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Columbus, GA Planting Calendar

The last spring frost in Columbus usually comes around Mar 4 and the first fall frost around Nov 15, a growing season of about 256 days. Start tomatoes indoors Jan 21 – Feb 4 and plant them outside Mar 18 – Apr 1.

Last spring frostMar 4
First fall frostNov 15
Growing season256 days

When to plant vegetables in Columbus

VegetableStart seeds indoorsPlant outsideFall crop
TomatoesJan 21 – Feb 4Mar 18 – Apr 1—
PeppersJan 14 – Jan 28Mar 25 – Apr 8—
EggplantJan 14 – Jan 28Mar 25 – Apr 8—
Cucumbers—Mar 18 – Apr 1—
Zucchini & summer squash—Mar 18 – Apr 1—
Pumpkins & winter squash—Mar 25 – Apr 8—
Green beans—Mar 18 – Apr 1Aug 23 – Sep 6
Sweet corn—Mar 18 – Apr 1—
BasilFeb 4 – Feb 18Mar 18 – Apr 1—
LettuceJan 7 – Jan 21Feb 4 – Mar 18Sep 20 – Oct 4
Spinach—Jan 21 – Feb 11Sep 20 – Oct 4
Peas—Jan 21 – Feb 11Sep 6 – Sep 20
Carrots—Feb 4 – Mar 11Aug 23 – Sep 6
Radishes—Jan 28 – Mar 18Oct 4 – Oct 18
BroccoliDec 24 – Jan 7Feb 4 – Feb 18Aug 23 – Sep 6
KaleJan 7 – Jan 21Jan 28 – Feb 11Sep 6 – Sep 20
Onions—Feb 4 – Feb 18—
Potatoes—Feb 11 – Mar 11—
Garlic——Nov 1 – Dec 6

Dates count from the median frost dates (2016–2025) for Columbus. In a cold spring, wait a week; in a warm one you can go a week early.

Month-by-month planting in Columbus

  1. JanuaryStart indoors: Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant, Lettuce, Broccoli, KalePlant outside: Spinach, Peas, Radishes, Kale
  2. FebruaryStart indoors: Tomatoes, BasilPlant outside: Lettuce, Spinach, Peas, Carrots, Radishes, Broccoli, Kale, Onions, Potatoes
  3. MarchPlant outside: Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant, Cucumbers, Zucchini & summer squash, Pumpkins & winter squash, Green beans, Sweet corn, Basil, Lettuce, Carrots, Radishes, Potatoes
  4. AprilPlant outside: Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant, Cucumbers, Zucchini & summer squash, Pumpkins & winter squash, Green beans, Sweet corn, Basil
  5. MayPlan, order seeds and prepare beds.
  6. JunePlan, order seeds and prepare beds.
  7. JulyPlan, order seeds and prepare beds.
  8. AugustPlant outside: Green beans, Carrots, Broccoli
  9. SeptemberPlant outside: Green beans, Lettuce, Spinach, Peas, Carrots, Broccoli, Kale
  10. OctoberPlant outside: Lettuce, Spinach, Radishes
  11. NovemberPlant outside: Garlic
  12. DecemberStart indoors: BroccoliPlant outside: Garlic

Tools for this season

Seed starting kitTrays with humidity domes for starting seeds indoors.See options on AmazonLED grow lightKeeps indoor seedlings short and sturdy.See options on AmazonFrost clothCovers tender plants on a surprise frost night.See options on AmazonSoil thermometerCheck the soil at 4 inches before you spread anything.See options on Amazon

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Frequently asked questions

When is the last frost in Columbus?

The median last spring frost is Mar 4 and the median first fall frost is Nov 15, based on 2016–2025 weather data.

When should I plant tomatoes in Columbus?

Start seeds indoors Jan 21 – Feb 4 and set plants outside Mar 18 – Apr 1, once nights stay above 50°F.

When should I plant a fall garden in Columbus?

Sow or transplant cool-season crops 6 to 12 weeks before the first fall frost (around Nov 15): broccoli and carrots first, lettuce, spinach and radishes last.

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