Root Vegetable

When to Plant Potatoes in Georgia

Incredibly satisfying to grow. There's nothing quite like digging up your own potatoes — it's like buried treasure.

The Short Answer

Georgia is a significant potato-producing state — the sandy soils of south-central Georgia grow early-season potatoes that reach markets before northern states have planted. Home gardeners statewide can grow potatoes as a cool-season crop.

Georgia Frost Dates

Your planting dates depend on which part of Georgia you're in. Here are the frost date ranges by region:

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
North Georgia Mountains 6b, 7a Apr 5 - Apr 20 Oct 10 - Oct 25
Central Georgia 7b, 8a Mar 15 - Apr 1 Nov 1 - Nov 15
South Georgia 8a, 8b, 9a Feb 28 - Mar 15 Nov 10 - Nov 25

Potatoes Planting Schedule for Georgia

North Georgia Mountains (Zones 6b, 7a)

Average last frost: Apr 5 - Apr 20 · Average first frost: Oct 10 - Oct 25

Direct Sow
2 wks before frost

Central Georgia (Zones 7b, 8a)

Average last frost: Mar 15 - Apr 1 · Average first frost: Nov 1 - Nov 15

Direct Sow
2 wks before frost

South Georgia (Zones 8a, 8b, 9a)

Average last frost: Feb 28 - Mar 15 · Average first frost: Nov 10 - Nov 25

Direct Sow
2 wks before frost

Growing Potatoes in Georgia

State-Specific Growing Tips

Mountains: plant from mid-March. Piedmont: plant from late February to early March. South Georgia: plant from mid-February. Georgia's long frost-free season in the south means potatoes can develop without the frost damage risk that northern growers face. In Piedmont clay, hill heavily with compost-amended soil. South Georgia's sandy soils grow potatoes naturally well. Harvest when foliage dies back — typically May to early June.

Recommended Varieties for Georgia

Red LaSoda for heat tolerance. Kennebec for baking. Yukon Gold for all-purpose. UGA Extension provides variety recommendations. Certified seed potatoes are essential — don't plant grocery store potatoes.

Common Challenges in Georgia

Late blight during wet springs. Colorado potato beetle. Southern blight can attack potato stems at soil line. Nematodes in south Georgia's sandy soils.

Growing Tips

Plant seed potatoes (not grocery store potatoes) 2-3 weeks before last frost. Hill soil around stems as they grow to increase yield.

Companion Planting

Plant potatoes alongside these companions for better growth:

Beans Corn Cabbage Marigolds

Keep potatoes away from:

Tomatoes Squash Sunflowers

The Bottom Line

Potatoes can be grown successfully in Georgia with proper attention to regional frost dates and local growing conditions. Timing varies across the state — North Georgia Mountains gardeners work with a last frost around Apr 5 - Apr 20, while South Georgia sees frost end around Feb 28 - Mar 15. Choose varieties suited to your region, amend your soil based on its specific needs, and monitor for the pests and diseases most common in your area. For exact dates based on your zip code, use our free planting date finder.

Related Guides

Potatoes Growing Guide National planting guide with all states Georgia Planting Calendar All plants for Georgia Potatoes in Alabama Alabama planting dates Potatoes in Alaska Alaska planting dates Potatoes in Arizona Arizona planting dates Potatoes in Arkansas Arkansas planting dates
Note: All dates are based on NOAA 30-year Climate Normals and represent historical averages, not predictions for any specific year. Always check your local weather forecast before planting frost-sensitive crops. Learn about our data sources.

Last reviewed: March 29, 2026

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