When to Plant in Marietta, GA

Marietta, Georgia, experiences a median last spring frost date of April 4 and a median first fall frost date of November 5, providing gardeners with 215 frost-free days each year. This extended growing season allows for a diverse range of plants to thrive and flourish, making it an ideal location for both novice and experienced gardeners who wish to cultivate a thriving garden throughout several seasons.

The city is characterized by a humid subtropical climate, which features long, humid summers. This environment is particularly conducive to growing warm-season crops like tomatoes, peppers, and squash, which flourish in the heat. However, crops that prefer cooler climates, such as broccoli and peas, may struggle due to the high humidity and temperatures that persist throughout the summer months.

What to plant now in Marietta

As winter transitions to spring, plant cool-season crops like spinach and lettuce from late February to early March to ensure a bountiful harvest before the last frost on April 4.
With the last frost on April 4, it’s time to plant warm-season crops like tomatoes and peppers outdoors between mid-April and early May, taking advantage of the frost-free days ahead.
During summer, focus on planting succession crops such as beans and zucchini from late May through June. These crops thrive in the heat and will produce abundantly during the longest days.
As fall approaches, sow crops like radishes and turnips from late September to mid-October, allowing ample time for growth before the first fall frost on November 5.

In Marietta (215 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 Marietta

Month	What to do
January	In January, prepare for the spring by planning your garden layout and ordering seeds. Consider starting some perennial seeds indoors to get a head start on the growing season.
February	As temperatures slowly rise, begin to sow cool-season crops indoors. From late February, you can plant seedlings of vegetables such as peas and spinach in an outdoor garden, taking advantage of any warmer days.
March	March is an important month for gardening in Marietta. Begin sowing cool-season crops directly in the garden, including lettuce and radishes, ensuring you’re ready for the last frost date on April 4.
April	April marks the transition from cool to warm-season gardening. Before the last frost on April 4, continue to care for your cool-season crops and prepare the soil for warm-season varieties to be planted after this date.
May	After the frost-free window begins in mid-April, it’s essential to plant warm-season crops like tomatoes and corn throughout May. Ensure appropriate moisture and nutrient levels in the soil for optimal growth.
June	In June, maximize yields by planting successional crops such as beans and summer squash. Water regularly to combat the high humidity typical of Marietta’s summer and protect crops from potential heat stress.
July	July is characterized by the peak of summer heat in Marietta. Maintain consistent watering routines and consider adding mulch around your plants to retain moisture and reduce weed competition.
August	During August, monitor heat stress on your plants and provide shade if necessary. Start thinking about fall planting by preparing garden space and considering which crops to plant for a later harvest.
September	As September arrives, it’s time to sow fall crops like kale and radishes. These crops benefit from the milder temperatures that start to arise, giving them favorable conditions as the season cools.
October	October marks a crucial time to harvest your late-season crops and prepare for the impending frost. Ensure you finish planting any fall crops by mid-October to beat the first frost date of November 5.
November	In November, with the first fall frost on November 5, it's crucial to wrap up harvesting remaining crops before the chill sets in. Clear away any dead or dying plants to prepare for winter.
December	December is a month for gardening downtime in Marietta. Use this period to plan for the coming year, review your successes and challenges, and begin preparing seed orders for the spring.

Frost dates for Marietta ZIP codes

ZIP	Last spring frost (50%)	First fall frost (50%)	Zone
30062	April 4	November 5	8a
30066	April 10	October 24	8a
30060	April 4	November 5	8a

FAQ

When is the last frost in Marietta?

The last frost in Marietta typically occurs on April 4. This date is important as it marks the end of winter and allows gardeners to plant their warm-season crops.

What vegetables grow best in Marietta?

Tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers are some of the best vegetables to grow in Marietta’s humid subtropical environment, thriving in the extended warm conditions.

When should I plant tomatoes in Marietta?

You should plant tomatoes outdoors from mid-April to early May, just after the last frost date of April 4, to ensure optimal growth during the warm months.

Can I garden year-round in Marietta?

Yes, the climate in Marietta allows for year-round gardening, especially for short-season crops in the cooler months and warm-season crops in the summer.

How does Plan My Garden help Marietta gardeners?

Plan My Garden offers tailored guidance based on local frost dates, climate conditions, and crop suitability to help Marietta gardeners plan their planting schedules effectively.