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USDA Zone 8A

Zone 8A Planting Calendar — March 9 to November 20

Zone 8a is a warm zone where the growing season runs from late February through November. Summer heat above 95°F becomes a management challenge — shade cloth, heat-tolerant variety selection, and deep mulching are important tools. Two strong cool-season windows in spring and fall bracket a hot summer core.

Zone 8A at a glance: Last frost averages March 9 (range Feb 18–Mar 25). First fall frost averages November 20. Growing season is 255 days. Start warm-season crops indoors 6–10 weeks before last frost; transplant after March 9.
Updated May 14, 2026 · Frost data from NOAA 1991-2020 Climate Normals
Last Spring Frost
March 9
Range: Feb 18 – Mar 25
First Fall Frost
November 20
Range: Nov 5 – Dec 5
Growing Season
255 days
Avg. frost-free window
Winter Low
10° to 15°F
Average minimum temp
Reference City
Dallas, TX
Climate data source
Annual Rainfall
37"
Dry pattern

Zone 8A Planting Calendar — All Crops

Dates based on March 9 average last frost. Start indoors dates assume seed starting under grow lights or in a warm window. All dates are averages — adjust based on your specific microclimate and the current year's weather.

Plant Type Start Indoors Transplant / Direct Sow Harvest Window
Alaska Early Pea legume Feb 9 Feb 16 Transplant Apr 12 – Apr 17
All Season Cabbage brassica Feb 9 Feb 23 Transplant May 4 – May 14
All Year Round lettuce — Feb 22 Direct Sow Apr 27 – May 6
All Year Round Cauliflower brassica Feb 9 Feb 23 Transplant Apr 29
America lettuce — Feb 22 Direct Sow Apr 6 – Apr 18
Astro Arugula lettuce — Feb 22 Direct Sow Mar 15 – Apr 3
Berry Blue honeyberry shrubs berry Feb 23 Feb 23 Transplant Feb 23 – Feb 22
Black Salsify root_vegetable Feb 2 Feb 9 Transplant May 30 – Jun 14
Black Seeded Simpson lettuce — Feb 22 Direct Sow Apr 8 – Apr 9
Blonde de Paris lettuce — Feb 22 Direct Sow Apr 13 – Apr 23
Bloomsdale Longstanding Spinach lettuce — Feb 22 Direct Sow Apr 8 – Apr 15
Blue Curled Scotch lettuce — Feb 22 Direct Sow Apr 18 – Apr 23
Blue Flax Flowers flower Feb 16 Feb 23 Transplant May 24 – Jun 23
Bok Choy lettuce — Feb 22 Direct Sow Apr 8 – Apr 23
Bouquet Dill herb Feb 16 Feb 23 Transplant Apr 14 – Apr 29
Broad Windsor Fava Bean legume Feb 9 Feb 16 Transplant May 2 – May 12
Broadleaf Classic lettuce — Feb 22 Direct Sow Apr 13 – Apr 23
Broadleaf Sorrel lettuce — Feb 22 Direct Sow Apr 13 – Apr 23
Brunswick Cabbage brassica Feb 9 Feb 23 Transplant May 14 – May 24
Burgundy Boston lettuce — Feb 22 Direct Sow Apr 13 – Apr 18
Buttercrunch lettuce — Feb 22 Direct Sow Apr 9 – Apr 18
Butterhead Lettuce lettuce — Feb 22 Direct Sow Apr 13 – Apr 28
Calabrese Broccoli brassica Feb 9 Feb 23 Transplant Apr 29
Canary Yellow lettuce — Feb 22 Direct Sow Apr 13 – Apr 23
Caraway herb Feb 9 Feb 16 Transplant Feb 16 – Apr 22
Carentan Leeks allium Feb 2 Feb 23 Transplant May 24 – Jun 13
Cascadia Sugar Snap Pea legume Feb 9 Feb 16 Transplant Apr 22 – Apr 24
Charleston Wakefield Cabbage brassica Feb 2 Feb 16 Transplant May 2
Chervil herb Feb 9 Feb 16 Transplant Mar 23 – Apr 2
Chinese Broccoli (Gai Lan) brassica — Feb 22 Direct Sow Mar 24 – Apr 13
Chinese Forget-Me-Not Flowers flower Feb 16 Feb 23 Transplant Apr 29 – May 19
Concord grape vines berry Feb 23 Feb 23 Transplant Feb 23
Copenhagen Cabbage brassica Feb 9 Feb 23 Transplant Apr 29
Crimson Cherry Rhubarb Root vegetable Feb 2 Feb 9 Transplant Feb 9
Crisphead lettuce — Feb 22 Direct Sow May 1 – May 8
Curly Kale lettuce — Feb 22 Direct Sow Apr 18 – Apr 28
Daikon Radishes root_vegetable Feb 16 Feb 23 Transplant Apr 9 – Apr 19
Dandelion herb Feb 9 Feb 16 Transplant Mar 28 – Apr 17
Danish Ballhead Cabbage brassica Feb 9 Feb 23 Transplant Jun 3 – Jun 13
Dark Green Italian Giant Parsley herb Feb 16 Feb 23 Transplant Apr 24 – May 9
Dark Green Romaine lettuce — Feb 22 Direct Sow Apr 23 – May 3
Delicatesse Blue Kohlrabi brassica Feb 9 Feb 16 Transplant Apr 12 – Apr 17
Delicatesse White Kohlrabi brassica Feb 9 Feb 16 Transplant Apr 12 – Apr 17
Di Cicco Broccoli brassica Feb 9 Feb 23 Transplant Apr 29
Drumhead Cabbage brassica Feb 9 Feb 23 Transplant May 24 – Jun 3
Dukat Dill herb Feb 16 Feb 23 Transplant Apr 4 – Apr 14
Dutch Lamb's Lettuce lettuce — Feb 22 Direct Sow Apr 3 – Apr 13
Dutch Yellow Shallots allium Feb 2 Feb 9 Transplant May 10 – Jun 9
Early Jersey Wakefield Cabbage brassica Feb 2 Feb 16 Transplant Apr 22 – May 2
Early Purple Broccoli brassica Feb 9 Feb 23 Transplant Apr 29
Endive / Escarole lettuce — Feb 22 Direct Sow Apr 8 – Apr 28
Evergreen Parsley herb Feb 16 Feb 23 Transplant May 4 – May 19
Fenugreek herb Feb 16 Feb 23 Transplant Mar 30 – Apr 14
Florida Broadleaf lettuce — Feb 22 Direct Sow Apr 3 – Apr 13
Fordhook Giant lettuce — Feb 22 Direct Sow Apr 8 – Apr 18
French Lamb's Lettuce lettuce — Feb 22 Direct Sow Apr 3 – Apr 13
French Red Shallots allium Feb 2 Feb 9 Transplant May 10 – Jun 9
Full Heart Batavian lettuce — Feb 22 Direct Sow May 18 – May 23
Georgia Southern Collard Greens lettuce — Feb 22 Direct Sow Apr 23 – May 13
Giant Imperial Mix Larkspur Flowers flower Feb 9 Feb 16 Transplant May 27 – Jun 16
Giant Musselburgh Leeks allium Feb 2 Feb 23 Transplant Jun 3 – Jun 8
Giant Red lettuce — Feb 22 Direct Sow Apr 8
Glory of Enkhuizen Cabbage brassica Feb 9 Feb 23 Transplant May 24
Golden Acre Cabbage brassica Feb 9 Feb 23 Transplant Apr 29
Green Arrow Pea legume Feb 9 Feb 16 Transplant Apr 22 – Apr 27
Green Ice lettuce — Feb 22 Direct Sow Apr 8
Green Wave lettuce — Feb 22 Direct Sow Apr 8
Hamburg Rooted Parsley herb Feb 16 Feb 23 Transplant May 24 – Jun 13
Hard Red Wheat Cover Crop cover crop Feb 9 Feb 16 Transplant May 2 – May 22
Holland Red Shallots allium Feb 2 Feb 9 Transplant May 10 – Jun 9
Hot Pink lettuce — Feb 22 Direct Sow Apr 13 – Apr 23
Iceberg lettuce — Feb 22 Direct Sow May 1 – May 8
Igloo Cauliflower brassica Feb 9 Feb 23 Transplant Apr 29 – May 4
Invicta gooseberry shrubs berry Feb 23 Feb 23 Transplant Feb 23
Issai hardy kiwi vines berry Feb 23 Feb 23 Transplant Feb 22
Kagraner Sommer lettuce — Feb 22 Direct Sow Apr 13 – Apr 21
Lacinato Kale lettuce — Feb 22 Direct Sow Apr 23 – Apr 28
Large Leaf Sorrel lettuce — Feb 22 Direct Sow Apr 13 – Apr 23
Leaf Lettuce Mix lettuce — Feb 22 Direct Sow Apr 8 – Apr 18
Little Gem lettuce — Feb 22 Direct Sow Apr 13 – Apr 19
Little Marvel Pea legume Feb 9 Feb 16 Transplant Apr 17 – Apr 20
Lollo Bionda lettuce — Feb 22 Direct Sow Apr 13 – Apr 23
Lollo Rossa lettuce — Feb 22 Direct Sow Apr 16 – Apr 19
Magenta Sunset lettuce — Feb 22 Direct Sow Apr 18 – Apr 23
Mammoth Dill herb Feb 16 Feb 23 Transplant Apr 9 – Apr 29
