Warm-Season Vegetable

When to Plant Tomatoes in Georgia

America's favorite garden vegetable (technically a fruit). Nothing beats a sun-warmed tomato straight off the vine.

The Short Answer

Georgia sits at a sweet spot for tomato growing — long enough seasons for big heirloom varieties, warm enough for excellent fruit set, but with enough winter to break pest and disease cycles. The state's three distinct growing regions (mountains, Piedmont, and coastal plain) offer different timelines and challenges. Atlanta-area gardeners in the Piedmont have arguably one of the best tomato-growing climates in the eastern United States.

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

Tomatoes Planting Schedule for Georgia

North Georgia Mountains (Zones 6b, 7a)

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

Start Seeds Indoors
6 wks before frost
Transplant Outside
2 wks after frost
Direct Sow
2 wks after frost

Central Georgia (Zones 7b, 8a)

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

Start Seeds Indoors
6 wks before frost
Transplant Outside
2 wks after frost
Direct Sow
2 wks after frost

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

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

Start Seeds Indoors
6 wks before frost
Transplant Outside
2 wks after frost
Direct Sow
2 wks after frost

Growing Tomatoes in Georgia

State-Specific Growing Tips

In north Georgia mountains (Zones 6b-7a), transplant around mid-April after reliable frost has passed. The Piedmont and Atlanta metro (Zone 7b-8a) can safely transplant by late March to early April. South Georgia and the coastal plain (Zone 8a-8b) can push transplanting into early to mid-March. Georgia's Piedmont red clay is nutrient-rich but drains poorly and compacts easily. Raised beds or heavily amended in-ground beds are the standard approach. Add lime if a soil test shows low pH — Georgia's soils tend toward acidic. The University of Georgia Extension offers free soil testing that's worth every penny of free.

Recommended Varieties for Georgia

Better Boy is Georgia's workhorse tomato — reliable, productive, and disease-resistant. Celebrity and Mountain Merit handle Georgia's humidity well. For heirlooms, Cherokee Purple (which originated in Tennessee, just across the border) does beautifully in Georgia's Piedmont. Georgia gardeners have luck with Mortgage Lifter and Beefsteak in the longer-season southern regions. In the mountains, early varieties provide insurance against the shorter season.

Common Challenges in Georgia

Southern blight (Sclerotium rolfsii) is a devastating soil-borne disease in Georgia's warm, humid conditions — it kills plants at the soil line seemingly overnight. Rotate tomato locations every year and never plant where southern blight has occurred for at least 3 years. Stink bugs and leaf-footed bugs are major fruit pests statewide. The summer heat can cause blossom drop during July's peak temperatures, especially in south Georgia — plant early enough that your main harvest beats the worst heat.

Growing Tips

Pinch off suckers for indeterminate varieties. Stake or cage for best results. Water at the base, not overhead, to prevent blight.

Companion Planting

Plant tomatoes alongside these companions for better growth:

Basil Carrots Peppers Marigolds

Keep tomatoes away from:

Brassicas Fennel Dill

The Bottom Line

Tomatoes 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

Tomatoes Growing Guide National planting guide with all states Georgia Planting Calendar All plants for Georgia Tomatoes in Alabama Alabama planting dates Tomatoes in Alaska Alaska planting dates Tomatoes in Arizona Arizona planting dates Tomatoes 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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