When to Plant in Atlanta, GA

Atlanta sits in the Georgia Piedmont — Zone 7b/8a with a typical last frost around March 29. The metro area's urban heat island gives city gardeners a slightly longer season than surrounding suburban and rural areas.

Atlanta's climate offers excellent spring and fall growing windows with hot, humid summers that challenge some crops. The fall garden from August through November is outstanding, and Atlanta's mild winters support cool-season crops with minimal protection.

This month in Atlanta: November 2026

Atlanta's first frost usually comes around November 6, often a bit later inside the Perimeter than in the northern suburbs. Pick the last tomatoes and peppers ahead of it, green ones included.

The fall garden doesn't stop for the first frost. Kale, collards, cabbage, broccoli, and carrots keep growing all month. Cover the lettuce and spinach on the cold nights, and pull the cover off in the morning.

November is garlic month in Atlanta. Plant cloves through the middle of the month, and onion transplants can go in late November too. Shredded leaves make a good winter cover for any bed you're not using.

Updated November 3, 2026

What to plant now in Atlanta

Spring: After March 29 last frost — tomatoes, peppers, squash, beans, and cucumbers.
Early Spring (Feb–Mar): Cool-season crops — lettuce, peas, spinach, broccoli before last frost.
Fall: Often the best season — broccoli, kale, lettuce, carrots, and spinach.
Winter: Cool-season crops with light protection. Garlic overwintering.

In Atlanta (222 frost-free days, a long season), 30 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 25 get two plantings, 1 crop is perennial.

Month by month in Atlanta

Month	What to do
January	Start tomato and pepper seeds indoors. Plant cold-hardy greens outdoors.
February	Direct sow spinach and lettuce. Start brassica transplants.
March	After March 29 last frost — transplant tomatoes and peppers. Plant beans and squash.
April	Full spring garden. Plant cucumbers and corn.
May	Summer heat building. Plant okra.
June	Summer. Maintain warm-season crops.
July	Start fall seedlings indoors. Harvest summer crops.
August	Plant fall broccoli, kale, and cauliflower. Direct sow carrots.
September	Fall planting: lettuce, spinach, radishes.
October	Plant garlic. Continue fall planting.
November	Harvest fall crops. Cool-season garden in peak.
December	Harvest winter greens. Plan next year.

Frost dates for Atlanta ZIP codes

ZIP	Last spring frost (50%)	First fall frost (50%)	Zone
30349	March 29	November 6	8a
30318	April 4	November 5	8a
30338	April 4	November 5	8a
30339	April 4	November 5	8a
30316	March 28	November 11	8a
30324	April 4	November 5	8a
30317	March 28	November 11	8a
30303	March 29	November 6	8a

FAQ

When is the last frost date in Atlanta, GA?

Atlanta's average last frost date is around March 29. The urban heat island means city gardeners often plant 1–2 weeks earlier than suburban areas.

What grows best in Atlanta?

Tomatoes, peppers, squash, and beans thrive in spring. Fall is outstanding for broccoli, kale, lettuce, carrots, and spinach — often better than spring due to fewer pests.

When should I plant tomatoes in Atlanta?

Start seeds indoors in late January. Transplant outdoors after March 29. Atlanta's earlier last frost gives you a head start over other Georgia cities.

How is Atlanta gardening different from other Georgia cities?

Atlanta's Piedmont location makes it cooler than coastal Georgia but warmer than the mountains. The urban heat island also warms the city center compared to suburban areas.

How does Plan My Garden help Atlanta gardeners?

Enter your Atlanta zip code for exact planting dates tuned to the Georgia Piedmont's growing calendar.