Mammoth Melting Sugar Snow Pea legume Feb 9 Feb 16 Transplant Apr 25 – May 1
Marvel of Four Seasons lettuce — Feb 22 Direct Sow Apr 8 – Apr 23
Mary Washington Asparagus vegetable Feb 16 Feb 23 Transplant Feb 23 – Feb 22
Matador Viking lettuce — Feb 22 Direct Sow Apr 8 – Apr 11
Medium Red Clover Cover Crop cover crop Feb 16 Feb 23 Transplant Apr 24 – May 9
Mesclun Mix lettuce — Feb 22 Direct Sow Mar 15 – Mar 24
Michihili Cabbage brassica Feb 2 Feb 16 Transplant Apr 27
Millennium Asparagus vegetable Feb 16 Feb 23 Transplant Feb 23
Mizuna lettuce — Feb 22 Direct Sow Apr 3 – Apr 13
Monstrueux de Viroflay lettuce — Feb 22 Direct Sow Apr 8 – Apr 13
Morris Heading lettuce — Feb 22 Direct Sow May 8 – May 13
Mustard Greens lettuce — Feb 22 Direct Sow Mar 29 – Apr 13
Mâche (Corn Salad) lettuce — Feb 22 Direct Sow Apr 23 – May 17
Napa Cabbage brassica — Feb 22 Direct Sow May 3 – May 23
Noble Giant lettuce — Feb 22 Direct Sow Apr 9 – Apr 13
OG American Flag Leeks allium Feb 2 Feb 23 Transplant May 24 – Jun 3
Old Fashion lettuce — Feb 22 Direct Sow Apr 8 – Apr 13
Orange lettuce — Feb 22 Direct Sow Apr 8 – Apr 18
Oregon Giant Snow Pea legume Feb 9 Feb 16 Transplant Apr 27 – May 1
Oregon Sugar Pod Snow Pea legume Feb 9 Feb 16 Transplant Apr 17 – Apr 25
Premier lettuce — Feb 22 Direct Sow Apr 13 – Apr 23
Progress No. 9 Shelling Pea legume Feb 9 Feb 16 Transplant Apr 15 – Apr 19
Purple Passion Asparagus vegetable Feb 16 Feb 23 Transplant Feb 23
Radicchio lettuce — Feb 22 Direct Sow Apr 23 – May 18
Rainbow Mix lettuce — Feb 22 Direct Sow Apr 13 – Apr 23
Rapeseed Cover Crop cover crop Feb 16 Feb 23 Transplant Apr 9 – May 4
Rapini Broccoli Raab brassica Feb 16 Feb 23 Transplant Apr 29
Red Acre Cabbage brassica Feb 2 Feb 16 Transplant May 2 – May 7
Red Lake currant shrubs berry Feb 23 Feb 23 Transplant Feb 23 – Feb 22
Red Leaf Lettuce lettuce — Feb 22 Direct Sow Apr 8 – Apr 18
Red Romaine lettuce — Feb 22 Direct Sow Apr 23 – May 3
Red Russian Kale lettuce — Feb 22 Direct Sow Apr 13 – Apr 23
Red Vein Sorrel lettuce — Feb 22 Direct Sow Apr 13 – Apr 18
Romaine Lettuce lettuce — Feb 22 Direct Sow Apr 28 – May 8
Ruby Red lettuce — Feb 22 Direct Sow Apr 18 – Apr 23
Salad Bowl Green lettuce — Feb 22 Direct Sow Apr 12 – Apr 13
Savoy Perfection Cabbage brassica Feb 9 Feb 23 Transplant May 24 – May 29
Scarlet Flax Flowers flower Feb 16 Feb 23 Transplant Apr 19 – May 4
Shungiku (Edible Chrysanthemum) vegetable Feb 16 Feb 23 Transplant Apr 4 – Apr 19
Siberian Dwarf lettuce — Feb 22 Direct Sow Apr 13 – Apr 18
Snowball Self-Blanche Cauliflower brassica Feb 9 Feb 23 Transplant Apr 29
Sugar Ann Snap Pea legume Feb 9 Feb 16 Transplant Apr 9 – Apr 13
Summer Bibb lettuce — Feb 22 Direct Sow Apr 18 – Apr 23
Swiss Chard lettuce — Feb 22 Direct Sow Apr 13 – Apr 23
Tango lettuce — Feb 22 Direct Sow Mar 26 – Apr 3
Tatsoi lettuce Jan 26 Feb 9 Transplant Mar 6 – Mar 26
Tendergreen lettuce — Feb 22 Direct Sow Apr 3 – Apr 13
Texas 1015Y SuperSweet Onion root_vegetable Jan 5 Feb 9 Transplant May 25 – Jun 4
Tom Thumb lettuce — Feb 22 Direct Sow Apr 13 – May 3
Tuscany Black lettuce — Feb 22 Direct Sow Apr 23 – May 8
Vates lettuce — Feb 22 Direct Sow Apr 13 – Apr 18
Vates lettuce — Feb 22 Direct Sow Apr 23 – May 8
Verona Red lettuce — Feb 22 Direct Sow May 18 – May 25
Victoria Rhubarb vegetable Feb 2 Feb 23 Transplant Feb 23 – Feb 22
Vienna Purple Kohlrabi brassica Feb 9 Feb 16 Transplant Apr 12 – Apr 22
Vienna White Kohlrabi brassica Feb 9 Feb 16 Transplant Apr 22
Viola and pansy edible flowers flower Jan 19 Feb 23 Transplant Apr 24 – May 4
Violetta Purple Cauliflower brassica Feb 9 Feb 23 Transplant Apr 29
Wando Pea legume Feb 9 Feb 16 Transplant Apr 20 – Apr 25
White Boston lettuce — Feb 22 Direct Sow Apr 3 – Apr 13
Winner Kohlrabi brassica — Feb 22 Direct Sow Apr 8 – Apr 13
Winter Density lettuce — Feb 22 Direct Sow Apr 17 – Apr 23
Winter Giant lettuce — Feb 22 Direct Sow Apr 8 – Apr 13
Witloof White lettuce — Feb 22 Direct Sow Jun 8 – Jul 1
Yellow Sweet Blossom Clover Cover Crop cover crop Feb 16 Feb 23 Transplant Apr 24 – May 24
Abe Lincoln Tomatoes tomato Mar 2 Mar 23 Transplant Jun 11 – Jun 21
Ace 55 Tomatoes tomato Mar 2 Mar 23 Transplant Jun 6 – Jun 11
Acorn Squash squash — Mar 16 Direct Sow Jun 4 – Jun 24
African Flake Daisy Flowers flower Feb 23 Mar 9 Transplant Jun 7 – Jun 17
Alaska Mix Nasturtium Flowers flower Mar 2 Mar 9 Transplant Apr 28 – May 8
Alexandria Alpine Strawberry berry Feb 2 Mar 16 Transplant Jun 24 – Jul 14
Alfalfa Cover Crop cover crop Feb 23 Mar 2 Transplant May 1 – May 11
All Sorts Surprise Mix Sunflowers flower Mar 9 Mar 16 Transplant May 25 – Jun 24
All Sweet Watermelon melon Mar 9 Mar 16 Transplant Jun 14 – Jun 19
Amarillo Oro Melon melon Mar 9 Mar 16 Transplant Jun 14
Amarillo Yellow Carrots root_vegetable Mar 2 Mar 9 Transplant May 23
Amish Paste Tomatoes tomato Feb 23 Mar 23 Transplant Jun 5 – Jun 16
Anaheim Peppers pepper Feb 16 Mar 23 Transplant Jun 8 – Jun 16
Ancho Grande Hot Peppers pepper Feb 23 Mar 23 Transplant Jun 6 – Jun 16
Angelica herb Feb 9 Mar 9 Transplant Jul 7 – Aug 6
Anise herb Mar 9 Mar 16 Transplant Jun 24 – Jul 14
Anise hyssop leaves and flowers flower Mar 16 Mar 23 Transplant Jun 6 – Jun 21
Armenian Cucumber cucumber Mar 2 Mar 16 Transplant May 15 – May 25
Arroyo Lupine Flowers flower Mar 2 Mar 9 Transplant Jun 2 – Jun 22
Ashley Cucumber cucumber Mar 9 Mar 16 Transplant May 10 – May 15
Atkinson Tomatoes tomato Mar 2 Mar 23 Transplant Jun 1 – Jun 11
Atlantic Giant Pumpkin squash Mar 9 Mar 16 Transplant Jul 14
Aunt Molly's Ground Cherry vegetable — Mar 9 Plant Out May 18 – Jun 7
Autumn King Carrots root_vegetable Mar 2 Mar 9 Transplant May 23 – May 28
Baby Blue Eyes Flowers flower Mar 2 Mar 9 Transplant May 8 – Jun 7
Baby Blue Hubbard Winter Squash squash Mar 9 Mar 16 Transplant Jun 24
Baby Cakes Blackberry berry — Mar 16 Plant Out Mar 16 – May 15
Baby's Breath Flowers flower Feb 16 Mar 9 Transplant Jul 7 – Aug 6
Bachelor's button edible flowers flower Mar 16 Mar 23 Transplant May 22 – Jun 11
Banana Melon melon Mar 9 Mar 16 Transplant Jun 14
Banana Peppers pepper Feb 23 Mar 30 Transplant May 29 – Jun 8
Barletta, Pearly White Onions root_vegetable Feb 9 Mar 9 Transplant May 23 – May 28
Basil Herb Mix herb Mar 2 Mar 16 Transplant May 15 – Jun 4
Bay Laurel herb — Mar 16 Plant Out May 15 – Mar 16
Beauregard Sweet Potato root_vegetable — Mar 16 Direct Sow Jun 14 – Jun 29
Beauty Pink Radishes root_vegetable Mar 2 Mar 9 Transplant Apr 3 – Apr 8
Beauty Purple Radishes root_vegetable Mar 2 Mar 9 Transplant Apr 3 – Apr 8
Beauty White Radishes root_vegetable Mar 2 Mar 9 Transplant Apr 3 – Apr 8
Bee Balm flower — Mar 9 Plant Out —
