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When to plant Onion in Burke County, GA

Burke County's climate puts the Onion spring window between March 8 and March 29. most warm-season crops establish quickly once soil holds above 60°F. A second sowing from August 30 to September 13 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Onion in Burke County, GA

Onions are a fundamental kitchen staple available in yellow, white, and red varieties. Choose long-day, short-day, or intermediate types based on your latitude.

Burke County, Georgia is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 22 and the first fall frost is November 8, giving you a growing season of approximately 231 days.

At an elevation of 370 feet, Burke County receives approximately 59.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 97°F, so Onion may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Clay soil retains moisture well for Onion, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Onion root diseases.

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

Burke County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.3-6.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Onion

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

Month Onion Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 4.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 5.1" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 5.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 5.1" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 5.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 5.1" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Nov 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Dec 5.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Onion Planting Timeline — Burke County, GA

Onion Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 15 Feb 15 – Mar 1
Transplant Outdoors March 22 Mar 22 – Apr 5
Direct Sow March 8 Mar 8 – Mar 29
Harvest June 21 Jun 21 – Aug 9
Fall Sowing August 30 Aug 30 – Sep 13

Plant 1" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

90–120 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 8b

📆 Growing Season

231 days in Burke County

Growing Tips for Burke County

Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before transplanting. Match day-length type to your latitude. Stop watering when tops begin to fall over and cure bulbs for 2-3 weeks before storage.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Peas
  • Green Beans
  • Asparagus

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Onion in Burke County, GA?

Burke County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 22. Plan your Onion planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Burke County, GA?

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

When should I plant Onion in Burke County, GA?

In Burke County, GA, plant Onion after the last frost (around March 22) and before the first frost (around November 8). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Burke County, GA for Onion?

Burke County sits in USDA Zone 8b. Onion grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Onion grow in Burke County's climate?

Yes — Onion grows well in Burke County's temperate climate. Burke County averages a 231-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 22 and first frost around November 8.

🌱

Your Burke County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Burke 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 Burke County, GA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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