I’m often asked what Zone I am in when I post in my Facebook Group. Although I am in Zone 7, which includes North Georgia, I plant for the season I am currently in. This is a much more accurate way to plant because it is specific to my city. I google the average high and low for each month in my city of Chickamauga, Georgia. I found that January has an average temperature of 41 degrees. with an average low of 31 degrees In February the average temperature is 44 degrees, but still a chance of frost with the average low of 32 degrees Not too much gardening can go on in January unless it is under cover. By the time February rolls around I can start thinking of planting cool season crops. In most areas cool season crops can be planted two to four weeks before the last spring frost. The last spring frost in my area is predicted to be April 4th, I have found that to be a little later than I have experienced. Planting in a raised bed allows you to plant a couple of weeks earlier since the soil will warm faster.
Cold Season: Average Temperature Below Freezing and Guaranteed Chance of Frost or Snow
Cool Season: Average High Temperature Between 35 and 65 degrees and Chance of Frost
Warm Season: Average High Temperature Between 65 and 85 degrees and No Chance of Frost
Hot Season: Average High Temperature Above 85 degrees and No Chance of Frost
I’ve made this graph for you to plot your own average temperatures. Just google “Average temperatures in (insert your city and state). Then fill out graph. This way you can see what season you are in for your area.
As you can see on the graph above my options for plants have really improved. Its time to load up my 4×6 raised bed with sugar snap peas, lettuces, spinach, and a few herbs. If we get a late hard freeze or snow, I can cover with a row cover. Most of these can tolerate a frost, and even taste better! Sugar snap peas will be planted in the middle on a trellis with with lettuce and spinach on each side. If I don’t want to use a trellis, I can choose sugar snap beans that are bush type and grow only 2 feet high. Herbs will go in the corner, and will become permanent.
A successful garden depends on a number of things. Good soil, consistent watering, fertilizing, and planting the right plant in the right season.
If you would like to print out the graph to take with you to the nursery, or have for reference, just click the link below and you can print out the PDF.
I am now offering garden coaching services including virtual consults, garden plans, and onsite local consults. I would also love to teach your group a class on Raised Bed Kitchen Gardens.
You can see my services here GardenCoachServices
Karen
Love this one !thank you