Beefsteak Tomatoes tomato Mar 16 Mar 23 Transplant Jun 11 – Jun 16
Better Boy Tomatoes tomato Mar 2 Mar 23 Transplant Jun 1 – Jun 6
Bhut Jolokia Ghost Pepper pepper Feb 16 Mar 23 Transplant Jun 21 – Jul 21
Big Jim Hatch Chile pepper Feb 16 Mar 23 Transplant Jun 1 – Jun 6
Big Max Pumpkin squash Mar 9 Mar 16 Transplant Jul 9 – Jul 14
Big Rainbow Tomatoes tomato Mar 2 Mar 23 Transplant Jun 16 – Jun 26
Birds Eye Hot Peppers pepper Feb 23 Mar 23 Transplant Jul 1 – Jul 11
Bitter melons vegetable Mar 9 Mar 23 Transplant Jun 6 – Jun 21
Black Beauty Eggplant vegetable — Mar 9 Plant Out May 23 – Jun 7
Black Beauty Zucchini squash Feb 20 Mar 20 Transplant May 4 – May 14
Black Cherry Tomato tomato Feb 23 Mar 23 Transplant May 26 – Jun 6
Black Diamond Watermelon melon Mar 9 Mar 16 Transplant Jun 14
Black Krim Tomatoes tomato Mar 16 Mar 23 Transplant Jun 6 – Jun 11
Black Oil Sunflower Microgreens microgreen Mar 16 Mar 23 Transplant Mar 30 – Apr 4
Black-Eyed Pea legume — Mar 16 Direct Sow May 20 – May 25
Black-Eyed Susan flower — Mar 9 Plant Out —
Blazing Star Flowers flower Mar 2 Mar 9 Transplant Mar 9 – Jul 22
Bloody Butcher Corn vegetable Mar 16 Mar 23 Transplant Jul 1 – Jul 11
Blue Lake Bush Bean legume — Mar 16 Direct Sow May 5 – May 13
Boltardy Beets root_vegetable Mar 2 Mar 9 Transplant Apr 28 – May 8
Bonny Best Tomatoes tomato Mar 2 Mar 23 Transplant Jun 6 – Jun 11
Borage flower — Mar 9 Plant Out May 3 – May 23
Borlotti Bush Bean legume Mar 9 Mar 16 Transplant May 10 – May 20
Boston Pickling Cucumber cucumber Mar 9 Mar 16 Transplant May 5 – May 10
Bradley Tomatoes tomato Mar 2 Mar 23 Transplant Jun 6 – Jun 11
Brandywine Tomatoes tomato Mar 16 Mar 23 Transplant Jun 11 – Jun 21
Brilliant Celeriac root_vegetable Jan 26 Mar 9 Transplant Jun 27 – Jul 7
Broadleaf Sage Herb herb Feb 16 Mar 16 Transplant May 30
Broccolini brassica Feb 16 Mar 23 Transplant May 12 – Jun 1
Brussels Sprouts brassica Feb 16 Mar 23 Transplant Jun 16 – Jul 11
Buckwheat cover crop — Mar 9 Plant Out Apr 8 – Apr 23
Bull's Blood Beets root_vegetable Mar 2 Mar 9 Transplant Apr 28 – May 3
Burgess Buttercup Winter Squash squash Mar 9 Mar 16 Transplant Jun 14
Butternut Squash squash Feb 23 Mar 23 Transplant Jul 1 – Jul 21
Cal Sweet Watermelon melon Mar 9 Mar 16 Transplant Jun 9 – Jun 14
Calendula flower — Mar 9 Plant Out Apr 28 – May 8
California Giant Mix Zinnia Flowers flower Mar 9 Mar 16 Transplant May 15 – May 25
California Wonder Peppers pepper Feb 23 Mar 30 Transplant Jun 10 – Jun 13
Calypso Cilantro herb — Mar 9 Plant Out Apr 28 – May 3
Calypso Tomatoes tomato Mar 2 Mar 23 Transplant Jun 6 – Jun 11
Canary Bird Zinnia Flowers flower Mar 9 Mar 16 Transplant May 15 – May 25
Cantaloupe melon Feb 23 Mar 23 Transplant Jun 11 – Jun 21
Cardoon (Purple Artichoke Thistle) vegetable Feb 16 Mar 16 Transplant Jul 14 – Sep 12
Caribbean Red Scotch Bonnet Pepper pepper Feb 16 Mar 23 Transplant Jun 26 – Jul 21
Caribe Tomatoes tomato Mar 2 Mar 23 Transplant Jun 6 – Jun 16
Carolina Cross Watermelon melon Mar 9 Mar 16 Transplant Jun 19
Carolina Reaper peppers pepper Feb 9 Mar 23 Transplant Jun 21 – Jul 21
Caserta Summer Squash squash Mar 9 Mar 16 Transplant May 20
Casper Eggplant vegetable Feb 23 Mar 23 Transplant Jun 1
Catmint herb Feb 16 Mar 9 Transplant Jun 7 – Jul 7
Catnip Herb herb Mar 2 Mar 9 Transplant May 23 – Jun 2
Cayenne Peppers pepper Feb 16 Mar 23 Transplant Jun 16 – Jun 26
Celebrity Tomatoes tomato Mar 16 Mar 23 Transplant Jun 1 – Jun 3
Celeste Fig berry — Mar 23 Plant Out Mar 23 – Mar 22
Champion Radishes root_vegetable Mar 2 Mar 9 Transplant Apr 3 – Apr 8
Chantenay Carrots root_vegetable Mar 2 Mar 9 Transplant May 18
Chayote squash vegetable Mar 23 Mar 23 Transplant Jul 21 – Aug 20
Cherokee Purple Tomatoes tomato Mar 16 Mar 23 Transplant Jun 9 – Jun 16
Cherry Belle Radish root_vegetable — Mar 16 Direct Sow Apr 6 – Apr 15
Cherry Bomb peppers pepper Feb 9 Mar 23 Transplant Jun 6 – Jun 11
Cherry Queen Zinnia Flowers flower Mar 9 Mar 16 Transplant May 15 – May 25
Chicago Hardy Fig berry — Mar 23 Plant Out Mar 23 – Mar 22
Chinese Snake Cucumber cucumber Mar 9 Mar 16 Transplant May 30
Chioggia Beet root_vegetable — Mar 16 Direct Sow May 10 – May 20
Chives herb — Mar 9 Plant Out May 8 – May 23
Chocolate Bell Sweet Peppers pepper Feb 23 Mar 23 Transplant May 27 – Jun 11
Chocolate Cherry Sunflowers flower Mar 2 Mar 16 Transplant May 30 – Jun 14
Chocolate Cherry Tomatoes tomato Mar 2 Mar 23 Transplant Jun 6 – Jun 11
Chocolate Habanero Hot Peppers pepper Feb 23 Mar 23 Transplant Jun 16 – Jul 6
Cinderella Pumpkin squash Mar 9 Mar 16 Transplant Jul 4
Cinnamon Basil herb Mar 2 Mar 16 Transplant May 20 – Jun 4
Clasping Coneflower flower Mar 9 Mar 16 Transplant Jun 9 – Jun 24
Classic Cumin herb Mar 9 Mar 16 Transplant Jun 24 – Jul 14
Classic Tomatillos vegetable Feb 23 Mar 16 Transplant Jun 4 – Jun 9
Clemson Spineless Okra vegetable — Mar 9 Plant Out May 3 – May 12
Cocozelle Summer Squash squash Mar 9 Mar 16 Transplant May 5
Common Milkweed Flowers flower Feb 23 Mar 2 Transplant Mar 2 – Sep 3
Common Sage herb — Mar 9 Plant Out May 23 – Jun 7
Congo Watermelon melon Mar 9 Mar 16 Transplant Jun 14 – Jun 19
Contender Bush Bean legume — Mar 16 Direct Sow Apr 30 – May 10
Corno di Toro Pepper pepper Feb 16 Mar 23 Transplant Jun 6 – Jun 11
Cosmic Purple Carrot root_vegetable — Mar 16 Direct Sow May 13 – May 30
Cosmos flower — Mar 9 Plant Out May 18 – Jun 7
Cosmos Sensations Mix Flowers flower Mar 2 Mar 9 Transplant May 18 – May 23
Crackerjack Mix Marigolds flower Feb 16 Mar 9 Transplant May 8 – May 23
Crego Mix Aster Flowers flower Feb 23 Mar 16 Transplant Jun 4 – Jun 14
Creole Tomatoes tomato Mar 2 Mar 23 Transplant Jun 11 – Jun 21
Crimson Clover cover crop — Mar 9 Plant Out May 8 – Jun 7
Crimson Forest Bunching Onions root_vegetable Feb 16 Mar 9 Transplant May 8
Crimson Sweet Watermelon melon — Mar 9 Plant Out May 28 – Jun 7
Crosby's Egyptian Beets root_vegetable Mar 2 Mar 9 Transplant May 3 – May 8
Crosne tubers root_vegetable Mar 16 Mar 23 Transplant Sep 19 – Oct 29
Cubanelle Peppers pepper Feb 23 Mar 30 Transplant May 31 – Jun 8
Culinary Turmeric root_vegetable Mar 2 Mar 30 Transplant Nov 25 – Jan 24
Cupid Grape Tomato tomato Mar 2 Mar 23 Transplant May 27 – Jun 1
Curly Parsley herb Feb 2 Mar 9 Transplant May 18 – May 28
Cylindra Beets root_vegetable Mar 2 Mar 9 Transplant May 8
Danvers Carrot root_vegetable — Mar 16 Direct Sow May 25 – Jun 4
Dark Green Summer Squash squash Mar 9 Mar 16 Transplant Jun 4
Datil peppers pepper Feb 9 Mar 23 Transplant Jun 21 – Jul 11
Delica kabocha squash squash Mar 9 Mar 23 Transplant Jun 26 – Jul 11
Delicata Squash squash — Mar 16 Direct Sow Jun 4 – Jun 24
