St. Marys, GA planting zone & frost dates
St. Marys is in USDA hardiness zone 9a. The last spring frost usually comes around February 2 and the first fall frost around January 4, for a growing season of about 333 days.
Planting calendar for St. Marys
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (February 2) 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: Dec 8 – Dec 22 Transplant outdoors: Feb 9 – Feb 16 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Nov 24 – Dec 8 Transplant outdoors: Feb 16 – Feb 23 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Nov 24 – Dec 8 Transplant outdoors: Feb 16 – Feb 23 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Nov 24 – Dec 8 Transplant outdoors: Jan 5 – Jan 19 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Nov 24 – Dec 8 Transplant outdoors: Jan 5 – Jan 19 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Jan 5 – Jan 19 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Dec 22 – Jan 5 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Dec 22 – Jan 5 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Jan 5 – Jan 19 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Jan 5 – Jan 19 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Jan 5 – Jan 19 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Feb 9 – Feb 16 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Feb 9 – Feb 16 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Feb 9 – Feb 16 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Feb 9 – Feb 16 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Dec 22 – Jan 5 Transplant outdoors: Feb 9 – Feb 16 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Nov 9 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Jan 4).
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
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Frost risk in detail
| 90% chance | 50% chance | 10% chance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last 32°F frost in spring is after | Jan 2 | Feb 2 | Mar 1 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Feb 3 | Jan 4 | Dec 10 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after March 1, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before December 10. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around January 26.
Nearby cities
- Kingsland zone 9a, last frost Mar 14
- Brunswick zone 9a, last frost Feb 8
- Saint Simons Island zone 9a, last frost Feb 9
- Saint Simon Mills zone 9a, last frost Feb 9
- Waycross zone 9a, last frost Mar 15
- Hinesville zone 9a, last frost Mar 5
- Richmond Hill zone 9a, last frost Mar 2
- Georgetown zone 9a, last frost Mar 2
Questions
What growing zone is St. Marys, GA?
St. Marys is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 9a (average extreme winter low 20°F to 25°F), according to the USDA 2023 map.
When is the last frost in St. Marys?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in St. Marys is February 2. There is still a 10% chance of frost until March 1.
When can I plant tomatoes in St. Marys?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Feb 9 – Feb 16. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Fernandina Beach, FL (USC00082944), 11.4 km (7.1 mi) from the city center, elevation 15 m, based on 10 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.