What Growing Zone Is Athens?

Our records indicate the United States Department of Agriculture has given Athens a growing zone designation of 8a. Sometimes also called the planting or hardiness zone, this zone number gives you an idea of what plants can and cannot grow in Athens's climate based on the average extreme annual temperature. .Our data is based on the latest 2023 USDA maps, which used Athens's weather data from 1991 - 2020 in their analysis.

If you are looking for plants suitable for growing in the Athens area, head on over to our page on plants that grow well in Athens, AL.

Hoeing Ain't Easy Garden Sign

Fun and decorative garden sign to add personality to your space.

Wooden Chicken Coop

Spacious and secure home for your backyard chickens.

Reusable Grow Bags

Breathable fabric grow bags that promote healthy root growth for your vegetables and fruits.

Hydroponic Garden Grow Kit

Grow fresh herbs and vegetables year-round with this indoor hydroponic garden system.

Fiskars Garden Harvest Basket

Sturdy basket for collecting and carrying your garden harvest.

Latest AL growing zone map

The growing zone is a measure of the lowest temperature that a plant can survive based on average lowest year temperatures, helping you to decide what plants would grow best in your particular climate. Since Athens is in growing zone 8a this means that plants there can survive temperatures as low as 10 to 15 degrees Fahrenheit. Plants for Athens's climate should be chosen with this in mind, or plants should be moved inside to keep their core temperature in the right range if necessary.

Some zones may have been changed by the USDA as of 2023. To see if the Athens area has been affected, refer to this map of half zone changes from the 2012 version of the USDA zones to the 2023 version.

Half zone changes from 2012 to 2023

The updated map shows that over half of the Southeast has warmed by about half a zone. For gardeners, that means you can now grow plants that tolerate a bit more heat and less frost than before. The tan areas reflect this shift. Meanwhile, the white areas had slight temperature changes, but not enough to move them into a new zone. In the Western U.S., a few spots shifted cooler. That’s not due to a colder climate, but because the new map uses a larger dataset, giving a more accurate picture of local conditions. It's important to keep track of these changes when planning your garden!

Athens's Growing Zone Details

Wooden Chicken Coop

Spacious and secure home for your backyard chickens.

Worm Composting Kit

Complete kit for starting your own worm composting system.

Seed Starting Trays

Perfect for starting seeds indoors before transplanting to your garden.

Large Greenhouse Kit

Spacious greenhouse for extending your growing season.

Raised Garden Planter

Elevated planter for easy access and better drainage.

Map of the Athens Area

All Towns In AL

Rustic Iron Garden Trellis

Sturdy trellis for supporting climbing plants and vines.

Self Watering Plant Pots

Innovative pots that maintain optimal moisture levels.

Large Greenhouse Kit

Spacious greenhouse for extending your growing season.

Raised Garden Bed Kit

Easy-to-assemble raised garden bed for better soil control and drainage.

Hydroponic Garden Grow Kit

Grow fresh herbs and vegetables year-round with this indoor hydroponic garden system.

Plants For Other States:

Looking for the best plants in a different area of the United States? Click on a button below to find plants that are ideal for that state's temperatures.

Steel Hori Hori Weeding Knife

Versatile Japanese-style gardening knife for weeding and planting.

Large Greenhouse Kit

Spacious greenhouse for extending your growing season.

Reusable Grow Bags

Breathable fabric grow bags that promote healthy root growth for your vegetables and fruits.

Seed Starting Trays

Perfect for starting seeds indoors before transplanting to your garden.

Shiitake Mushroom Kit

Grow your own delicious shiitake mushrooms at home.