Zone 8A Vegetable Planting Calendar (2024)

FAQs

What is best grown in zone 8a? ›

Asters, astilbe, bee balm, cannas, coneflowers, crocus, daffodils, dahlias, glads, hibiscus, hostas, hyacinths, irises, jasmine, lilies, peonies, phlox, salvia, sedum, succulents, tulips, and yarrow are among the Zone 8 plants we recommend.

For spring and summer crops, zone 8 vegetable gardening can start as early as the first days of February. That's the time to start seeds indoors for cool weather vegetables. Be sure to get your seeds early so that you can follow the vegetable planting guide for zone 8.

Zone 8's minimum average temperatures, like the other USDA zones, are ten degrees warmer than those of Zone 7. It's also divided into two subzones: 8a and 8b. The minimum average temperature of Zone 8a is 10-15° Fahrenheit, and the minimum average temperature of Zone 8b is 15-20° Fahrenheit.

A planting schedule can be created by determining the first frost date and then working backwards. This will help figure out the best planting date for whatever you are growing. The goal is to ensure a plant has enough time to mature before the first frost of the year.

That is why it is important to plant potatoes early in the season when soil is still cool. Potatoes need at least 100 to 120 days for adequate production. Zone 8 potato growing usually commences in early spring, but you can also plant in midsummer for a fall crop.

Fortunately, the end of summer & beginning of fall provides opportunities for these higher temperature growing zones. Zone 8 can enjoy fall tomatoes by planting seeds in early August or transplants in late August/early September.

April is the best time to plant most of your vegetable seeds after your last frost. It's still not too late to plant tomatoes and peppers from seeds as well. Be sure to check your gardening zone for last frost dates.

Start sowing this cool-weather crop 3 weeks before the last expected frost; plant again every 2 to 3 weeks after that. Most cultivars take 70 to 80 days to mature, so sow your last planting 2 to 3 months before the first expected fall frost. In Zone 8 and warmer, plant carrots in fall or winter.

Zone 8a has a low temperature of 10 to 15 Fahrenheit and -9.5 to -12 Celsius, spanning all the way across the US; from coastal areas of the northwest and California through central Arizona and Texas, across the southern halves and coasts of Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia and the Carolinas, central interior regions of ...

What vegetables grow best in zone 8b? ›

If the forecast looks good, sow seeds outdoors of beans, okra, squash, sweet corn, Southern peas, asparagus beans, and watermelon. Plant only partial rows of beans and sweet corn so that successive plantings can be done every week or two. Sweet corn should be planted in paired rows or blocks for good pollination.

For example, zone 8 covers coastal, high latitude, cool summer locations like Seattle and London, as well as lower latitude, hot-summer climates like Charleston and Madrid.

As a general rule, put tall veggies toward the back of the bed, mid-sized ones in the middle, and smaller plants in the front or as a border. Consider adding pollinator plants to attract beneficial insects that can not only help you get a better harvest, but will also prey on garden pests.

Loosening the soil in new beds before sowing or planting helps new roots grow more easily and access the water and nutrients they need. There are two methods: tilling with a mechanical device such as a rototiller, or digging by hand.

Cucumbers grow best in warm weather. Start seeds indoors in late April for transplants. Sow seed directly in the garden after soil has warmed, usually in May. Plastic mulch and row covers allow earlier planting.

Best Herbs for Zone 8

Rosemary – Rosemary also likes well-draining soil and plenty of sun, as long as it gets enough water. It's hardy year-round in zone 8. Oregano – A very popular culinary herb, oregano is tough and prefers dry, poor soil and full sun. Sage – Sage likes rich soil that drains well.

Chinese windmill palm (Trachycarpus fortunei), Mediterranean fan palm (Chamaerops humilis), and Pindo palm (Butia capitata) are all suitable for planting in zone 8.

Start your first seeds inside for broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, celery, head lettuce, onions, and parsley. Most perennial flowers should be started inside by the end of the month as well. You can also start flowers and herbs that have a long germination period, like rosemary, snapdragons, and begonias.

Popular Berries for Zone 8 Gardens

Blackberries – Blackberry bushes are very well adapted to warm climates. Some varieties with low chill hour requirements are Arapaho, Kiowa, Ouachita, and Rosborough. Raspberries – Dormanred is the best adapted raspberry to zone 8, but Heritage may perform well too.