Delicious Tomatoes tomato Mar 2 Mar 23 Transplant Jun 6 – Jun 11
Detroit Dark Red Beet root_vegetable — Mar 16 Direct Sow May 10 – May 15
Devils Tongue Yellow Hot Peppers pepper Feb 23 Mar 23 Transplant Jun 21 – Jul 11
Dill herb — Mar 9 Plant Out Apr 18 – May 3
Dragon Tongue Bean legume — Mar 16 Direct Sow May 10 – May 15
Dwarf Jewel Mix Nasturtium Flowers flower Mar 2 Mar 9 Transplant Apr 28 – May 8
Dwarf Long Pod Okra vegetable Mar 23 Mar 30 Transplant May 24 – May 29
Early Girl Tomatoes tomato Mar 16 Mar 23 Transplant May 14 – May 24
Early Wonder Beets root_vegetable Mar 2 Mar 9 Transplant Apr 28
Easter Egg Radishes root_vegetable Mar 2 Mar 9 Transplant Apr 6 – Apr 10
Echinacea flower — Mar 9 Plant Out —
Edamame legume — Mar 16 Direct Sow May 30 – Jun 19
Egg Tomatoes tomato Mar 2 Mar 23 Transplant Jun 6 – Jun 11
Eight Ball Zucchini squash Mar 2 Mar 16 Transplant Apr 30 – May 10
Elephant garlic bulbs root_vegetable Mar 16 Mar 23 Transplant Sep 19 – Nov 18
Emerald Giant Sweet Peppers pepper Feb 23 Mar 23 Transplant Jun 6 – Jun 16
Emerald Green Velvet Okra vegetable Mar 16 Mar 23 Transplant May 17 – May 20
Empress of India Nasturtium Flowers flower Mar 2 Mar 9 Transplant Apr 28 – May 8
English Lavender flower — Mar 9 Plant Out —
English Lavender herb — Mar 9 Plant Out Jun 7 – Jul 7
English Lavender Herb herb Feb 16 Mar 23 Transplant Jun 16
English Thyme herb — Mar 16 Plant Out May 25 – Jun 14
English White Daisy Flowers flower Feb 9 Mar 9 Transplant Jul 7 – Aug 6
Epazote herb Feb 23 Mar 16 Transplant May 10 – May 20
Evening Sun Sunflowers flower Mar 9 Mar 16 Transplant Jun 4 – Jun 14
Everbearing Cucumber cucumber Mar 9 Mar 16 Transplant May 15
Evergreen Bunching Onions root_vegetable Feb 16 Mar 9 Transplant Jul 7
Fairy Dwarf Mix Candytuft Flowers flower Feb 23 Mar 2 Transplant Apr 16 – May 1
Fall Rutabagas root_vegetable — Mar 16 Direct Sow Jun 9 – Jun 24
Fava Bean legume — Mar 16 Direct Sow May 30 – Jun 24
Firecracker Hot Peppers pepper Feb 23 Mar 23 Transplant Jun 11 – Jul 21
Flat-Leaf Parsley herb Feb 2 Mar 9 Transplant May 18 – Jun 7
Floradade Tomatoes tomato Mar 2 Mar 23 Transplant Jun 1 – Jun 6
Florida Giant Watermelon melon Mar 9 Mar 16 Transplant Jun 9
Florida Market Eggplant vegetable Feb 23 Mar 23 Transplant Jun 11 – Jun 21
Foxglove Flowers flower Feb 23 Mar 2 Transplant Mar 2 – May 6
French Breakfast Radish root_vegetable — Mar 16 Direct Sow Apr 6 – Apr 13
French Marigold flower — Mar 9 Plant Out Apr 28 – May 8
French Tarragon herb — Mar 9 Plant Out May 8 – May 28
Fresno Peppers pepper Feb 16 Mar 23 Transplant Jun 6 – Jun 11
Gaillardia Annual Mix Flowers flower Mar 2 Mar 9 Transplant May 18 – Jun 7
Gardener's Delight Tomatoes tomato Mar 2 Mar 23 Transplant May 22 – Jun 6
Garlic Chives herb — Mar 9 Plant Out May 8 – May 23
Genovese Basil herb Feb 23 Mar 23 Transplant May 22 – Jun 1
Georgia Rattlesnake Watermelon melon Mar 9 Mar 16 Transplant Jun 14 – Jun 19
German Chamomile herb — Mar 9 Plant Out May 8 – May 13
Giant Maximum Mix Snapdragon Flowers flower Feb 9 Mar 9 Transplant May 28 – Jun 12
Ginger root_vegetable Mar 2 Mar 30 Transplant Nov 25 – Jan 24
Globe Gilia Flowers flower Mar 2 Mar 9 Transplant May 8 – May 28
Glorious Gleam Nasturtium Flowers flower Mar 2 Mar 9 Transplant May 3 – May 18
Gold Rush Zucchini squash Mar 2 Mar 16 Transplant Apr 30 – May 5
Golden Bantam Sweet Corn vegetable Mar 16 Mar 23 Transplant May 31 – Jun 6
Golden Beet root_vegetable — Mar 16 Direct Sow May 10 – May 20
Golden Bush Scallop Summer Squash squash Mar 9 Mar 16 Transplant May 20
Golden Celery vegetable Feb 9 Mar 16 Transplant Jun 9 – Jun 19
Golden Detroit Beets root_vegetable Mar 2 Mar 9 Transplant May 3 – May 8
Golden Globe Turnips root_vegetable Mar 2 Mar 9 Transplant Apr 23 – Apr 28
Golden Hubbard Winter Squash squash Mar 9 Mar 16 Transplant Jun 24
Golden Marconi Sweet Peppers pepper Feb 23 Mar 23 Transplant May 27 – Jun 11
Golden Sunray Tomatoes tomato Mar 2 Mar 23 Transplant Jun 6 – Jun 11
Golden Wax Bush Bean legume Mar 9 Mar 16 Transplant May 5 – May 15
Grano Red Onions root_vegetable Feb 9 Mar 9 Transplant Jul 7
Grano White Onions root_vegetable Feb 9 Mar 9 Transplant Jul 7
Greek Basil herb Mar 2 Mar 16 Transplant May 20 – May 30
Greek Oregano herb — Mar 16 Plant Out May 15 – Jun 4
Green Cabbage brassica Feb 16 Mar 23 Transplant May 22 – Jul 1
Green Fingers Persian Cucumber cucumber Mar 2 Mar 16 Transplant May 10 – May 15
Green Flesh Honeydew Melon melon Mar 9 Mar 16 Transplant Jun 9 – Jun 24
Green Globe Artichoke vegetable Feb 16 Mar 23 Transplant Mar 23 – Mar 22
Green Hubbard Winter Squash squash Mar 9 Mar 16 Transplant Jul 4
Green Marrow Summer Squash squash Mar 9 Mar 16 Transplant Jun 9
Green Onion vegetable — Mar 9 Plant Out May 8 – Jun 7
Green Purslane vegetable Mar 9 Mar 16 Transplant Apr 20 – May 5
Green shiso leaves herb Feb 23 Mar 16 Transplant May 15 – May 25
Green Striped Cushaw Crookneck Winter Squash squash Mar 9 Mar 16 Transplant Jun 24
Green Zebra Tomatoes tomato Mar 16 Mar 23 Transplant Jun 6 – Jun 9
Habanero Pepper pepper Feb 16 Mar 30 Transplant Jun 28 – Jul 28
Hailstone Radishes root_vegetable Mar 2 Mar 9 Transplant Apr 8
Hairy vetch cover crop stands cover crop Mar 16 Mar 23 Transplant May 22 – Jun 21
Harris Model Parsnips root_vegetable Mar 2 Mar 9 Transplant Jun 7
Harvester Bush Bean legume Mar 9 Mar 16 Transplant May 5 – May 10
Heart of Gold Cantaloupe Melon melon Mar 9 Mar 16 Transplant Jun 9 – Jun 24
Heirloom Red Kuri Squash squash Mar 2 Mar 16 Transplant Jun 14 – Jun 24
Herb Fennel herb — Mar 9 Plant Out May 8 – May 18
Heritage Rainbow Blend Carrots root_vegetable Mar 2 Mar 9 Transplant May 18 – May 23
Heritage Raspberry berry — Mar 16 Plant Out Mar 16 – May 15
Highbush Blueberries berry Feb 23 Mar 23 Transplant Mar 22
Holiday Marbles Hot Peppers pepper Feb 23 Mar 23 Transplant Jun 21 – Jul 11
Homemade Pickles Cucumber cucumber Mar 9 Mar 16 Transplant May 10 – May 15
Homestead Tomatoes tomato Mar 2 Mar 23 Transplant Jun 11 – Jun 16
Honey Rock Cantaloupe Melon melon Mar 9 Mar 16 Transplant Jun 9 – Jun 24
Honeydew Melon melon Feb 23 Mar 23 Transplant Jul 1 – Jul 16
Horehound Herb herb Mar 2 Mar 9 Transplant May 23
Horseradish vegetable — Mar 9 Plant Out Jul 27 – Aug 16
Hungarian Hot Wax Pepper pepper Feb 16 Mar 23 Transplant May 27 – Jun 6
Imperial Star Artichoke vegetable Feb 2 Mar 9 Transplant Jun 7 – Jun 17
Improved Meyer Lemon berry — Mar 23 Plant Out Mar 22
Indian Spring Mix Hollyhock Flowers flower Mar 2 Mar 9 Transplant Jul 7 – Sep 5
Isis Candy cherry tomatoes tomato Feb 16 Mar 16 Transplant May 25 – Jun 4
Italian Large Leaf Basil herb Mar 2 Mar 16 Transplant May 15 – May 30
