Athens, GA planting zone & frost dates
Athens is in USDA hardiness zone 8b. The last spring frost usually comes around March 23 and the first fall frost around November 10, for a growing season of about 232 days.
Planting calendar for Athens
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (March 23) 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 26 – Feb 9 Transplant outdoors: Mar 30 – Apr 6 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Jan 12 – Jan 26 Transplant outdoors: Apr 6 – Apr 13 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Jan 12 – Jan 26 Transplant outdoors: Apr 6 – Apr 13 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Jan 12 – Jan 26 Transplant outdoors: Feb 23 – Mar 9 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Jan 12 – Jan 26 Transplant outdoors: Feb 23 – Mar 9 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Feb 23 – Mar 9 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Feb 9 – Feb 23 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Feb 9 – Feb 23 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Feb 23 – Mar 9 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Feb 23 – Mar 9 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Feb 23 – Mar 9 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Mar 30 – Apr 6 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Mar 30 – Apr 6 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Mar 30 – Apr 6 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Mar 30 – Apr 6 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Feb 9 – Feb 23 Transplant outdoors: Mar 30 – Apr 6 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Sep 15 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Nov 10).
Useful for zone 8b 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
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Frost risk in detail
| 90% chance | 50% chance | 10% chance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last 32°F frost in spring is after | Mar 2 | Mar 23 | Apr 10 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Nov 27 | Nov 10 | Oct 28 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after April 10, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before October 28. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around March 9.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Athens
- 30601 zone 8b
- 30602 zone 8b
- 30603 zone 8b
- 30604 zone 8a
- 30605 zone 8a
- 30606 zone 8a
- 30607 zone 8b
- 30608 zone 8b
- 30609 zone 8a
- 30612 zone 8b
Nearby cities
- Jefferson zone 8b, last frost Mar 31
- Winder zone 8b, last frost Apr 3
- Monroe zone 8b, last frost Apr 3
- Loganville zone 8a, last frost Apr 3
- Gainesville zone 8a, last frost Mar 20
- Covington zone 8b, last frost Mar 22
- Lawrenceville zone 8a, last frost Apr 3
- Buford zone 8a, last frost Apr 4
Questions
What growing zone is Athens, GA?
Athens is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 8b (average extreme winter low 15°F to 20°F), according to the USDA 2023 map. Some ZIP codes of the city fall in zone 8a.
When is the last frost in Athens?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Athens is March 23. There is still a 10% chance of frost until April 10.
When can I plant tomatoes in Athens?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Mar 30 – Apr 6. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Athens Ben Epps Ap, GA (USW00013873), 4.9 km (3.0 mi) from the city center, elevation 239 m, based on 30 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.