Growing Hydrangeas in Georgia: Types, Color and Winter
In Georgia, hydrangeas go in the ground either in early spring once the last frost risk has passed, or in early fall while soil is still warm enough for…
Gardening in Georgia
Everything we have worked out for Georgia: what to plant and when, which varieties finish in time, the pests that actually turn up here, and the jobs that pay off month by month. We also cover the rest of the property, from lawns and soil to home care and energy, because a garden rarely stops at the vegetable bed.
The numbers first, because everything else follows from them. Measured at the weather station in Atlanta, the last spring freeze runs March 11 to March 29 and the first fall freeze runs November 13 to December 1, USDA zones 6a-9b, 5,477 growing degree days in the year.
Garlic does well: 13 weeks below 40 °F, comfortably past the six it needs to form a proper head.
Elsewhere on the property in Georgia: the pests that turn up here.
Figures from NOAA's 1991-2020 climate normals. A state is not one climate: elevation, a large lake or the coast can move these dates by two weeks either way, so check your own county with the extension service before you spend money.
Roof Snow Load, Wind Speed and Ice Barrier Rules in Georgia
Georgia’s design ground snow load, wind speed and ice barrier rules come from ASCE 7-16 and the state’s own residential code, not a single statewide number.
When to Start Pepper Seed in Georgia
Start pepper seed indoors 8 to 10 weeks before you plan to transplant, and don’t transplant until both the frost risk has passed and the soil has warmed…
When to Overseed a Lawn in Georgia
The short answer: sow cool-season grass (tall fescue) between mid-September and mid-October, counting back from your local first fall freeze.
How High to Mow a Lawn in Georgia
Tall fescue, bluegrass and ryegrass need one mowing height in Georgia; zoysiagrass and bermudagrass need a much shorter cut.
What Eats Pepper in Georgia, and When
Georgia’s UGA Cooperative Extension documents ten insect pests on the vegetable list for this state, but only a handful actually feed on pepper.
What Eats Spinach in Georgia, and When
Georgia gardeners dealing with damaged spinach are usually looking at one of three insects: aphids, cutworms, or spider mites.
What Eats Onion in Georgia, and When
Georgia gardeners dealing with onion problems are working with a short list. UGA Cooperative Extension tracks only three insects on this crop with any…
What Eats Corn in Georgia, and When
Four insects cause nearly all the documented corn damage in Georgia gardens: corn earworm, aphids, cutworms, and spider mites.
What Eats Pumpkin in Georgia, and When
Georgia gardeners raising pumpkins face a short, specific list of insects, not a vague general worry.