Whether you're a complete beginner overwhelmed by gardening advice online or an intermediate gardener wanting to expand your space, a garden consultant provides the local knowledge and hands-on mentorship to help you succeed—without wasting time or money on trial and error.

Georgia spans USDA Hardiness Zones 6b through 9a—from the North Georgia mountains (zones 6b-7a) through Atlanta's Piedmont region (zones 8a-8b) to the coastal areas (zones 8b-9a). However, hardiness zones only tell you one thing: the coldest winter temperature. They don't help you plan what to grow throughout the year.

Unlike traditional landscaping services, garden consulting focuses on education and empowerment. Atlanta garden consultants provide services including garden design, one-on-one coaching sessions, seasonal planting plans, and ongoing support tailored to our zone 8a/8b growing conditions.

While hardiness zones help you choose perennials, shrubs, and trees that can survive Atlanta winters, they only tell part of the story. These zones don't account for Atlanta's humid summers, red clay soil, unpredictable late spring frosts (typically ending in late March to early April), or summer heat that can stress certain plants.

Start with Leaves, Then Roots, Then Fruit – Begin with easy herbs like basil and oregano, plus lettuces and arugula. These require less space, sun, and time than other crops. Once you've mastered herbs and leafy greens, progress to root vegetables like radishes and carrots, then graduate to fruiting plants like tomatoes and peppers.

Starting a vegetable garden in Atlanta begins with three essential steps: location, raised beds, and the right plants. Choose a spot receiving at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily—preferably on the south side of structures to maximize winter sun.