Macon, GA planting zone & frost dates
Macon is in USDA hardiness zone 8b. The last spring frost usually comes around March 21 and the first fall frost around November 10, for a growing season of about 235 days.
Planting calendar for Macon
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (March 21) using the typical timing recommended by U.S. extension services. Warm-season crops go out only after the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed.
| Crop | When |
|---|---|
| Tomatoes | Start seeds indoors: Jan 24 – Feb 7 Transplant outdoors: Mar 28 – Apr 4 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Jan 10 – Jan 24 Transplant outdoors: Apr 4 – Apr 11 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Jan 10 – Jan 24 Transplant outdoors: Apr 4 – Apr 11 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Jan 10 – Jan 24 Transplant outdoors: Feb 21 – Mar 7 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Jan 10 – Jan 24 Transplant outdoors: Feb 21 – Mar 7 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Feb 21 – Mar 7 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Feb 7 – Feb 21 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Feb 7 – Feb 21 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Feb 21 – Mar 7 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Feb 21 – Mar 7 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Feb 21 – Mar 7 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Mar 28 – Apr 4 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Mar 28 – Apr 4 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Mar 28 – Apr 4 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Mar 28 – Apr 4 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Feb 7 – Feb 21 Transplant outdoors: Mar 28 – Apr 4 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Sep 15 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Nov 10).
Useful for zone 8b gardens
- Seed starting kit with dome — to start seeds indoors before the last frost
- LED grow light for seedlings — stops leggy seedlings
- Frost cloth / plant covers — for late spring and early fall frosts
- Soil thermometer — warm-season crops need soil above 60°F
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Frost risk in detail
| 90% chance | 50% chance | 10% chance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last 32°F frost in spring is after | Feb 28 | Mar 21 | Apr 7 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Nov 29 | Nov 10 | Oct 29 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after April 7, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before October 29. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around March 3.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Macon
- 31201 zone 8b
- 31202 zone 8b
- 31203 zone 8b
- 31204 zone 8b
- 31205 zone 8b
- 31206 zone 8b
- 31208 zone 8b
- 31209 zone 8b
- 31210 zone 8b
- 31211 zone 8b
- 31213 zone 8b
- 31216 zone 8b
- 31217 zone 8b
- 31220 zone 8b
- 31221 zone 8b
- 31294 zone 8b
- 31295 zone 8b
- 31296 zone 8b
- 31297 zone 8b
Nearby cities
- Warner Robins zone 8b, last frost Mar 11
- Perry zone 8b, last frost Mar 11
- Milledgeville zone 8b, last frost Mar 25
- Griffin zone 8b, last frost Mar 20
- Dublin zone 8b, last frost Mar 14
- Covington zone 8b, last frost Mar 22
- McDonough zone 8a, last frost Mar 31
- Cordele zone 8b, last frost Mar 13
Questions
What growing zone is Macon, GA?
Macon is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 8b (average extreme winter low 15°F to 20°F), according to the USDA 2023 map.
When is the last frost in Macon?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Macon is March 21. There is still a 10% chance of frost until April 7.
When can I plant tomatoes in Macon?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Mar 28 – Apr 4. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Macon Middle Ga Rgnl Ap, GA (USW00003813), 17.4 km (10.8 mi) from the city center, elevation 104 m, based on 24 years of records. Hardiness zone: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map 2023 for the ZIP code nearest to the city center. Microclimates (valleys, hills, cities, coasts) can be warmer or colder: check the local forecast before planting. How we calculate the data.