Italian Oregano herb Feb 16 Mar 9 Transplant Jun 7 – Jun 17
Jack Be Little Pumpkin squash Mar 9 Mar 16 Transplant Jun 24
Jack O'Lantern Pumpkin squash — Mar 16 Direct Sow Jun 14 – Jul 4
Jacob's Cattle beans legume Mar 16 Mar 23 Transplant Jun 11 – Jun 21
Jade Bush Bean legume Mar 9 Mar 16 Transplant May 10 – May 15
Jalapeño Peppers pepper Feb 16 Mar 23 Transplant May 27 – Jun 6
Japanese Eggplant vegetable — Mar 9 Plant Out Apr 28 – May 13
Jersey Knight Asparagus vegetable — Mar 9 Plant Out Mar 8
Jerusalem artichoke tubers root_vegetable Mar 16 Mar 23 Transplant Jul 11 – Aug 20
Jewel Strawberries berry Mar 2 Mar 9 Transplant Feb 2 – Apr 13
Jicama Mexican Yam Bean legume Mar 16 Mar 23 Transplant Aug 10 – Aug 30
Jimmy Nardello Peppers pepper Feb 23 Mar 30 Transplant Jun 18 – Jun 28
Jubilee Tomatoes tomato Mar 2 Mar 23 Transplant Jun 6 – Jun 11
Jubilee Watermelon melon Mar 9 Mar 16 Transplant Jun 14 – Jun 19
Juliet Tomatoes tomato Mar 2 Mar 23 Transplant May 21 – May 23
Kellogg's Breakfast tomatoes tomato Feb 16 Mar 16 Transplant May 30 – Jun 9
Kentucky Wonder Brown Pole Bean legume Mar 9 Mar 16 Transplant May 20 – May 27
Kentucky Wonder Pole Bean legume — Mar 16 Direct Sow May 13 – May 25
King Arthur Peppers pepper Feb 23 Mar 30 Transplant May 31 – Jun 6
King of the Garden Pole Lima Bean legume Mar 12 Mar 19 Transplant Jun 15 – Jun 22
King's Cure-All Evening Primrose Flowers flower Feb 23 Mar 2 Transplant Mar 2 – May 6
Kuroda Carrots root_vegetable Mar 2 Mar 9 Transplant May 18
Lacy Phacelia Flowers flower Mar 2 Mar 9 Transplant May 3 – May 23
Lanceleaf Coreopsis Flowers flower Mar 2 Mar 9 Transplant Mar 9 – May 13
Landreth Bush Bean legume Mar 9 Mar 16 Transplant May 5 – May 10
Large Red Cherry Tomatoes tomato Mar 2 Mar 23 Transplant Jun 1 – Jun 11
Lebanese White Bush Summer Squash squash Mar 9 Mar 16 Transplant Apr 30
Leek vegetable — Mar 9 Plant Out Jun 17 – Jul 17
Lemon Balm herb — Mar 9 Plant Out Apr 23 – May 8
Lemon Cucumber cucumber — Mar 9 Plant Out May 8 – May 18
Lemon Habanero Hot Peppers pepper Feb 23 Mar 23 Transplant Jun 16 – Jul 6
Lemon Mint Herb herb Mar 2 Mar 9 Transplant Jun 7
Lemon Verbena herb — Mar 16 Plant Out Jun 14 – Jul 14
Lemongrass herb — Mar 9 Plant Out May 23 – Jun 17
Lemongrass Herb herb Feb 16 Mar 23 Transplant Jun 11 – Jul 1
Lettuce Leaf Basil herb Mar 2 Mar 16 Transplant May 20 – Jun 4
Licorice Basil herb Mar 2 Mar 16 Transplant May 20 – Jun 4
Lima Bean legume — Mar 16 Direct Sow May 15 – Jun 4
Lime Basil herb Mar 2 Mar 16 Transplant May 20 – May 30
Little Fingers Carrots root_vegetable Mar 2 Mar 9 Transplant May 3
Long Green Louisiana Eggplant vegetable Feb 23 Mar 23 Transplant May 27 – Jun 1
Long Island Cheese Winter Squash squash Mar 9 Mar 16 Transplant Jun 24
Long Ping Tung Eggplant vegetable Feb 23 Mar 23 Transplant May 17 – May 22
Long Purple Italian Eggplant vegetable Feb 23 Mar 23 Transplant Jun 6
Lovage Herb herb Mar 2 Mar 9 Transplant Jun 2
Love-in-a-Mist Flowers flower Mar 2 Mar 9 Transplant May 13 – Jun 2
Luffa gourds vegetable Mar 2 Mar 23 Transplant Jul 1 – Jul 21
Luminosa Zinnia Flowers flower Mar 9 Mar 16 Transplant May 15 – May 25
Lunar White Carrots root_vegetable Mar 2 Mar 9 Transplant May 23 – May 28
Lunaria Silver Dollar Flowers flower Feb 23 Mar 2 Transplant Mar 2 – May 6
Lunchbox Mini Peppers pepper Feb 23 Mar 30 Transplant May 24 – May 29
Mammoth Sunflower flower — Mar 9 Plant Out May 13 – May 28
Manitoba Tomatoes tomato Mar 2 Mar 23 Transplant May 17 – May 27
Marglobe Improved Tomatoes tomato Mar 2 Mar 23 Transplant Jun 1 – Jun 11
Marglobe Supreme Tomatoes tomato Mar 2 Mar 23 Transplant Jun 1 – Jun 11
Marion Tomatoes tomato Mar 2 Mar 23 Transplant Jun 6 – Jun 11
Marketer Cucumber cucumber Mar 9 Mar 16 Transplant May 10
Marketmore 76 Cucumber cucumber Feb 23 Mar 23 Transplant May 20 – May 30
Matt's Wild Cherry tomatoes tomato Feb 16 Mar 16 Transplant May 10 – May 20
Maximillian Sunflowers flower Mar 2 Mar 9 Transplant Jun 7 – Jun 17
McKana Giants Mix Columbine Flowers flower Mar 2 Mar 9 Transplant Mar 9 – Jul 22
Midnight Snack Tomato tomato Feb 23 Mar 23 Transplant May 27 – Jun 1
Money Maker Tomatoes tomato Mar 2 Mar 23 Transplant Jun 6 – Jun 16
Moon & Stars Red-Flesh Watermelon melon Mar 9 Mar 16 Transplant Jun 14 – Jun 24
Moon & Stars Yellow-Flesh Watermelon melon Mar 9 Mar 16 Transplant Jun 14 – Jun 24
Mortgage Lifter Tomatoes tomato Mar 16 Mar 23 Transplant Jun 11 – Jun 16
Mountain Magic Tomatoes tomato Mar 16 Mar 23 Transplant Jun 3 – Jun 6
Mr. Stripey Tomatoes tomato Mar 2 Mar 23 Transplant Jun 16 – Jun 26
Mrs. Burns Lemon Basil herb Feb 16 Mar 16 Transplant May 15 – May 25
Mucho Nacho Jalapeño Peppers pepper Feb 23 Mar 23 Transplant May 30 – Jun 1
Mugwort herb Mar 2 Mar 9 Transplant May 28 – Jun 12
Muncher Cucumber cucumber Mar 9 Mar 16 Transplant May 15 – May 20
Nagami Kumquat berry — Mar 23 Plant Out Mar 22
Nantes Carrot root_vegetable — Mar 16 Direct Sow May 17 – May 30
Nasturtium flower — Mar 9 Plant Out Apr 28 – May 13
National Pickling Cucumber cucumber — Mar 9 Plant Out Apr 28 – May 6
New England Aster Flowers flower Feb 23 Mar 2 Transplant Mar 2 – Aug 4
New Sunn Hemp Cover Crop cover crop Mar 16 Mar 23 Transplant May 22 – Jun 21
New Zealand Spinach lettuce Mar 2 Mar 16 Transplant May 5 – May 15
Nodding Catchfly Flowers flower Mar 2 Mar 9 Transplant May 8 – Jun 7
Nopales pads vegetable Mar 23 Mar 23 Transplant May 22 – Jul 21
NuMex Twilight Hot Peppers pepper Feb 23 Mar 23 Transplant Jun 21 – Jul 21
Nutri-Red Carrots root_vegetable Mar 2 Mar 9 Transplant May 18 – May 23
Orange Flesh Honeydew Melon melon Mar 9 Mar 16 Transplant Jun 9 – Jun 24
Orange Habanero Hot Peppers pepper Feb 23 Mar 23 Transplant Jun 16 – Jul 6
Orange Horizon Sweet Peppers pepper Feb 23 Mar 23 Transplant Jun 6 – Jun 11
Orange King Zinnia Flowers flower Mar 9 Mar 16 Transplant May 15 – May 25
Orange Oxheart Tomatoes tomato Mar 2 Mar 23 Transplant Jun 6 – Jun 16
Orange Sulphur Cosmos Flowers flower Mar 2 Mar 9 Transplant May 3 – May 18
Orion Florence Fennel vegetable Feb 23 Mar 16 Transplant Jun 4 – Jun 14
Ox-Eye Daisy Flowers flower Feb 9 Mar 9 Transplant Mar 9 – Jul 22
Ozark Beauty Strawberry berry — Mar 16 Plant Out May 15 – Jun 14
Pacific Giant Pumpkin squash Mar 9 Mar 16 Transplant Jul 9 – Jul 19
Padron Peppers pepper Feb 23 Mar 30 Transplant May 29 – Jun 3
Pandora Striped Eggplant vegetable Feb 23 Mar 23 Transplant Jun 6 – Jun 11
Paris Market Carrots root_vegetable Mar 2 Mar 9 Transplant Apr 28 – May 3
Paris Yellow Pumpkin squash Mar 9 Mar 16 Transplant Jun 24
Parsnip root_vegetable — Mar 16 Direct Sow Jun 24 – Jul 24
Pasilla de Oaxaca Hot Peppers pepper Feb 23 Mar 23 Transplant Jun 6 – Jun 16
