Spring Planting Guide - Zone 8
Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama, Mississippi, Texas, Central Arizona, Central California
Zone 8 Key Dates
Last Frost: Mid-March to early April
Growing Season: ~240-270 days
First Fall Frost: November to early December
Early Spring (January-February)
Zone 8 spring starts early! Get cool-season crops in before heat arrives.
| Plant | Action | Timing | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peas | Direct sow | January-February | Early start, harvest before heat |
| Lettuce | Direct sow | February-March | Bolts in heat, succession plant |
| Spinach | Direct sow | January-February | Must mature before hot weather |
| Carrots | Direct sow | February-March | Takes 70-80 days |
| Potatoes | Plant seed potatoes | February | Valentine's Day tradition in zone 8 |
Mid Spring (Start Indoors / Transplant)
Warm-season crops can go out earlier than northern zones.
| Plant | Action | Timing | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tomatoes | Start seeds indoors | 6-8 weeks before transplant | January start for March transplant |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors | 8-10 weeks before transplant | December-January start |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors | 8-10 weeks before transplant | Loves zone 8 heat |
| Cucumbers | Start indoors or direct sow | March-April | After frost danger |
| Squash | Direct sow | March-April | Grows fast in warm soil |
After Last Frost (March-April)
Plant heat-lovers that will thrive in zone 8's long, hot summer.
| Plant | Action | Timing | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beans | Direct sow | Mid-March onward | Plant every 2 weeks for succession |
| Corn | Direct sow | April | Soil temps 65°F+ |
| Melons | Transplant or sow | April | Long hot season perfect for melons |
| Okra | Direct sow | April-May | Heat lover, thrives in zone 8 |
| Southern Peas | Direct sow | April-May | Black-eyed peas, crowder peas |
Zone 8 Spring Tips
- Get cool-season crops in early - they'll bolt once heat arrives
- Choose heat-tolerant tomato varieties for summer success
- Plan for a "summer siesta" - some crops slow in extreme heat
- Light-colored containers and mulching help keep roots cool
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the last frost in zone 8?
Zone 8 last frost dates typically range from mid-March to early April. The mild winter means you can start gardening earlier than northern zones.
Can I plant tomatoes in March in zone 8?
Late March is possible in many zone 8 areas if you protect from late frosts. Most gardeners wait until early April to be safe. Soil should be at least 60°F.
What about summer heat in zone 8?
Zone 8 summers can be hot. Plant heat-tolerant varieties, provide afternoon shade if possible, and be prepared for a 'summer siesta' where some crops slow down in extreme heat.