What to plant this week in Augusta, GA
Augusta gardeners in Zone 8b can now sow heat-loving crops like cucumber and okra as the threat of frost vanishes, while existing harvests of cantaloupe and honeydew melon are likely to ripen this week. With average lows hitting 15°F historically by late winter but currently enjoying warm soils, focus on maximizing your summer yield before the humid season peaks.
The next 7 days
Augusta, GAGrowing in Augusta right now
- Augusta's sandy loam soil warms quickly in spring, making it ideal for sowing bush beans and yellow summer squash immediately without waiting for extended frost dates.
- The city experiences distinct wet-dry cycles; ensure drainage is excellent when planting zucchini and scarlet runner beans to prevent root rot during sudden rain showers.
- Be mindful of the intense afternoon sun common near Lake Moultrie, providing shade cloth for young Malabar spinach if temperatures spike above 95°F unexpectedly.
- Transplanting is currently not recommended as seedlings struggle in our sticky humidity; stick to direct sowing for all listed crops like French marigold and nasturtium.
Sow this week
13 crops- Basil
- Borage
- Bush Bean
- Cucumber
- French Marigold
- Malabar Spinach
- Nasturtium
- Okra
- Pole Bean
- Scarlet Runner Bean
- Summer Savory
- Yellow Summer Squash
- Zucchini
Transplant this week
Nothing is due to go out this week.
Harvest soon
36 crops- Basil
- Borage
- Bush Bean
- Cantaloupe
- Cleome (Spider Flower)
- Cosmos
- Cowpea (Black-Eyed Pea)
- Cucumber
- Edamame
- Fennel
- Flour Corn
- French Marigold
- Garden Verbena
- Garlic
- Gourd (Ornamental/Bottle)
- Honeydew Melon
- Lima Bean
- Loofah (Luffa)
- Malabar Spinach
- Nasturtium
- Okra
- Pole Bean
- Pumpkin
- Roselle (Cranberry Hibiscus)
- Scarlet Runner Bean
- Shiso (Japanese Basil)
- Summer Savory
- Sunflower
- Sweet Corn
- Thai Basil
- Vinca (Madagascar Periwinkle)
- Watermelon
- Winter Squash
- Yellow Summer Squash
- Zinnia
- Zucchini
Seasonal tips
- Succession sow pole beans every two weeks for a continuous harvest throughout summer.
- Mulch around newly planted squash and zucchini to retain moisture as days get warmer.
- Thin out crowded seedlings of sunflowers and sweet corn to ensure proper air circulation.
Pest & disease watch
- Cucumber beetles are actively attacking bush bean and squash plants, requiring immediate hand-picking or organic insecticidal soap sprays.
- Thrips often infest newly emerged sunflower and cosmos seedlings in Augusta's warm weather, so inspect undersides of leaves daily.
- Root-knot nematodes can be a persistent issue in sandy soils near the Savannah River, affecting watermelon and gourd growth.
Watering this week
Water deeply in the morning to encourage strong root growth while keeping foliage dry to prevent disease.
Snip off spent flowers from your yellow summer squash plants every few days to keep them producing more fruit.
Augusta gardening questions
3When is the perfect time to harvest my cantaloupe and honeydew melons this week?
Harvest your melons when the rind turns dull rather than shiny and slips easily from the vine with a gentle tug. Augusta's warm nights right now accelerate sugar development, so check them every two days to avoid over-ripening.
Can I transplant my basil seedlings now or should I start fresh?
Since Augusta's last frost date averages March 1st and soil is already warm, it is better to sow new basil seeds directly into the garden for strongest root systems. Transplanting now risks shock in our humid air; instead, thin your existing bush bean stands if they are too crowded.
How do I protect my okra from bolting early due to heat stress?
To prevent okra from flowering and stopping growth before pods mature, provide consistent morning water to keep soil moisture even during dry spells. Mulching heavily around the base will also retain coolness in Augusta's sandy soil and reduce weed competition.
Other cities in zone 8b
12See the full zone 8b guide → · Plan your Augusta garden in SproutGuide →