Patio Princess Tomatoes tomato Mar 2 Mar 23 Transplant May 27 – Jun 1
Patriot Blueberry berry — Mar 16 Plant Out Mar 15
Pattypan Squash squash — Mar 16 Direct Sow May 2 – May 10
Paul Robeson tomatoes tomato Feb 16 Mar 16 Transplant May 25 – Jun 9
Peach Melba Nasturtium Flowers flower Mar 2 Mar 9 Transplant Apr 28 – May 8
Peppermint herb — Mar 9 Plant Out Apr 8 – Apr 23
Pepperoncini Hot Peppers pepper Feb 23 Mar 23 Transplant May 27 – Jun 6
Phacelia California Bluebell/Desert Bluebell Flowers flower Mar 2 Mar 9 Transplant May 3 – May 13
Phacelia cover crop and bee forage cover crop Mar 16 Mar 23 Transplant May 7 – May 22
Pimento Sweet Peppers pepper Feb 23 Mar 23 Transplant Jun 16 – Jun 21
Pineapple Tomatillos vegetable Feb 23 Mar 16 Transplant May 25 – Jun 4
Pineapple Tomatoes tomato Mar 2 Mar 23 Transplant Jun 16 – Jun 26
Pink Banana Jumbo Winter Squash squash Mar 9 Mar 16 Transplant Jun 24 – Jul 4
Pink Oxheart Tomatoes tomato Mar 2 Mar 23 Transplant Jun 11 – Jun 21
Pinkeye Purple Hull Cowpea legume Jan 26 Mar 23 Transplant May 17 – May 30
Pixie Delight Lupine Flowers flower Mar 2 Mar 9 Transplant Jun 7 – Jun 27
Planters Jumbo Cantaloupe Melon melon Mar 9 Mar 16 Transplant Jun 9
Poblano Peppers pepper Feb 16 Mar 23 Transplant May 27 – Jun 6
Polar Bear Zinnia Flowers flower Mar 9 Mar 16 Transplant May 15 – May 25
Ponderosa Red Beefsteak Tomatoes tomato Mar 2 Mar 23 Transplant Jun 6 – Jun 11
Popcorn vegetable — Mar 9 Plant Out Jun 2 – Jul 7
Potato onion clusters root_vegetable Mar 16 Mar 23 Transplant Jun 21 – Jul 21
Powderpuff Aster Flowers flower Feb 23 Mar 16 Transplant May 30 – Jun 9
Pretty Purple Hot Peppers pepper Feb 23 Mar 23 Transplant Jun 21 – Jul 21
Prizewinner Runner Pole Bean legume Mar 9 Mar 16 Transplant May 30 – Jun 6
Provider Bush Bean legume — Mar 16 Direct Sow May 5 – May 10
Purple Basil herb Feb 23 Mar 23 Transplant Jun 1 – Jun 16
Purple Beauty Sweet Peppers pepper Feb 23 Mar 23 Transplant Jun 1 – Jun 6
Purple Carrots root_vegetable Mar 2 Mar 9 Transplant May 18 – May 23
Purple Haze Carrots root_vegetable Mar 2 Mar 9 Transplant May 18 – May 21
Purple Plum Radishes root_vegetable Mar 2 Mar 9 Transplant Apr 6 – Apr 8
Purple Tiger Hot Peppers pepper Feb 23 Mar 23 Transplant Jun 21 – Jul 1
Purple Tomatillos vegetable Feb 23 Mar 16 Transplant May 30 – Jun 9
Pápalo leaves herb Mar 2 Mar 9 Transplant May 18 – May 28
Queen Anne's Lace Flowers flower Mar 2 Mar 9 Transplant Jun 2 – Jun 17
Queensland Blue Winter Squash squash Mar 9 Mar 16 Transplant Jun 24 – Jul 14
Rainbow Corn vegetable Mar 9 Mar 16 Transplant Jun 29 – Jul 9
Rambo Radish Microgreens microgreen Mar 16 Mar 23 Transplant Mar 29 – Apr 2
Raspberry Shortcake Raspberry berry — Mar 16 Plant Out Mar 16 – May 15
Rattlesnake Pole Bean legume Mar 9 Mar 16 Transplant May 15 – May 25
Red Burgundy Okra vegetable Mar 16 Mar 23 Transplant May 17 – May 22
Red Burgundy Onions root_vegetable Feb 9 Mar 9 Transplant Jun 27 – Jul 7
Red Cabbage brassica Feb 16 Mar 23 Transplant Jun 1 – Jul 11
Red Caribbean Habanero Hot Peppers pepper Feb 23 Mar 23 Transplant Jun 16 – Jul 6
Red Cayenne Hot Peppers pepper Feb 23 Mar 23 Transplant Jun 6 – Jun 16
Red Cherry Hot Peppers pepper Feb 23 Mar 23 Transplant Jun 6 – Jun 16
Red Garnet Amaranth vegetable Mar 9 Mar 16 Transplant May 10 – May 15
Red Mushroom Hot Peppers pepper Feb 23 Mar 23 Transplant Jun 6 – Jun 16
Red Pear Tomatoes tomato Mar 2 Mar 23 Transplant May 27 – Jun 6
Red Pontiac Potato root_vegetable — Mar 16 Direct Sow Jun 14 – Jul 4
Red Prairie Mexican Hat Flowers flower Mar 9 Mar 16 Transplant Jun 14 – Jul 14
Red Velvet Leaf Basil herb Mar 2 Mar 16 Transplant May 20 – Jun 4
Red-Stem Malabar Spinach lettuce Mar 2 Mar 23 Transplant May 17 – Jun 1
Rhubarb vegetable — Mar 9 Plant Out Mar 9 – Mar 8
Rio Grande Tomatoes tomato Mar 2 Mar 23 Transplant Jun 6 – Jun 11
Roma II Bush Bean legume Mar 9 Mar 16 Transplant May 8 – May 14
Roma VF Tomatoes tomato Mar 16 Mar 23 Transplant Jun 6 – Jun 11
Roman Chamomile herb Feb 16 Mar 9 Transplant Jun 7 – Jul 7
Romanesco brassica Feb 16 Mar 23 Transplant Jun 6 – Jul 1
Romano Pole Bean legume Mar 9 Mar 16 Transplant May 15 – May 23
Roselle calyces and leaves vegetable Feb 23 Mar 16 Transplant Aug 13 – Sep 12
Rosemary herb — Mar 23 Plant Out Jun 11 – Jul 1
Round de Nice Zucchini Summer Squash squash Mar 9 Mar 16 Transplant Apr 30
Round Mauve Eggplant vegetable Feb 23 Mar 23 Transplant Jun 11 – Jun 21
Royal Burgundy Bush Bean legume Mar 9 Mar 16 Transplant May 5 – May 10
Royal Carpet Alyssum Flowers flower Feb 23 Mar 2 Transplant Apr 16 – May 1
Rue herb Feb 16 Mar 9 Transplant Jun 12 – Jul 12
Russell Mix Lupine Flowers flower Mar 2 Mar 9 Transplant Mar 9 – Jul 22
Rutgers Tomato tomato Feb 23 Mar 23 Transplant Jun 1 – Jun 11
Salad Burnet herb Feb 23 Mar 2 Transplant May 11 – May 31
San Andreas Strawberries berry Mar 2 Mar 9 Transplant May 8 – Jun 7
San Marzano Tomatoes tomato Mar 16 Mar 23 Transplant Jun 9 – Jun 19
Santa Fe Grande Hot Peppers pepper Feb 23 Mar 23 Transplant Jun 6 – Jun 11
Scarlet Runner Bean legume — Mar 16 Direct Sow May 15 – May 25
Scarlet Sage Flowers flower Feb 23 Mar 16 Transplant May 20 – Jun 9
Seascape Strawberry berry — Mar 16 Plant Out May 30 – Jun 14
Serrano Peppers pepper Feb 16 Mar 23 Transplant Jun 1 – Jun 11
Shallot vegetable — Mar 9 Plant Out Jun 7 – Jul 7
Shasta Daisy Flowers flower Feb 2 Mar 9 Transplant Jul 7 – Mar 9
Shelling Pea legume — Mar 16 Direct Sow May 10 – May 25
Shishito Peppers pepper Feb 23 Mar 30 Transplant May 29 – Jun 3
Showy Pink Ladies Evening Primrose Flowers flower Mar 2 Mar 9 Transplant Mar 9 – Jun 2
Signet marigold edible flowers flower Mar 16 Mar 23 Transplant May 22 – May 27
Silver Queen Sweet Corn vegetable — Mar 9 Plant Out Jun 7 – Jun 9
Single Mix China Aster Flowers flower Feb 23 Mar 16 Transplant May 25 – Jun 4
Slenderette Bush Bean legume Mar 9 Mar 16 Transplant May 8 – May 12
Slow-Bolt (Slo-Bolt) Cilantro/Coriander herb Mar 2 Mar 9 Transplant Apr 6 – Apr 18
Smooth Blue Aster Flowers flower Feb 23 Mar 2 Transplant Mar 2 – Jul 15
Snow Crown Cauliflower brassica Feb 16 Mar 23 Transplant May 12 – May 22
Snow Pea legume — Mar 16 Direct Sow May 7 – May 25
Snow White Carrots root_vegetable Mar 2 Mar 9 Transplant May 18 – May 23
Soapwort flower Feb 23 Mar 16 Transplant Jun 14 – Jul 14
Softneck Garlic root_vegetable — Mar 16 Direct Sow Nov 11 – Dec 11
Solar Yellow Carrots root_vegetable Mar 2 Mar 9 Transplant May 18 – May 23
Southport Red Globe Onions root_vegetable Feb 9 Mar 9 Transplant Jul 7
Southport White Globe Onions root_vegetable Feb 9 Mar 9 Transplant Jul 7
Spacemaster Bush Cucumber cucumber Mar 2 Mar 16 Transplant May 15 – May 20
