If you’ve only recently moved to Georgia, gardening here may be different from what you’re used to. While some parts of the country have rich black soil that makes vegetable gardening easy, Georgia is famous for its red clay soil. Although the nutrient-poor soil can make growing things a challenge, the upside is that the warm climate allows you to grow just about any vegetable you like. This Georgia gardening guide will help you grow the traditional Southern vegetable garden of your dreams!
Unique Things About Gardening in Georgia
One of the best things about gardening in Georgia is that you have a very long growing period. Not only can you plant things early in the spring, but you can also plant a fall vegetable garden! This is a welcome change for those who are used to the shorter growing season up north.
As we already mentioned, the red clay soil isn’t great for vegetable gardening. It doesn’t have the nutrients that plants need and it holds onto a lot of water, which can cause plants to “drown.” However, this is easily fixed by bringing in your own soil. You can get large bags of soil at any garden center or even bring it in by the truckload. You can place the new soil directly onto the ground or you can use raised beds or large containers.
Every year, you will need to add fertilizer, compost, and/or more soil. Getting a soil test is a great way to figure out what your soil needs. It will make all the difference and allow your veggies to thrive!
Some plants don’t do well in the heat of summer, so your prime growing seasons will probably be the spring and the fall. However, there are some plants that do well in the summer temperatures as long as you provide them with enough water and shade. Melons, peppers, and tomatoes do well in the heat.
The Best Veggies to Grow in Georgia
You can grow nearly any vegetable in Georgia as long as you have the right soil and watering schedule. Here are some of the vegetables you may want to add to your Southern garden:
Plant in Feb-March
Beets, Cabbage, Carrots, Leafy Greens (Kale, Collards, Lettuce, Etc.), Onions, Potatoes, Radishes
Plant in April-May
Broccoli, Cucumber, Cantaloupe, Eggplant, Green Beans, Melons, Okra, Peppers, Spinach, Summer Squash, Sweet Corn, Sweet Potatoes
Plant in June-July
Green Beans, Lima Beans, Tomatoes, Pumpkins, Winter Squash
Plant in August-September
Beets, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Carrots, Leafy Greens, Onions, Turnips
You can get seeds or starter plants for any of these veggies at a local garden center, along with all the gardening supplies you’ll need.
Choose the Right Plants – It’ll Make Gardening So Much Easier!
There are countless varieties to choose from, especially when it comes to popular veggies like tomatoes and peppers. Some varieties do better in hotter weather, while other varieties prefer cooler weather. If you’re buying seeds, the packaging should give you the information you need to know. You can also get specific recommendations from your local garden center or friends/neighbors who have a vegetable garden.
There’s nothing like going into your backyard to pick your own juicy tomatoes, sweet corn, green beans, carrots, and other favorite veggies. We hope this Georgia gardening guide helps and we wish you the best of luck with your traditional Southern vegetable garden!
