors · Apr 15 – Apr 29

Cucumbers, squashSow outdoors · Apr 15 – Apr 29

Fall lettuce, spinachSow outdoors · Sep 2 – Sep 16

GarlicPlant cloves · Oct 14 – Nov 18

Start seeds indoorsSow or plant outdoorsFall plantingMedian last & first frost

Counted from the median last spring frost (Apr 8) and first fall frost (Oct 28) 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 76849 came on Feb 6 — 4 days later than the 1991–2020 average (Feb 2).

average
Feb 22026
Feb 6

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 8a in Texas

601 plants native to the lower 48 states, recorded in Texas, and rated by the USDA to survive 10 °F or colder — the bottom of zone 8a. 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 Junction, TX.

Soil in Junction, TX

The soil mapped at the center of ZIP 76849 is Tarrant — very cobbly clay, well drained.

TextureVery cobbly clayholds water and nutrients; slow to drain and warm up

pH7.6slightly alkaline; most vegetables like 6.0–7.0

DrainageWell drainednatural drainage class

Organic matter4.5%moderate

Hydrologic groupDwater soaks in very slowly

Farmland classNot prime farmlandUSDA classification

Map unit: Tarrant soils, 1 to 8 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 76849; soils change within a few hundred feet, so a home soil test (pH, nutrients) is still the best guide.

Climate in Junction, TX

Summer high96 °Faverage high, July

Winter low30 °Faverage low, January

Hot days117days a year at 90 °F or more

Freezing nights75nights a year at 32 °F or less

Growing degree days5,959base 50 °F — the season’s usable heat

Longest day14 h 07 mindaylight on June 21

Shortest day10 h 10 mindaylight on December 21

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

Precipitation23 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: Junction 4ssw, TX (2 mi away); precipitation: Junction 4ssw, TX (2 mi away). Daylight is calculated from latitude.

Nearby ZIP codes

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

768748a

Roosevelt, TX · 18 mi

768548a

London, TX · 18 mi

780588a

Mountain Home, TX · 29 mi

Fort Mc Kavett, TX · 32 mi

768568b

Mason, TX · 36 mi

Texas planting zones →

Questions about 76849

What planting zone is ZIP code 76849?

ZIP code 76849 (Junction, TX) is in USDA hardiness zone 8a on the 2023 map: the coldest night of an average winter reaches 10 to 15 °F (−12.2 to −9.4 °C).

When is the last frost in Junction, TX?

The median last spring frost (32 °F) near 76849 is April 8; after April 27 there is only a 10% chance of frost. Data: NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Junction 4ssw station.

When is the first frost in Junction, TX?

The median first fall frost near 76849 is October 28, giving a median frost-free growing season of 202 days.

When should I plant tomatoes in 76849?

Start tomato seeds indoors around Feb 11 – Feb 25 and set transplants outside around Apr 15 – Apr 29, one to three weeks after the median last frost.

How much rain and snow does 76849 get?

About 23 inches of precipitation a year (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Junction 4ssw station).

How hot do summers get in Junction, TX?

The average high peaks at 96 °F in July, with about 117 days a year at 90 °F or more.

What kind of soil does 76849 have?

The USDA soil survey maps Tarrant at the center of ZIP 76849: very cobbly clay, well drained, pH about 7.6 (slightly alkaline).

Did spring come early in Junction, TX in 2026?

Spring leaf-out near 76849 came on Feb 6 in 2026, 4 days later than the 1991–2020 average (Feb 2), according to the USA National Phenology Network Spring Index.

What kind of onions grow in Junction, TX?

Short-day onions: the longest day near 76849 is 14 h 07 min, so summer days stay under about 14 h 20 min, so long-day varieties won’t bulb.