Spaghetti Squash squash — Mar 16 Direct Sow Jun 12 – Jun 24
Spanish Sweet White Onions root_vegetable Feb 9 Mar 9 Transplant Jun 27 – Jul 7
Sparkler Radishes root_vegetable Mar 2 Mar 9 Transplant Apr 3 – Apr 8
Sparky Mix Marigolds flower Feb 16 Mar 9 Transplant May 3 – May 18
Spearmint herb — Mar 9 Plant Out Apr 8 – Apr 23
Speckled Pea Shoot Microgreens microgreen Mar 16 Mar 23 Transplant Mar 31 – Apr 6
St. Valery/James Scarlet Carrots root_vegetable Mar 2 Mar 9 Transplant May 18
Stevia herb — Mar 9 Plant Out Jun 7 – Jul 7
Straight Eight Cucumber cucumber Mar 2 Mar 16 Transplant May 15 – May 20
Sugar Baby Watermelon melon Feb 23 Mar 23 Transplant Jun 6 – Jun 11
Sugar Pie Pumpkin squash — Mar 16 Direct Sow Jun 14 – Jul 4
Sugar Snap Pea legume — Mar 16 Direct Sow May 10 – May 25
Summer Carnival Mix Hollyhock Flowers flower Mar 2 Mar 9 Transplant Jul 7 – Sep 5
Summer Max Mix Cover Crop cover crop Mar 16 Mar 23 Transplant May 7 – May 22
Summer Savory herb Mar 9 Mar 16 Transplant May 10 – May 20
Sun Gold Sunflowers flower Mar 9 Mar 16 Transplant Jun 4 – Jun 19
Sun Gold Tomatoes tomato Mar 2 Mar 23 Transplant May 19 – May 27
Sunbright Yellow Sweet Peppers pepper Feb 23 Mar 23 Transplant Jun 6 – Jun 11
Sunray Tomatoes tomato Mar 2 Mar 23 Transplant Jun 6 – Jun 11
Sunshine Blue Blueberry berry — Mar 16 Plant Out Mar 15
Sunshine Kabocha Squash squash Mar 2 Mar 16 Transplant Jun 19 – Jun 24
Sunspot Sunflowers flower Mar 9 Mar 16 Transplant May 10 – May 25
Supersweet 100 Tomatoes tomato Mar 2 Mar 23 Transplant May 22 – May 27
Sweet 100 Tomatoes tomato Mar 2 Mar 23 Transplant May 22 – May 27
Sweet Alyssum flower — Mar 9 Plant Out Apr 18 – May 3
Sweet Marjoram herb Feb 16 Mar 16 Transplant May 30 – Jun 14
Sweet Million Tomato tomato Feb 23 Mar 23 Transplant May 22 – May 27
Sweet Woodruff herb Feb 16 Mar 9 Transplant May 18 – Jun 7
Tabasco Hot Peppers pepper Feb 23 Mar 23 Transplant Jun 11 – Jun 21
Tall Plains Golden Tickseed Flowers flower Mar 2 Mar 9 Transplant May 8 – May 18
Tall Trailing Mix Nasturtium Flowers flower Mar 2 Mar 9 Transplant May 3 – May 18
Tall Utah 52-70 Celery vegetable — Mar 9 Plant Out Jun 17 – Jul 17
Tansy herb Feb 16 Mar 9 Transplant Jun 17 – Jul 17
Tarragon Herb herb Mar 2 Mar 9 Transplant Jun 2
Taylor Dwarf Bush Bean legume Mar 9 Mar 16 Transplant May 20 – May 23
Tendercrisp Celery vegetable Feb 9 Mar 16 Transplant Jun 9 – Jun 24
Tendergreen Burpless Cucumber cucumber Mar 9 Mar 16 Transplant May 20
Tendergreen Bush Bean legume Mar 9 Mar 16 Transplant May 5 – May 10
Tendersweet Carrots root_vegetable Mar 2 Mar 9 Transplant May 18
Tendersweet Orange Watermelon melon Mar 9 Mar 16 Transplant Jun 14 – Jun 19
Tepin Hot Peppers pepper Feb 23 Mar 23 Transplant Jul 21 – Oct 9
Texas Bluebonnet Lupine Flowers flower Mar 2 Mar 9 Transplant May 23 – Jun 12
Thai Basil herb Feb 23 Mar 23 Transplant May 22 – May 27
Thai Hot Peppers pepper Feb 16 Mar 23 Transplant Jun 6 – Jun 16
Thessaloniki Tomatoes tomato Mar 2 Mar 23 Transplant Jun 6 – Jun 11
Thorogreen Bush Lima Bean legume Mar 12 Mar 19 Transplant May 23 – Jun 2
Thyme herb Feb 9 Mar 9 Transplant May 28 – Jun 12
Tigerella Tomatoes tomato Mar 2 Mar 23 Transplant May 17 – Jun 1
Tiny Tim Tomato tomato Feb 23 Mar 23 Transplant May 7 – May 17
Tom Watson Watermelon melon Mar 9 Mar 16 Transplant Jun 9
Tomatillo vegetable — Mar 9 Plant Out May 8 – Jun 2
Top Crop Bush Bean legume Mar 9 Mar 16 Transplant May 5 – May 10
Top Hat Blueberry berry — Mar 16 Plant Out Mar 15
Tri Color Amaranth (Joseph's Coat) vegetable Mar 9 Mar 16 Transplant Apr 15 – Apr 30
Trinidad Moruga Scorpion peppers pepper Feb 9 Mar 23 Transplant Jun 11 – Jul 21
Tropical Milkweed Flowers flower Feb 16 Mar 16 Transplant Jun 14 – Jul 14
Trucker's Favorite Corn vegetable Mar 9 Mar 16 Transplant May 30 – Jun 9
True Watercress vegetable Mar 2 Mar 9 Transplant Apr 23 – May 8
Tumbling Tom Red Tomato tomato Feb 23 Mar 23 Transplant May 27 – Jun 1
Turkish Orange Eggplant vegetable Feb 23 Mar 23 Transplant Jun 16 – Jun 21
Turnip root_vegetable — Mar 16 Direct Sow May 5 – May 15
Upland Cress vegetable Mar 2 Mar 9 Transplant Apr 13 – Apr 28
Velvet Queen Sunflowers flower Mar 9 Mar 16 Transplant May 30 – Jun 14
Verde Tomatillos vegetable Feb 23 Mar 16 Transplant May 30 – Jun 9
VR Moscow Tomatoes tomato Mar 2 Mar 23 Transplant Jun 11 – Jun 21
Waltham 29 Broccoli brassica Feb 16 Mar 23 Transplant Jun 6 – Jun 21
Water spinach stems and leaves lettuce Mar 2 Mar 9 Transplant Apr 8 – Apr 23
Watermelon Radish root_vegetable — Mar 16 Direct Sow May 5 – May 20
Watermelon Radishes root_vegetable Mar 2 Mar 9 Transplant Apr 28 – May 8
Wee Be Little Pumpkin squash Mar 9 Mar 16 Transplant Jun 9
West Indian Burr Gherkin Cucumber cucumber Mar 9 Mar 16 Transplant May 10 – May 20
Whirlybird Nasturtium Flowers flower Mar 2 Mar 9 Transplant Apr 28 – May 8
White Cherry Tomatoes tomato Mar 2 Mar 23 Transplant Jun 1 – Jun 6
White Cloud Sweet Peppers pepper Feb 23 Mar 23 Transplant Jun 1 – Jun 6
White clover living mulch cover crop Mar 16 Mar 23 Transplant Jun 1 – Jun 21
White Cushaw Crookneck Winter Squash squash Mar 9 Mar 16 Transplant Jun 24
White Detroit Beets root_vegetable Mar 2 Mar 9 Transplant May 3 – May 8
White Emergo Runner Pole Bean legume Mar 9 Mar 16 Transplant May 30 – Jun 4
White Icicle Radishes root_vegetable Mar 2 Mar 9 Transplant Apr 8 – Apr 18
White Lisbon Bunching Onions root_vegetable Feb 16 Mar 9 Transplant May 13
White Marrow Summer Squash squash Mar 9 Mar 16 Transplant Jun 9
White Wonder Cucumber cucumber Mar 9 Mar 16 Transplant May 10 – May 15
Winter rye cover crop stands cover crop Mar 16 Mar 23 Transplant Sep 19 – Oct 29
Wormwood herb Feb 16 Mar 9 Transplant Jun 17 – Jul 17
Yard Long Bean legume — Mar 16 Direct Sow May 15 – Jun 14
Yarrow flower — Mar 9 Plant Out —
Yellow Beefsteak Tomatoes tomato Mar 2 Mar 23 Transplant Jun 6 – Jun 16
Yellow Crookneck Squash squash — Mar 16 Direct Sow May 5 – May 15
Yellow Jalapeno (Caloro) Hot Peppers pepper Feb 23 Mar 23 Transplant Jun 6 – Jun 16
Yellow Mushroom Hot Peppers pepper Feb 23 Mar 23 Transplant Jun 6 – Jun 16
Yellow Oxheart Tomatoes tomato Mar 2 Mar 23 Transplant Jun 16 – Jun 21
Yellow Pear Tomatoes tomato Mar 2 Mar 23 Transplant Jun 1 – Jun 11
Yellow Scotch Bonnet Hot Peppers pepper Feb 23 Mar 23 Transplant Jun 21 – Jul 21
Yellow Sulphur Cosmos Flowers flower Mar 2 Mar 9 Transplant May 3 – May 18
Yolo Wonder Sweet Peppers pepper Feb 23 Mar 23 Transplant Jun 1 – Jun 11
Yukon Gold Potato root_vegetable — Mar 16 Direct Sow Jun 4 – Jun 24
Zinnia flower — Mar 9 Plant Out May 8 – Jun 7
Garlic root_vegetable Sep 3 Sep 10 Transplant May 8 – Jun 7

