When to Plant Beets in Georgia
Published: April 24, 2026
Georgia gardeners in Zone 7b have a 38-week growing season for beet (March 1 to November 22). Georgia's spring and fall windows both work well for beet — some gardeners plant both successions for a long harvest. This guide gives exact dates for Georgia based on your local frost calendar.
Beet Planting Dates for Georgia
| Start seeds indoors | Year-round |
| Last frost (average) | March 1 |
| Direct sow outdoors | February 1–11 |
| Expect first harvest | March 23 – April 12 |
| Fall crop start | September 27–October 7 |
| Fall harvest | November 16 |
| First fall frost (average) | November 22 |
Dates above assume Zone 7b, the most common zone in Georgia. Gardeners in cooler Atlanta (Zone 7b) plant 1–2 weeks later; warmer Savannah (Zone 9a) can plant 1–2 weeks earlier.
⚠ Direct sow beets 3–4 weeks before last frost. Each beet seed cluster contains 2–3 seeds — thin to 3 inches. Succession plant every 3 weeks.
Growing Beets in Georgia's Climate
Georgia's moderate Zone 7b climate is well-suited to beet with minimal special accommodation. The standard transplant calendar works as written, and harvest windows line up with what seed packets recommend without adjustment.
Succession planting extends your beet harvest significantly in Georgia. A second planting 3 to 4 weeks after the first gives you a backup in case of pest pressure and extends the total harvest window into early fall.
Common beet pests to watch for in Georgia include Leaf Miner and Flea Beetle. The first line of defense is companion planting: Onion and Garlic planted nearby discourage several of these pests by confusing host-plant identification or repelling adults before they can lay eggs. Weekly garden walks in the early morning catch problems when they're still manageable.
Beet Garden Calendar for Georgia
| Month | Task | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| January | — | Dormant season |
| February | Direct sow seeds | Sow seeds 1/4–1/2 inch deep, 3 inches apart |
| March | First harvest window opens | Beet begins producing 50–70 days after transplant |
| April | — | Dormant season |
| May ← | Watch for bolting | Harvest promptly; spring heat arrives quickly |
| June | — | Dormant season |
| July | — | Dormant season |
| August | — | Dormant season |
| September | Fall crop planting | Transplant or direct sow for fall harvest before frost |
| October | — | Dormant season |
| November | First frost approaches | Harvest remaining beet; cover plants on frost nights |
| December | — | Dormant season |
Beet Growing Tips for Georgia Gardeners
- •Soak beet seeds 4 hours before planting to soften the tough seed cluster and improve germination rates.
- •Thin seedlings to 3 inches apart — crowded plants produce tiny woody roots rather than full-sized beets.
- •Georgia's moderate climate supports succession planting — sow new transplants or seeds every 3 weeks during spring to extend the harvest window into fall.
- •Use thinnings as baby greens in salads; beet greens are more nutritious than the roots.
Companion Planting for Beets in Georgia
In Georgia's moderate climate, planting beet with Onion and Garlic helps deter pests and improve soil. Avoid planting near Pole Bean and Mustard, which inhibit beet growth through root chemistry or shared pest pressure. See the full beet companion planting guide for the complete list.
Beets Planting Dates by City in Georgia
Top cities in Georgia — select for city-level frost dates and planting calendars.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant beet in Georgia?
In Georgia (Zone 7b), start beet seeds indoors around Year-round and transplant outdoors around null — 0 weeks after the state's average last frost of March 1.
What is the last frost date in Georgia?
Georgia's average last frost date is March 1 in the state's most common Zone 7b. Frost dates vary by city — higher elevations and northern counties run 1 to 3 weeks later than the state average. See the city list below for city-level frost dates.
Can I grow beet year-round in Georgia?
beet is a cool-season crop in Georgia, with spring and fall windows. Summer heat bolts the plants before they can produce a harvestable crop. Succession planting every 2–3 weeks stretches the harvest window.
What beet varieties grow best in Georgia?
For Georgia's Zone 7b, consult a local nursery or extension office for beets variety recommendations.
When do I start beet seeds indoors in Georgia?
Beet does not need indoor starting in Georgia — direct sow around February 1–11 once soil reaches 40°F. Indoor starting is not recommended for this crop because beet transplants poorly.