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When to plant Broccoli in Lee County, GA

In Zone 8b (Lee County), direct-sow Broccoli between February 21 and March 14 for spring, after the March 7 last-frost mark. A second sowing from September 9 to September 23 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Broccoli in Lee County, GA

Broccoli

Broccoli is a nutrient-dense cool-season crop that produces large central heads followed by smaller side shoots. It is one of the most popular garden vegetables.

Lee County, Georgia is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 7 and the first fall frost is November 18, giving you a growing season of approximately 256 days.

At an elevation of 432 feet, Lee County receives approximately 50.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 96°F, so Broccoli may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Clay soil retains moisture well for Broccoli, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Broccoli root diseases.

Lee County, GA (Zone 8b) Long season
256 days
Last Spring Frost March 7
256 growing days
First Fall Frost November 18

Lee County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.4-6.8

Drainage

Well Drained

How Much Broccoli to Grow

1-2 lbs
Average yield per plant
3
Plants per person
6 sq ft
Space per person

For a family of 4, plant approximately 12 broccoli plants in about 24 sq ft. In Lee County's 256-day season, you'll have plenty of time for a full harvest. Plan your garden layout →

Monthly Watering Guide for Broccoli

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

Month Broccoli Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" 💧 Light watering
Apr 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 5.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 5.1" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3" 1.3" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
Dec 4.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Broccoli Planting Timeline — Lee County, GA

Broccoli Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 31 Jan 31 – Feb 14
Transplant Outdoors March 7 Mar 7 – Mar 21
Direct Sow February 21 Feb 21 – Mar 14
Harvest May 9 May 9 – Jun 20
Fall Sowing September 9 Sep 9 – Sep 23

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

60–90 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 8b

📆 Growing Season

256 days in Lee County

Growing Tips for Lee County

Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost. Provide consistent moisture to prevent hollow stems. Harvest heads before yellow flowers appear.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Tomatoes
  • Strawberries

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

🌾 Save Your Own Broccoli Seeds
Life Cycle Biennial
Pollination Cross-Pollinated (insects)
How to Collect Allow plants to flower 2nd year; collect dry pods.
Storage Store airtight; viable 5 years at 35°F, under 50% humidity.

Isolate 1/2 mile from other brassicas. Biennial — must overwinter roots.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Broccoli in Lee County, GA?

Lee County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 7. Plan your Broccoli planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Lee County, GA?

Lee County, Georgia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 7 and first fall frost is November 18.

When should I plant Broccoli in Lee County, GA?

In Lee County, GA, plant Broccoli after the last frost (around March 7) and before the first frost (around November 18). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Lee County, GA for Broccoli?

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

Can Broccoli grow in Lee County's climate?

Yes — Broccoli grows well in Lee County's temperate climate. Lee County averages a 256-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 7 and first frost around November 18.

🌱

Your Lee County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Lee 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.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

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

Sources & credits

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