Candler-McAfee, GA planting zone & frost dates
Candler-McAfee is in USDA hardiness zone 8a. The last spring frost usually comes around March 25 and the first fall frost around November 9, for a growing season of about 228 days.
Planting calendar for Candler-McAfee
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (March 25) 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 28 – Feb 11 Transplant outdoors: Apr 1 – Apr 8 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Jan 14 – Jan 28 Transplant outdoors: Apr 8 – Apr 15 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Jan 14 – Jan 28 Transplant outdoors: Apr 8 – Apr 15 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Jan 14 – Jan 28 Transplant outdoors: Feb 25 – Mar 11 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Jan 14 – Jan 28 Transplant outdoors: Feb 25 – Mar 11 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Feb 25 – Mar 11 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Feb 11 – Feb 25 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Feb 11 – Feb 25 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Feb 25 – Mar 11 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Feb 25 – Mar 11 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Feb 25 – Mar 11 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Apr 1 – Apr 8 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Apr 1 – Apr 8 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Apr 1 – Apr 8 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Apr 1 – Apr 8 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Feb 11 – Feb 25 Transplant outdoors: Apr 1 – Apr 8 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Sep 14 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Nov 9).
Useful for zone 8a 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 5 | Mar 25 | Apr 12 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Nov 27 | Nov 9 | Oct 26 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after April 12, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before October 26. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around March 12.
Nearby cities
- Belvedere Park zone 8a, last frost Mar 25
- Decatur zone 8a, last frost Mar 25
- Scottdale zone 8a, last frost Mar 25
- North Decatur zone 8a, last frost Mar 25
- Druid Hills zone 8a, last frost Mar 25
- Clarkston zone 8a, last frost Mar 25
- North Druid Hills zone 8a, last frost Mar 25
- Atlanta zone 8a, last frost Mar 24
Questions
What growing zone is Candler-McAfee, GA?
Candler-McAfee is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 8a (average extreme winter low 10°F to 15°F), according to the USDA 2023 map.
When is the last frost in Candler-McAfee?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Candler-McAfee is March 25. There is still a 10% chance of frost until April 12.
When can I plant tomatoes in Candler-McAfee?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Apr 1 – Apr 8. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Atlanta Peachtree Ap, GA (USW00053863), 16.7 km (10.4 mi) from the city center, elevation 305 m, based on 20 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.