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When to Plant Jicama in Toombs 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.

Toombs County, Georgia is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 7 and the first fall frost is November 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 260 days.

At an elevation of 283 feet, Toombs County receives approximately 59.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 93ยฐF, providing good warmth for Jicama during the growing season. 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.

Toombs County, GA (Zone 8b) Long season
260 days
Last Spring Frost March 7
260 growing days
First Fall Frost November 22

Toombs County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.3-6.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (51 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 10 Transplant: Mar 14 🍅 Harvest: Jul 18 – Sep 26
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (50 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 17 Transplant: Mar 21 🍅 Harvest: Jul 25 – Oct 3
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (48 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.

Soil Compatibility in Toombs County

How your county's soil matches Jicama's growing requirements.

Soil pH

Your soil pH (5.3โ€“6.8) overlaps with Jicama's range (6.0โ€“7.5), though not a perfect match.

Soil Texture

The clay loam soil in Toombs County is excellent for Jicama โ€” good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is moderate (2.3%). Annual compost additions will help Jicama.

How to Plant Jicama

0.5"
Planting Depth
6"
Between Plants
12"
Between Rows

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
1.0″/week
You supply
0.0″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 79 gal / 100 sq ft

Monthly Watering Guide for Jicama

Jicama needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Jicama Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan โ€” 4.6" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Feb โ€” 5.4" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 5.1" 0" โœ… Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
May 4.3" 5.1" 0" โœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 5.1" 0" โœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 5.6" 0" โœ… Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 5.1" 0" โœ… Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 4.9" 0" โœ… Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 4.4" 0" โœ… Rainfall sufficient
Nov 4.3" 5.3" 0" โœ… Rainfall sufficient
Dec โ€” 4.9" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Marโ€“Nov in Toombs County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall โ€” actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Jicama Heat Requirements (GDD)

What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?

Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" โ€” every day above 50ยฐF deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.

Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.

Jicama needs ~2,962 GDD — county provides 5,135 GDD Excellent fit

Jicama Planting Timeline โ€” Toombs County, GA

Jicama Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 17 Jan 17 โ€“ Jan 31
Transplant Outdoors March 21 Mar 21 โ€“ Apr 4
Direct Sow March 14 Mar 14 โ€“ Apr 4
Harvest July 25 Jul 25 โ€“ Oct 3

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

โ˜€๏ธ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

๐Ÿ’ง Water

1"/week ยท Only during dry spells

๐Ÿ“… Days to Maturity

120โ€“180 days

๐Ÿงช Soil pH

Needs 6โ€“7.5 ยท Your soil: acceptable

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ USDA Zone

Zone 8b

๐Ÿ“† Growing Season

260 days in Toombs County

Growing Tips for Jicama in Toombs County

Direct sow Jicama outdoors after March 07 in Toombs County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

With Toombs County's clay soil (33% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Jicama. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.

Common pests for Jicama in this region include bean beetles and aphids. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.

General growing tips

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

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Jicama in Toombs County, GA?

Toombs County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 7. Plan your Jicama planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Toombs County, GA?

Toombs County, Georgia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 7 and first fall frost is November 22.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Toombs 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 Toombs County, GA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.