What to grow in Atlanta

A local planting guide for Georgia, United States — USDA zone 8b, average frost dates, and the vegetables, herbs and flowers that thrive here.

Atlanta climate at a glance

Decoded from long-run climate normals for Atlanta's location. Use it as a starting point — your own garden's aspect, walls and soil shift these by a week or two.

USDA hardiness zone
Zone 8b
Average winter low
2°C (36°F)
Average summer high
31°C (88°F)
Last spring frost
March 13 (avg)
First fall frost
November 24 (avg)
Frost-free growing season
~256 days
Annual rainfall
1300 mm/yr (51 in)
Hot days (≥30°C) per year
~76 days

Best plants for Atlanta

205 plants in the library suit USDA zone 8b. Tap any one for its sowing calendar, spacing and companions.

Easy starter picks for Atlanta

New to growing? These are forgiving, fast, and can go straight into the ground — a good first season in USDA zone 8b.

Plan your Atlanta garden →