Georgia's planting zones range from USDA Zone 6a in the northern mountainous areas to Zone 9a in the southern coastal regions. The state is divided roughly as follows:
- North Georgia (Appalachian Plateau, Ridge and Valley, Blue Ridge regions) falls within Zones 6a to 7a. This area has cooler temperatures and higher elevations, with the coldest winters in the state
- Central Georgia (Piedmont region including metro Atlanta) is mostly in Zones 7b to 8a. This region experiences moderate winters and hot summers
- South Georgia (Coastal Plain) covers Zones 8a to 9a, with the warmest climate in the state, mild winters, and hot, humid summers. Coastal counties may reach Zone 9a
In summary, Georgia spans a range of USDA hardiness zones from 6a in the northern mountains to 9a along the southern coast, with the majority of the state falling between Zones 7 and 8
. Knowing your specific zone is important for selecting plants that will thrive in your local climate and frost dates. For example, winter vegetables like spinach and onions do well in cooler zones, while warm-season grasses like St. Augustinegrass and Bermudagrass thrive in the warmer southern zones
