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When to plant Amaranth in Baker County, GA

Aim to plant Amaranth in Baker County on or after March 12; the window stays open through April 2. Baker County's 261-day frost-free season gives you plenty of room for a spring and fall cycle.

When to Plant Amaranth in Baker County, GA

Baker County, Georgia Zone 8b July

July to-do list for Baker County, Georgia

July rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Baker County, Georgia.

Avg. last frost March 5
Avg. first frost November 21
Soil temp (4") 90°F
Watering Low
Pest pressure High
Daylight 13.8 hrs
  1. Pick amaranth

    This is the payoff month. Bring a basket, bring a friend, and get into the beds.

To set up a strong August, finish these tasks
  • First harvests: amaranth

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Amaranth is an ancient grain crop with edible leaves and seeds, rich in protein and micronutrients. It thrives in warm conditions and is drought-tolerant once established.

Baker County, Georgia is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 5 and the first fall frost is November 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 261 days.

At an elevation of 454 feet, Baker County receives approximately 48.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 92°F, providing good warmth for Amaranth during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Amaranth, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot.

Baker County, GA (Zone 8b) Long season
261 days
Last Spring Frost March 5
261 growing days
First Fall Frost November 21

Baker County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.7-6.5

Drainage

Well Drained

Amaranth Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (112 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 3 Transplant: Mar 7 🍅 Harvest: Jun 6 – Jul 25
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (107 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 15 Transplant: Mar 19 🍅 Harvest: Jun 18 – Aug 6
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (110 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 5 Transplant: Apr 9 🍅 Harvest: Jul 9 – Aug 27

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 Baker County

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

Soil pH

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

Soil Texture

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

Organic Matter

Organic matter is moderate (2.2%). Annual compost additions will help Amaranth.

How to Plant Amaranth

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

Amaranth Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.8″/week
You supply
0.3″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 621 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Monthly Watering Guide for Amaranth

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

Month Amaranth Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 4.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 4.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 5.1" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 3.3" 1" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.1" 1.2" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Dec 3.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Amaranth 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.

Amaranth needs ~1,995 GDD — county provides 4,959 GDD Excellent fit

Amaranth Planting Timeline — Baker County, GA

Amaranth Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 15 Jan 15 – Jan 29
Transplant Outdoors March 19 Mar 19 – Apr 2
Direct Sow March 12 Mar 12 – Apr 2
Harvest June 18 Jun 18 – Aug 6

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

1"/week · Only during dry spells

📅 Days to Maturity

90–120 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 8b

📆 Growing Season

261 days in Baker County

Growing Tips for Amaranth in Baker County

Direct sow Amaranth outdoors after March 05 in Baker County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

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

General growing tips

Direct sow after last frost when soil is warm. Thin seedlings to 18 inches apart. Harvest leaves when young and tender; harvest seeds when flower heads begin to dry.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Fennel

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Amaranth in Baker County, GA?

Baker County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 5. Plan your Amaranth planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Baker County, GA?

Baker County, Georgia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 5 and first fall frost is November 21.

When should I plant Amaranth in Baker County, GA?

In Baker County, GA, plant Amaranth after the last frost (around March 5) and before the first frost (around November 21). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Baker County, GA for Amaranth?

Baker County sits in USDA Zone 8b. Amaranth grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Amaranth grow in Baker County's climate?

Yes — Amaranth grows well in Baker County's temperate climate. Baker County averages a 261-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 5 and first frost around November 21.

🌱

Your Baker County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Baker County (Zone 8b). 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 Baker County, GA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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