2026 Planting Guide
Spring cropWhen to Plant Tomatoes in Georgia
Complete guide to growing tomatoes in Georgia with optimal planting dates, recommended varieties, soil requirements, pest management, and harvest timing. Data sourced from USDA and state extension services.
Monthly Planting Calendar
Visual overview of the tomatoes growing season in Georgia. Red diamond markers indicate frost date boundaries.
Quick Facts
Min. Soil Temp
60°F (16°C) minimum
Growing Period
70-85 days
From planting to harvest
Last Spring Frost
March 20
Wait until after this date
First Fall Frost
November 5
Harvest before this date
Monthly Task Timeline
Month-by-month guide for managing tomatoes in Georgia.
January - February
Off-seasonCover crop planting, soil testing, equipment maintenance, and planning for next season.
March - April
PlantPrepare soil, apply starter fertilizer, and sow seeds at recommended depth and spacing.
May
Grow & MonitorIrrigate as needed, scout for pests, apply side-dress fertilizer, and manage weeds.
June - August
HarvestCheck maturity indicators, schedule equipment, harvest at optimal moisture content.
September - December
Off-seasonCover crop planting, soil testing, equipment maintenance, and planning for next season.
Best Tomatoes Varieties for Georgia
These varieties have proven performance in Georgia's climate and soil conditions. Always source certified seed from reputable dealers.
| # | Variety | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Celebrity | Georgia climate |
| 2 | Better Boy | Georgia climate |
| 3 | Mountain Fresh Plus | Georgia climate |
| 4 | BHN 602 | Georgia climate |
Growing Tips for Georgia
Region-specific advice from agricultural extension services and experienced Georgia farmers.
Transplant after last frost (March 20 south, April 15 north)
Stake-and-weave system for fresh market
Bacterial wilt and southern blight — rotate fields
Pest & Disease Watch
Monitor for these threats throughout the growing season. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is recommended.
Tomato hornworm
Scout regularly and use integrated pest management
Whiteflies
Scout regularly and use integrated pest management
Aphids
Scout regularly and use integrated pest management
Late blight
Scout regularly and use integrated pest management
Fusarium wilt
Scout regularly and use integrated pest management
Companion Planting
These plants grow well alongside tomatoes, improving pest control, pollination, and nutrient availability.
Frost Dates
Last Spring Frost
March 20
Wait until after this date before planting frost-sensitive crops outdoors.
First Fall Frost
November 5
Plan to complete harvest of warm-season crops before this date arrives.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to plant tomatoes in Georgia?
The optimal planting window for tomatoes in Georgia is March 15 to April 30. Soil temperature should reach at least 60°F (16°C) minimum before planting. The total growing period is 70-85 days.
What varieties of tomatoes grow best in Georgia?
The best varieties for Georgia include Celebrity, Better Boy, Mountain Fresh Plus, BHN 602. These varieties are adapted to local climate and soil conditions and have proven performance records.
When can I harvest tomatoes in Georgia?
The harvest window for tomatoes in Georgia is typically June 15 to August 31. The crop takes 70-85 days from planting to reach maturity.
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Data Sources
Data sourced from USDA NASS Crop Planting Dates, Georgia Cooperative Extension Service, and NOAA frost date records. Last updated: March 2026.
Planting dates are averages and may vary by county, elevation, and local microclimate. Always consult your local extension office for the most precise recommendations.