Valdosta, GA planting zone & frost dates
Valdosta is in USDA hardiness zone 9a. The last spring frost usually comes around March 5 and the first fall frost around November 27, for a growing season of about 267 days.
Planting calendar for Valdosta
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (March 5) 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 8 – Jan 22 Transplant outdoors: Mar 12 – Mar 19 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Dec 25 – Jan 8 Transplant outdoors: Mar 19 – Mar 26 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Dec 25 – Jan 8 Transplant outdoors: Mar 19 – Mar 26 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Dec 25 – Jan 8 Transplant outdoors: Feb 5 – Feb 19 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Dec 25 – Jan 8 Transplant outdoors: Feb 5 – Feb 19 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Feb 5 – Feb 19 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Jan 22 – Feb 5 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Jan 22 – Feb 5 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Feb 5 – Feb 19 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Feb 5 – Feb 19 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Feb 5 – Feb 19 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Mar 12 – Mar 19 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Mar 12 – Mar 19 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Mar 12 – Mar 19 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Mar 12 – Mar 19 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Jan 22 – Feb 5 Transplant outdoors: Mar 12 – Mar 19 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Oct 2 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Nov 27).
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 | Feb 9 | Mar 5 | Mar 23 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Dec 21 | Nov 27 | Nov 9 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after March 23, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before November 9. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around February 16.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Valdosta
- 31601 zone 9a
- 31602 zone 9a
- 31603 zone 9a
- 31604 zone 9a
- 31605 zone 9a
- 31606 zone 9a
- 31698 zone 9a
Nearby cities
- Moultrie zone 9a, last frost Mar 6
- Tifton zone 9a, last frost Mar 11
- Thomasville zone 9a, last frost Mar 11
- Douglas zone 9a, last frost Mar 5
- Waycross zone 9a, last frost Mar 15
- Albany zone 9a, last frost Mar 10
- Cordele zone 8b, last frost Mar 13
- Bainbridge zone 9a, last frost Mar 14
Questions
What growing zone is Valdosta, GA?
Valdosta 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 Valdosta?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Valdosta is March 5. There is still a 10% chance of frost until March 23.
When can I plant tomatoes in Valdosta?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Mar 12 – Mar 19. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Valdosta 2 S, GA (USC00098974), 3.2 km (2.0 mi) from the city center, elevation 81 m, based on 13 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.