Think Georgia is too hot for summer gardening? UGA says think again

With summer heat settling into Georgia, some gardeners may be wondering if it’s too late, or too hot, to keep growing vegetables.

According to the University of Georgia, the answer is no.

UGA’s Vegetable Garden Calendar says Georgians can plant or harvest something from their gardens during nearly every month of the year.

While spring and fall are considered the state’s two primary planting seasons, several crops can still be planted and maintained throughout the summer months.

What can still be planted in the summer?

June marks the start of harvest season for many spring gardens, but UGA says gardeners can continue planting certain crops as temperatures rise.

Petersburg home, owned by Patrick Hagerich, featured during Garden Club of Virginia’s 2026 Historic Garden Week tour in Virginia, hosted by Petersburg Garden Club.

In June, gardeners can plant sweet potatoes and a second crop of Southern peas.

By July, UGA recommends planting vegetables such as tomatoes, okra, corn, pole beans, lima beans, cucumbers, squash, and snap beans, provided they are planted before July 20 to allow enough time before the first frost.

Gardeners can also begin preparing for fall crops during the hottest part of the year.

What does UGA recommend during the heat?

Rather than abandoning the garden during the summer, UGA encourages gardeners to focus on maintenance.

Recommendations include watering deeply but less frequently, keeping gardens mulched to conserve moisture, controlling weeds that compete for water and nutrients, and harvesting vegetables regularly to extend production.

UGA also advises cleaning out harvested rows to reduce insect and disease problems and preparing soil for upcoming fall plantings.

Is fall garden season closer than you think?

While summer officially begins June 21 under the astronomical calendar, UGA notes that mid-July through September is one of Georgia’s major planting windows.

In August, gardeners can still plant snap beans, Irish potatoes, cucumbers, and squash.

September and October are ideal for cool-season vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, carrots, collards, lettuce, onions, radishes, spinach, and turnips.

Because Georgia’s climate varies by region, planting dates may be earlier in south Georgia and later in north Georgia.

For more information, visit fieldreport.caes.uga.edu/publications/C943/vegetable-garden-calendar.

Vanessa Johns is the Trending Topics Reporter for the Deep South Connect Team Georgia, covering food and entertainment. Email her at Vcountryman@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Athens Banner-Herald: What grows best during a Georgia summer? UGA has answers