Some vegetable varieties are resistant to certain diseases. For instance, Better Boy, Marion, Homestead and Atkinson tomato varieties are resistant to fusarium wilt, but Big Boy and Rutgers are highly susceptible. Also, look for varieties that will fit in with your garden plans. For example, look for dwarf varieties if you plan to grow vegetables in containers, or if you don't like staking. Once varieties are selected, planting is the next step.
Weather is probably the most important factor to consider when planting.
Warm season plants must be protected from freezing temperatures. Warm soil will shield ungerminated seed from cold injury, but once seedlings emerge this protection is gone. Therefore, you don't want seedlings to emerge until after the last spring frost has passed. Historical records indicate that the average date of the last frost in Athens is March 28. This year's last spring frost probably will not fall on March 28.