When to Plant Tomatoes in Lee County, GA
Tomatoes are the most popular home garden crop, available in thousands of varieties from tiny cherries to massive beefsteaks. They are warm-season plants needing full sun.
Lee County, Georgia is in USDA Zone 8a. 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 Tomatoes may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Clay soil retains moisture well for Tomatoes, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Tomatoes root diseases.
Lee County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.4-6.8
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
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 Lee County
How your county's soil matches Tomatoes's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.4–6.8) overlaps with Tomatoes's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in Lee County is excellent for Tomatoes — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Tomatoes.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.7%). Annual compost additions will help Tomatoes.
How to Plant Tomatoes
Succession Planting Tomatoes
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 25 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Tomatoes
Tomatoes needs approximately 1.2 inches of water per week (5.2" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Tomatoes Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 5.2" | 4.2" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 5.2" | 4.3" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 5.2" | 4.2" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 5.2" | 4.2" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 5.2" | 5.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 5.2" | 5.1" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 5.2" | 4" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 5.2" | 3" | 2.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 5.2" | 3.5" | 1.7" | 💧 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.
Tomatoes 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.
Tomatoes Planting Timeline — Lee County, GA
Tomatoes Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 17 | Jan 17 – Jan 31 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 21 | Mar 21 – Apr 4 |
| Direct Sow | March 14 | Mar 14 – Apr 4 |
| Harvest | May 23 | May 23 – Aug 1 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 24" apart · Rows 36" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | — |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1.2"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
60–85 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
256 days in Lee County
Growing Tips for Tomatoes in Lee County
Direct sow Tomatoes outdoors after March 07 in Lee County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Lee County's clay soil (34% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Tomatoes. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
With summer highs reaching 96°F in Lee County, provide afternoon shade for Tomatoes and water deeply in the morning.
Common pests for Tomatoes in this region include tomato hornworm and aphids. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost. Bury transplants deep to encourage rooting along the stem. Provide consistent moisture to prevent blossom end rot and cracking.
Recommended Tomatoes Varieties for Lee County
Heat-set varieties that pollinate reliably above 90°F
Your long season supports large indeterminate heirloom types
Disease-resistant varieties for your humid climate
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Isolate 25 ft between varieties for purity. Use open-pollinated varieties for true-to-type seeds.
Tomatoes in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Tomatoes in Lee County, GA?
Lee County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 7. Plan your Tomatoes 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 8a. The average last spring frost is March 7 and first fall frost is November 18.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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