From Zero to Garden Hero: Your Savannah Growing Guide

From Zero to Garden Hero: Your Savannah Growing Guide
Story by Gail Mihalik
New to the Savannah area, just discovering your inner gardener, or ready to give your garden another shot? You're in the right place! We've put together some game-changing tips to get your garden thriving this spring and summer season.
Savannah's unique coastal climate and lengthy growing season make it an ideal location for both novice and experienced gardeners. With proper planning and care, you can maintain a thriving garden nearly year-round in beautiful coastal Georgia. Here's your comprehensive guide to successful gardening in the Coastal Empire.
Understanding the Growing Season
The Greater Savannah area enjoys an extended frost-free growing season that typically runs from March 1 to November 25, providing gardeners with approximately 269 days to cultivate their plants. The last spring frost usually occurs around March 12, making mid-March an ideal time to begin your spring planting efforts.
Optimal Planting Times
The gardening calendar features two major planting periods:
Spring (March to May):
- Early March: Start indoor seeds for cool-season crops like broccoli, cabbage, and lettuce
- Mid-March to Early May: Plant warm-season vegetables such as tomatoes and peppers
- Late March: Begin planting hardy vegetables like peas, carrots, and radishes
- April: Ideal time for warm-season annual flowers including zinnias, impatiens, and salvias
Fall (Mid-July to September):
- Mid-July to Early August: Plant cool-season crops
- August to September: Focus on root vegetables like beets, carrots, and turnips
- Early fall: Plant leafy greens and brassicas for winter harvests
Soil Preparation and Maintenance
Savannah's soil requires specific attention for optimal growing conditions:
1. Soil Testing: Before planting, test your soil to determine pH levels and nutrient content2. Soil Amendment: Add organic matter to improve soil structure and drainage
3. Mulching: Apply mulch to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature
4. Fertilization: Use slow-release fertilizers in late March or early April for sustained nutrition
Plant Selection for Savannah's Climate
Choose plants that thrive in Savannah's subtropical climate:
Vegetables:
- Spring: Tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumbers, squash
- Summer: Okra, eggplant, sweet potatoes
- Fall: Collards, kale, turnips, carrots
- Winter: Garlic, onions, leafy greens
Flowers:
- Spring: Asters, calendulas, cosmos
- Summer: Zinnias, salvias, marigolds
- Fall: Chrysanthemums, pansies
- Year-round: Native perennials
Essential Care Tips
1. Watering:
- Water deeply but less frequently to encourage deep root growth
- Water early morning to prevent fungal issues
- Use mulch to retain moisture in summer heat
2. Pest Management:
- Monitor for common local pests like aphids and caterpillars
- Implement companion planting strategies
- Use organic pest control methods when possible
3. Weather Considerations:
- Protect plants from occasional late frosts in spring
- Provide afternoon shade during intense summer heat
- Prepare for tropical storms during hurricane season
4. Maintenance Schedule:
- Regular weeding, especially during peak growing seasons
- Monthly fertilization during active growing periods
- Pruning and deadheading as needed
Success Tips for New Gardeners
2. Choose Easy Plants: Begin with foolproof options like herbs and cherry tomatoes
3. Keep Records: Document planting dates, successes, and challenges
4. Join Local Groups: Connect with Savannah's gardening community for support
Local Garden & Nursery Shops
Pooler/Chatham
chathamnurseries.com
cobiaclarkenursery.com
facebook.com/greenhousegardens
Hester and Zipperer, Savannah
facebook.com/zipperergardens
savannahhydro.com
savannahsecretgardens.com
savannahvictorygardens.com
Bryan County
blackcreeknursery.com
richmondhillnursery.com