Free planting guide · PDF
Zone 8a planting guide
A one-page zone 8a planting guide: average last and first frost dates, what vegetables to plant when in spring and fall, and how to pick perennials for zone 8a.
What is on this planting guide
Average coldest winter night 10 to 15°F (-12 to -9°C). Places in zone 8a include Washington, DC, Atlanta, GA, Charlotte, NC, Birmingham, AL.
Spring: what to plant and when
| Group | Plant outside | Crops |
|---|---|---|
| Hardy crops tolerate a hard frost | February 15 to March 1 | Asparagus, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, collards, horseradish, kale, kohlrabi, leek, mustard, onion, peas, potato, radish, rhubarb, spinach, turnip |
| Semi-hardy crops tolerate a light frost | March 1 to March 15 | Beet, carrot, cauliflower, celery, chard, Chinese cabbage, lettuce, mustard, parsnip |
| Tender crops damaged by frost | From March 29 | Bean, sweet corn, tomato |
| Very tender crops warm season | From April 12 | Cucumber, eggplant, melons, okra, pepper, pumpkin, squash, sweet potato |
Fall garden
Count back from the first fall frost (November 7): days to harvest, plus about 14 days because growth slows in fall, plus 14 more for frost-tender crops. A 50-day crop goes in by September 4 , a 70-day crop by August 15 .
| Semi-hardy (take light frost) | Beets, mustard, radishes, spinach, Swiss chard, green onions |
| Hardy (take several frosts) | Cabbage, carrots, turnips, rutabagas, kale |
Frost dates: medians across 3,413 zone 8a ZIP codes, from the nearest NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals station (32°F, 50% chance). Spring timing: Purdue Extension HO-186-W. Fall method and crops: University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension NebGuide G1343. Your own dates by ZIP code: plantsdirectusa.com.
