When To Plant Tomatoes In Georgia

If you’re planning your garden in the Peach State, knowing when to plant tomatoes in Georgia is the key to a succesful harvest. Getting the timing right means your plants will thrive in our unique climate, avoiding late frosts and beating the worst of the summer heat.

This guide will walk you through the optimal dates for your specific area, from the mountains to the coast. We’ll cover how to prepare your soil, choose the best varieties, and protect your young plants so you can enjoy homegrown tomatoes all season long.

Georgia’s long growing season is a big advantage, but our weather varies widely. The ideal planting time depends heavily on whether you live in North Georgia, Middle Georgia, or South Georgia.

As a general rule, you can start planting tomatoes outdoors after the last average spring frost date for your location. The soil should be warm to the touch, not cold and soggy.

Key Dates by Region

North Georgia (Mountains & Upper Piedmont): Your last frost is typically around mid-April. Aim to transplant seedlings into the garden between April 20th and May 10th. Starting seeds indoors should begin 6-8 weeks before this, around late February to early March.
Middle Georgia (Piedmont & Metro Atlanta): The last frost usually occurs by early April. The prime window for planting is April 1st to April 20th. Start your seeds indoors in mid-February.
South Georgia (Coastal Plain & Coast): You have the earliest last frost, often in late March. You can safely plant from March 20th to April 10th. Begin seeds indoors in early February.

For a fall crop, which is excellent in much of Georgia, count backwards from your first average fall frost date. Plant new seedlings or suckers from spring plants about 8-10 weeks before that first frost is expected.

Why Timing is Everything

Planting too early risks a late frost killing your tender seedlings. Cold soil also stunts root growth and can leave plants vulnerable to disease.

Planting too late, however, means your tomatoes will be trying to set fruit during the peak summer heat. When night temperatures stay above 75°F, pollen can become sterile and blossom drop occurs. This leads to a frustrating pause in production.

Using the Soil Temperature Test

Before you plant, check your soil temperature with a simple thermometer. Insert it about 4 inches deep in the morning. Tomatoes need soil that is consistently at least 60°F for good root development. 65-70°F is even better for rapid growth.

Preparing for Planting Success

Great timing won’t matter if your garden isn’t ready. Proper preparation makes all the difference for healthy, productive plants.

Choosing Your Tomato Varieties

Select types known to perform well in Georgia’s heat and humidity. Look for disease resistance codes (like VFN) on plant tags.

Determinate (Bush): These produce a large, all-at-once harvest and are great for canning. Examples: ‘Celebrity’, ‘Roma’, ‘Amelia’.
Indeterminate (Vining): These produce fruit continuously until frost and require staking. Examples: ‘Better Boy’, ‘Cherokee Purple’, ‘Sun Gold’ cherry tomatoes.
Heat-Set Varieties: Specifically bred for Southern summers. Look for ‘Heatmaster’, ‘Solar Fire’, or ‘Phoenix’.

Site and Soil Preparation

Tomatoes demand full sun—at least 8 hours of direct light per day. Good air circulation helps prevent foliar diseases.

Amend your soil with plenty of organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure a few weeks before planting. This improves drainage and fertility. A soil test from your local UGA Extension office is the best way to know exactly what your soil needs; they provide specific recomendations.

Step-by-Step Planting

Harden Off Seedlings: If you started plants indoors or bought them from a greenhouse, acclimate them to outdoor conditions over 7-10 days. Start with a few hours of shade and shelter, gradually increasing their time outside.
Dig Deep Holes: Tomato plants benefit from being planted deeply. Bury up to two-thirds of the stem. The buried stem will grow additional roots, creating a stronger plant.
Amend the Hole: Mix a handful of balanced, slow-release organic fertilizer into the soil at the bottom of the hole. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which promote leaves over fruit.
Plant and Water: Place your seedling in the hole, fill with soil, and gently firm it. Water thoroughly to settle the soil and eliminate air pockets.
Add Support: Install cages or stakes right after planting to avoid damaging roots later. This keeps fruit clean and improves air flow.
Mulch Generously: Apply 2-3 inches of straw, pine straw, or shredded leaves around the base. Mulch conserves moisture, suppresses weeds, and keeps soil temperatures more even.

Protecting Your Young Plants

Even with perfect timing, Georgia spring weather can be unpredictable. Have a plan to shield your investment from late cold snaps.

Frost Cloths or Row Covers: Keep these handy to drape over plants on nights where a frost is forcasted. Remember to remove them during the day.
Wall of Water or Cloches: These create a mini-greenhouse effect and are excellent for getting plants in the ground a week or two earlier.
Water Jugs: A simple trick is to place gallon milk jugs (with the bottom cut out) over seedlings at night for insulation.

Managing Georgia’s Summer Heat

Once summer arrives, consistent watering is non-negotiable. Tomatoes need 1-2 inches of water per week, delivered deeply at the soil level. Soaker hoses or drip irrigation are ideal to keep leaves dry and prevent disease.

During extreme heatwaves, a 30-50% shade cloth suspended above the plants during the hottest part of the afternoon can reduce stress and prevent sunscald on the fruit.

FAQs: Georgia Tomato Planting

Can I plant tomatoes in July in Georgia?

Yes, but only for a fall harvest. In late July to early August, you can plant a second crop of fast-maturing or heat-tolerant determinate varieties. This timing allows them to produce fruit as the cooler fall weather arrives.

What is the best month to plant tomatoes in Georgia?

For a spring/summer harvest, April is the best overall month to plant tomatoes across most of Georgia. North Georgia gardeners should lean toward late April, while South Georgia gardeners can start in early April.

How early is too early to plant tomatoes?

Planting before your area’s last average frost date is risky. If soil temperature is below 55°F, it’s definitly too early. Chilled plants will suffer and may never fully recover, even if they survive.

Should I use transplants or direct sow seeds?

Using transplants (seedlings) is strongly recommended. Our growing season is long, but starting with a 6-8 week old plant gives you a critical head start on pests and heat. Direct sowing seeds outdoors will delay your harvest significantly.

What are common tomato planting mistakes in Georgia?

Planting in poorly drained soil.
Crowding plants too close together.
Over-fertilizing with nitrogen.
Inconsistent watering, which leads to blossom end rot.
Not rotating where you plant tomatoes each year to prevent soil-borne diseases.

By following these regional guidelines and preparing your garden properly, you’ll set your tomato plants up for a productive season. Paying attention to soil warmth and weather patterns is just as important as the calender date. With a little planning, you’ll be harvesting ripe, flavorful tomatoes from your own backyard all summer and into the fall.