Fall Planting in GA: What to Grow Now

Autumn in Georgia brings cooler temperatures and vibrant foliage, signaling the perfect time to plant a variety of crops that thrive in the fall's mild weather. With its diverse climate, Georgia offers gardeners the opportunity to grow a wide range of plants, from cool-season vegetables to ornamental flowers and shrubs. Let's delve into the world of fall planting in the Peach State.

Fall gardening in Georgia presents several advantages. The cooler temperatures mean less watering and pest pressure, allowing plants to focus on growth and development. Additionally, plants have more time to establish strong root systems before winter, resulting in healthier plants come spring. So, let's explore what you can plant in the fall in Georgia.

Cool-Season Vegetables

Fall is an ideal time to plant cool-season vegetables, which thrive in Georgia's mild autumn temperatures. These crops can withstand light frosts and provide fresh produce throughout the fall and winter.

Cool-season vegetables include leafy greens, brassicas, and root crops. Some popular choices for fall planting in Georgia are:

Leafy Greens

Leafy greens like lettuce, spinach, and kale are excellent choices for fall gardens. They grow best in temperatures between 60-65°F (15-18°C) and can tolerate light frosts. Plant seeds directly into the soil 1/4 inch deep, and thin seedlings to 6-12 inches apart, depending on the variety.

Examples of leafy greens to plant in the fall in Georgia are:

• Lettuce: 'Buttercrunch', 'Red Sails', 'Black-Seeded Simpson'
• Spinach: 'Space', 'Bloomsdale Long Standing', 'Giant Nobel Hybrid'
• Kale: 'Dwarf Blue Curled Vates', 'Lacinato', 'Red Russian'

Brassicas

Brassicas, such as broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower, prefer cooler temperatures and can be planted in the fall for a winter harvest. Start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the average first frost date or direct sow seeds 1/4 inch deep into the soil.

Some brassicas suitable for fall planting in Georgia are:

• Broccoli: 'Packman', 'Calabrese', 'De Cicco'
• Cabbage: 'Savoy Perfection', 'Late Flat Dutch', 'Red Acre'
• Cauliflower: 'Cheddar', 'Graffiti', 'Snow Crown'

Ornamental Flowers and Shrubs

Fall is an excellent time to plant ornamental flowers and shrubs in Georgia, as the cooler temperatures and fall rains help establish new plants. Additionally, many fall-blooming flowers can add color and beauty to your garden during the autumn months.

Some popular ornamental flowers and shrubs to plant in the fall in Georgia are:

Fall-Blooming Flowers

Fall-blooming flowers can add a splash of color to your garden and provide nectar for pollinators. Plant flowers in well-draining soil and provide consistent moisture until established.

Examples of fall-blooming flowers for Georgia gardens are:

• Asters: 'New England', 'Purple Dome', 'Snow Flake'
• Mums: 'Purple Passion', 'Yellow Cupid', 'Red Hot Mamma'
• Chrysanthemums: 'Anemone', 'Quill', 'Spider'

Shrubs

Fall-planted shrubs have time to establish strong root systems before winter, leading to better growth and flowering the following year. Choose shrubs that suit your garden's conditions and provide year-round interest, such as evergreens or those with attractive bark or fall color.

Some shrubs well-suited for fall planting in Georgia are:

• Evergreens: 'Emerald Green Arborvitae', 'Yew', 'Boxwood'
• Deciduous: 'Redtwig Dogwood', 'Sweetbay Magnolia', 'Witch Hazel'

Fall gardening in Georgia offers a wealth of opportunities to grow a variety of plants that will thrive in the cooler temperatures and provide beauty and bounty throughout the season. So, grab your gardening gloves and get planting – the fall season awaits!