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When to Plant Jicama in Atkinson County, GA

Jicama is a tropical legume grown for its crisp, sweet, starchy root. It requires a very long, warm growing season but produces a refreshing, water chestnut-like tuber.

Atkinson County, Georgia is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 6 and the first fall frost is November 23, giving you a growing season of approximately 262 days.

At an elevation of 193 feet, Atkinson County receives approximately 57.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 95ยฐF, so Jicama may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Clay soil retains moisture well for Jicama, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Jicama root diseases.

Atkinson County, GA (Zone 8b) Long season
262 days
Last Spring Frost March 6
262 growing days
First Fall Frost November 23

Atkinson County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.7-6.5

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (54 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 7 Transplant: Mar 11 🍅 Harvest: Jul 15 – Sep 23
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (52 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 16 Transplant: Mar 20 🍅 Harvest: Jul 24 – Oct 2
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (54 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 5 Transplant: Apr 9 🍅 Harvest: Aug 13 – Oct 22

Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.9″/week
You supply
0.1″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 182 gal / 100 sq ft
Jicama needs ~3,188 GDD — county provides 5,567 GDD Excellent fit

Jicama Planting Timeline โ€” Atkinson County, GA

Jicama Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 16 Jan 16 โ€“ Jan 30
Transplant Outdoors March 20 Mar 20 โ€“ Apr 3
Direct Sow March 13 Mar 13 โ€“ Apr 3
Harvest July 24 Jul 24 โ€“ Oct 2

Plant 0.5" deep ยท 6" apart ยท Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January Start Indoors
February โ€”
March Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May โ€”
June โ€”
July Harvest
August Harvest
September Harvest
October Harvest
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

Days to Maturity

120โ€“180 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 7.5

USDA Zone

Zone 8b

Growing Season

262 days

Growing Tips for Atkinson County

Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost. Pinch off flowers to direct energy to root development. Harvest before first frost when roots are 3-6 inches across.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Fennel

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Jicama in Atkinson County, GA?

Atkinson County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 6. Plan your Jicama planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Atkinson County, GA?

Atkinson County, Georgia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 6 and first fall frost is November 23.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Atkinson County gardeners in Zone 8b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Atkinson County, GA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.