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When to Plant Brussels Sprouts in Atkinson County, GA

Atkinson County, Georgia Zone 9a May

Top priorities for Atkinson County, Georgia gardeners in May

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Avg. last frost March 6
Avg. first frost November 23
Soil temp (4") 72°F
Watering Low
Pest pressure High
Daylight 13.6 hrs
Coming up in June — start thinking about
  • First harvests: brussels sprouts

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Brussels sprouts are a cold-hardy brassica that produces miniature cabbage-like heads along a tall stalk. Flavor improves after a light frost.

Atkinson County, Georgia is in USDA Zone 9a. 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 95°F, so Brussels Sprouts may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Clay soil retains moisture well for Brussels Sprouts, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Brussels Sprouts root diseases.

Atkinson County, GA (Zone 9a) 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 (117 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 28 Transplant: Feb 25 🍅 Harvest: May 27 – Jul 22
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (115 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 6 Transplant: Mar 6 🍅 Harvest: Jun 5 – Jul 31
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (117 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 26 Transplant: Mar 26 🍅 Harvest: Jun 25 – Aug 20

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 Atkinson County

How your county's soil matches Brussels Sprouts's growing requirements.

Soil pH

Your soil pH (5.7–6.5) overlaps with Brussels Sprouts's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.

Soil Texture

The clay loam soil in Atkinson County is excellent for Brussels Sprouts — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is moderate (2.8%). Annual compost additions will help Brussels Sprouts.

How to Plant Brussels Sprouts

1"
Planting Depth
15"
Between Plants
24"
Between Rows

Fall planting: Sow 8 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
0.9″/week
Rainfall provides
0.9″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft

Monthly Watering Guide for Brussels Sprouts

Brussels Sprouts needs approximately 0.9 inches of water per week (3.9" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Brussels Sprouts Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 5.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 3.9" 4.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Apr 3.9" 4.2" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
May 3.9" 4.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 3.9" 4.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 3.9" 6.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 3.9" 5.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 3.9" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 3.9" 4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Nov 3.9" 4.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Dec 4.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Atkinson County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Brussels Sprouts 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" — every day above 50°F 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.

Brussels Sprouts needs ~2,338 GDD — county provides 5,567 GDD Excellent fit

Brussels Sprouts Planting Timeline — Atkinson County, GA

Brussels Sprouts Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 6 Feb 6 – Feb 20
Transplant Outdoors March 6 Mar 6 – Mar 20
Direct Sow February 13 Feb 13 – Mar 6
Harvest June 5 Jun 5 – Jul 31
Fall Sowing September 28 Sep 28 – Oct 12

Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

0.9"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient

📅 Days to Maturity

90–130 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 9a

📆 Growing Season

262 days in Atkinson County

Growing Tips for Brussels Sprouts in Atkinson County

Direct sow Brussels Sprouts outdoors after March 06 in Atkinson County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

With Atkinson County's clay soil (34% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Brussels Sprouts. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.

Summer highs in Atkinson County reach 95°F — grow Brussels Sprouts as a spring or fall crop. Use shade cloth if planting in summer.

Common pests for Brussels Sprouts in this region include cabbage worm and flea beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.

General growing tips

Start seeds indoors 12-14 weeks before first fall frost. Stake tall plants to prevent toppling. Remove lower leaves as sprouts develop to improve air circulation.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Tomatoes
  • Strawberries

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Brussels Sprouts in Atkinson County, GA?

Atkinson County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of March 6. Plan your Brussels Sprouts planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Atkinson County, GA?

Atkinson County, Georgia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 6 and first fall frost is November 23.

🌱

Your Atkinson County Garden Planner — Free

A 24-page printable planner built for Atkinson County (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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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: May 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.