When To Plant In Georgia

Knowing when to plant in Georgia is the first step to a successful garden. Our state’s long growing season is a gift, but timing your planting right makes all the difference. This guide will walk you through Georgia’s ideal planting schedule, from the mountains to the coast.

Georgia’s climate splits into three main zones. North Georgia has colder winters and a shorter season. The Piedmont region, including Atlanta, has moderate winters. Coastal and South Georgia enjoy very mild winters and a long, hot summer. Your specific location will fine-tune your schedule.

This calendar is your core reference. It’s based on average last and first frost dates, which are your key markers. In North Georgia, the last spring frost is around April 15–25. In Central Georgia, it’s March 20–April 10. In South Georgia, it can be as early as late February.

Spring Planting (February – May)

Spring is your busiest planting time. You’ll start with cool-season crops and transition to warm-season ones after the frost danger passes.

February – March: Start seeds indoors for tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants. Direct sow cool-weather crops like peas, spinach, kale, and radishes as soon as the soil is workable. In South Georgia, you can plant potatoes and onion sets.
April: This is a major planting month. After your last frost date, transplant your tomato and pepper seedlings. Direct sow beans, corn, and squash seeds. You can still plant cucumbers and melons toward the end of the month.
May: The soil is warm now. Plant heat-lovers like okra, sweet potatoes, and southern peas (black-eyed peas). This is also a great time to plant perennial herbs and flowers.

Summer Planting (June – August)

Summer is for maintaining and succession planting. The heat can be intense, so focus on heat-tolerant varieties.

June – July: Plant a second round of beans and corn for a fall harvest. Sow heat-loving herbs like basil. In late July, start your first seeds for fall crops like broccoli and cabbage indoors.
August: Begin direct sowing many fall vegetables. This includes carrots, beets, and turnips. Transplant your broccoli and cabbage seedlings in late August, especially in North Georgia.

Fall Planting (September – November)

Fall is a fantastic second spring in Georgia. The cooler weather is perfect for many vegetables that struggle in summer heat.

September: Plant leafy greens (lettuce, mustard, collards), radishes, and more carrots. Transplant any remaining seedlings. Garlic and onion sets for overwintering can go in late in the month.
October – November: Continue planting garlic and onions. Sow spinach and kale; they’ll often survive the winter for an early spring harvest. This is the ideal time to plant trees, shrubs, and perennials, as the warm soil encourages root growth.

Winter (December – January)

Winter is for planning and protecting. In South Georgia, you might still harvest collards and kale. In all regions, it’s time to order seeds, repair tools, and prepare garden beds for spring.

Georgia Planting Tips by Region

Let’s break it down a bit more for where you live.

North Georgia (USDA Zones 7a-7b)

You have a shorter season but can grow wonderful apples and berries. Be vigilant about frost dates. Use season extenders like cold frames to get a head start in spring and protect crops later in fall. Summer heat is still strong, but doesn’t last as long.

Central/Piedmont Georgia (USDA Zones 7b-8a)

This is a sweet spot with a long, productive season. You can grow a bit of everything. Pay close attention to soil temperature in spring; don’t rush warm-season crops into cool soil. Succession planting is very effective here.

South & Coastal Georgia (USDA Zones 8b-9a)

Your challenge is often summer heat, not winter cold. Focus on heat-resistant varieties. You can grow crops like citrus and figs that others can’t. Fall and winter gardening is extremely productive. You may need to provide some shade for summer vegetables.

Step-by-Step: Planning Your Garden Season

Find Your Frost Dates: Note your average last spring frost and first fall frost. Your local county extension office is the best resource for this.
Make a Planting List: Write down what you want to grow. Check seed packets for “days to maturity” and note if they are cool-season or warm-season plants.
Work Backwards: For transplants (like tomatoes), subtract the “days to maturity” from your first fall frost date to find your last planting date. For a fall crop, you might need to start seeds in mid-summer.
Create a Calendar: Mark your seed-starting dates, transplant dates, and direct-sowing dates month by month. A simple spreadsheet or garden planner works great.
Prepare Your Soil: Before each planting, add compost or well-rotted manure to your beds. Good soil is the foundation of healthy plants.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Planting Too Early: Impatience is a gardener’s biggest enemy. Warm soil is more important than a warm air temperature for seeds like beans and squash.
Ignoring Soil Temperature: A cheap soil thermometer is a wise investment. Cool-season crops germinate in soil as cool as 40°F, while warm-season crops need it to be at least 60–70°F.
Not Rotating Crops: Try not to plant the same family of vegetables (like tomatoes, peppers, eggplant) in the exact same spot year after year. This helps prevent pest and disease buildup.
Forgetting to Mulch: A layer of mulch conserves water, suppresses weeds, and moderates soil temperature. It’s especailly helpful during our hot summers.

FAQ: Your Georgia Planting Questions Answered

What is the best month to start a garden in Georgia?

For a spring/summer garden, start seeds indoors in February or March. For direct outdoor planting, April is generally the safest bet after the last frost for most of the state.

Can you grow vegetables year-round in Georgia?

In much of Georgia, yes! With careful planning and using cold-tolerant crops, you can harvest something fresh every month of the year, especially in Central and South Georgia.

When should I plant tomatoes in Georgia?

Start tomato seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last frost date. Transplant seedlings into the garden about 1-2 weeks after your last expected frost, when nights are consistently above 50°F.

What can I plant in August in Georgia?

August is for fall gardening. Plant seeds for broccoli, cabbage, carrots, beets, collards, kale, and turnips. It’s also a good time to plant a final round of summer squash.

How do I protect plants from a late frost?

Keep old sheets, frost cloth, or even cardboard boxes handy. Cover tender plants before nightfall when a frost is forcasted. Uncover them in the morning once the temperature rises.

Following Georgia’s ideal planting schedule takes the guesswork out of gardening. By syncing your planting with the natural rhythms of our state’s climate, you give your plants the best possible start. Keep a garden journal each year, note what worked and what didn’t, and soon you’ll have a personalized schedule that makes your garden thrive.