Albany, GA planting zone & frost dates
Albany is in USDA hardiness zone 9a. The last spring frost usually comes around March 10 and the first fall frost around November 20, for a growing season of about 257 days.
Planting calendar for Albany
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (March 10) using the typical timing recommended by U.S. extension services. Warm-season crops go out only after the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed.
| Crop | When |
|---|---|
| Tomatoes | Start seeds indoors: Jan 13 – Jan 27 Transplant outdoors: Mar 17 – Mar 24 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Dec 30 – Jan 13 Transplant outdoors: Mar 24 – Mar 31 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Dec 30 – Jan 13 Transplant outdoors: Mar 24 – Mar 31 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Dec 30 – Jan 13 Transplant outdoors: Feb 10 – Feb 24 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Dec 30 – Jan 13 Transplant outdoors: Feb 10 – Feb 24 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Feb 10 – Feb 24 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Jan 27 – Feb 10 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Jan 27 – Feb 10 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Feb 10 – Feb 24 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Feb 10 – Feb 24 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Feb 10 – Feb 24 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Mar 17 – Mar 24 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Mar 17 – Mar 24 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Mar 17 – Mar 24 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Mar 17 – Mar 24 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Jan 27 – Feb 10 Transplant outdoors: Mar 17 – Mar 24 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Sep 25 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Nov 20).
Useful for zone 9a gardens
- Seed starting kit with dome — to start seeds indoors before the last frost
- LED grow light for seedlings — stops leggy seedlings
- Frost cloth / plant covers — for late spring and early fall frosts
- Soil thermometer — warm-season crops need soil above 60°F
- Shade cloth — for hot summers
As an Amazon Associate, FrostZoneMap earns from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.
Frost risk in detail
| 90% chance | 50% chance | 10% chance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last 32°F frost in spring is after | Feb 13 | Mar 10 | Mar 30 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Dec 12 | Nov 20 | Nov 5 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after March 30, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before November 5. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around February 21.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Albany
- 31701 zone 9a
- 31702 zone 9a
- 31703 zone 9a
- 31704 zone 9a
- 31705 zone 9a
- 31706 zone 9a
- 31707 zone 8b
- 31708 zone 8b
- 31721 zone 8b
Nearby cities
- Americus zone 8b, last frost Mar 20
- Cordele zone 8b, last frost Mar 13
- Moultrie zone 9a, last frost Mar 6
- Tifton zone 9a, last frost Mar 11
- Thomasville zone 9a, last frost Mar 11
- Bainbridge zone 9a, last frost Mar 14
- Cusseta zone 8b, last frost Mar 26
- Perry zone 8b, last frost Mar 11
Questions
What growing zone is Albany, GA?
Albany is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 9a (average extreme winter low 20°F to 25°F), according to the USDA 2023 map. Some ZIP codes of the city fall in zone 8b.
When is the last frost in Albany?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Albany is March 10. There is still a 10% chance of frost until March 30.
When can I plant tomatoes in Albany?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Mar 17 – Mar 24. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Albany 3 Se, GA (USC00090140), 5.0 km (3.1 mi) from the city center, elevation 55 m, based on 29 years of records. Hardiness zone: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map 2023 for the ZIP code nearest to the city center. Microclimates (valleys, hills, cities, coasts) can be warmer or colder: check the local forecast before planting. How we calculate the data.