Browse Zone 8A by Month

See exactly what to plant, transplant, and harvest each month in Zone 8A.

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Zone 8A Growing Tips

States in Zone 8A

Zone 8A spans parts of these states. Note that zone boundaries run within states — check your specific ZIP code for your exact zone.

Texas (north central) Louisiana (north) Mississippi (north) Alabama Georgia South Carolina North Carolina (coast) Florida (panhandle) California (central valley north) Oregon (south coast)

What works well in Zone 8A

Zone 8a's 255-day season supports two full growing windows separated by four months of June-September heat stress (96°F July average). The early March frost rewards indoor starts and transplanting, while the November frost supports a long fall garden.

Garden shade cloth

Critical

K-State Research and Extension and University of Maryland Extension recommend shade cloth as a heat-management tool for vegetable gardens, with 30 percent shade rating most effective for tomatoes, peppers, and fruiting crops, and 40 to 50 percent for protecting heat-sensitive greens during hot summer months. University of Delaware research found 30 percent black shade cloth tripled marketable yield for bell peppers compared to unshaded plants, and Purdue trials showed shade cloth reduced maximum daily temperatures by 8 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit. Choose knitted polyethylene with reinforced grommets every 18 to 24 inches, mount on hoops or a frame with open sides for airflow, and remove or vent during prolonged wet weather to avoid increased humidity in the canopy.

Source: K-State Research and Extension; University of Maryland Extension; University of Delaware Cooperative Extension; Purdue University Extension

Budget Agfabric 30% Sun-Block Shade Cloth (6 ft x 8 ft, with clips) 30 percent shade rating, the extension-recommended density for tomatoes, peppers, and other fruiting crops. Agfabric is one of the most-cited horticultural shade cloth brands. Includes clips for fast install over hoops or a simple PVC frame. Best for one raised bed or a small group of containers. View on Amazon paid link SoilStack earns a small commission from qualifying Amazon purchases at no extra cost to you. Commissions help keep the site free and ad-free. We only recommend products that match published extension-service specs. Best value vensovo 30% Sunblock Shade Cloth (6 ft x 10 ft) Same 30 percent rating in the typical home-garden size that fits a 4 by 8 raised bed plus working overhang. Knitted polyethylene with grommets for tie-down. Strong volume signal (3.8K reviews) supports consistent product quality across orders. View on Amazon paid link SoilStack earns a small commission from qualifying Amazon purchases at no extra cost to you. Commissions help keep the site free and ad-free. We only recommend products that match published extension-service specs. Premium Coolaroo 30% UV Block Garden Shade Cloth (6 ft x 15 ft roll) Coolaroo is the gold-standard horticultural shade fabric brand, used by professional growers and university research stations. Tear-resistant breathable knit at the same 30 percent rating, sized as a 6 by 15 foot roll for serious gardens with multiple beds. Cut to fit, secure with clips or grommets at the edges. View on Amazon paid link SoilStack earns a small commission from qualifying Amazon purchases at no extra cost to you. Commissions help keep the site free and ad-free. We only recommend products that match published extension-service specs.

Drip irrigation / soaker hose kit

Critical

Every gardener benefits from putting water at the root zone instead of on the leaves, because drip and soaker systems reduce foliar disease pressure by limiting leaf wetness and soil splash. A quality kit should include a backflow preventer, filter, pressure reducer, and UV-resistant tubing.

Source: Iowa State University Extension; Colorado State University Extension; UMass Extension

Budget MIXC Quick-Connect Drip Starter Kit Right-sized for 1-2 raised beds. Quick-connect fittings, adjustable nozzles, and 1/2" + 1/4" tubing included. View on Amazon paid link SoilStack earns a small commission from qualifying Amazon purchases at no extra cost to you. Commissions help keep the site free and ad-free. We only recommend products that match published extension-service specs. Best value CARPATHEN Complete Garden Drip Kit Designed for beginners with a step-by-step setup guide. Adjustable emitters, both tubing sizes, and all connectors included. View on Amazon paid link SoilStack earns a small commission from qualifying Amazon purchases at no extra cost to you. Commissions help keep the site free and ad-free. We only recommend products that match published extension-service specs. Premium Rain Bird Landscape Drip Irrigation Kit Professional-grade from the company that builds irrigation systems for golf courses and farms. Includes drippers, micro-bubblers, and micro-sprays. View on Amazon paid link SoilStack earns a small commission from qualifying Amazon purchases at no extra cost to you. Commissions help keep the site free and ad-free. We only recommend products that match published extension-service specs.

Mulch / landscape fabric

High

Nearly every garden benefits from mulch for weed suppression, moisture conservation, and soil temperature moderation. For most home gardeners, quality organic mulch is the better buy over landscape fabric.

Source: Penn State Extension; Wisconsin Horticulture; Illinois Extension

Budget EZ-Straw Seeding Mulch (1 cu ft, covers ~250 sq ft) Processed wheat straw with biodegradable tackifier for slope retention. The most-reviewed garden straw on Amazon (1.8K+ reviews). Covers about 250 square feet at proper 2 to 3 inch depth, which fits a typical home raised-bed setup. Apply after seedlings are established and soil has warmed. View on Amazon paid link SoilStack earns a small commission from qualifying Amazon purchases at no extra cost to you. Commissions help keep the site free and ad-free. We only recommend products that match published extension-service specs. Best value HealthiStraw GardenStraw (3 cu ft, ~20 lbs cleaned wheat straw) Thoroughly cleaned wheat straw at 3 cubic feet, marketed specifically for vegetable gardens rather than animal bedding or decoration. Better per-pound economics than the 1 cu ft option, with the same extension-recommended material. Strong sales volume (2K+ bought past month) supports product consistency. View on Amazon paid link SoilStack earns a small commission from qualifying Amazon purchases at no extra cost to you. Commissions help keep the site free and ad-free. We only recommend products that match published extension-service specs. Premium USA Pinestraw Long Needle Pine Straw (covers ~100 sq ft) Long-needle pine straw harvested in the US, premium type that decomposes more slowly than wheat straw. Pine straw is the regional preferred mulch in the humid Southeast (recommended by NC State, UF/IFAS, and Texas A&M extension) because it resists matting in heavy rain and stays in place better than chopped straw. Best for Zones 7a-9b vegetable beds. View on Amazon paid link SoilStack earns a small commission from qualifying Amazon purchases at no extra cost to you. Commissions help keep the site free and ad-free. We only recommend products that match published extension-service specs.

Soil test kit

High

A soil test gives a baseline for pH and nutrient status so gardeners can add only what the soil actually needs. Prioritize a mail-in or lab-affiliated kit whenever possible because extension guidance notes that laboratory testing is more accurate than instant readers.

Source: University of Maryland Extension; Purdue Extension; Montana State University Extension

Budget Garden Tutor pH Test Strips Quick pH checks for regular monitoring. 100 strips with an AI-powered reader for easy results. View on Amazon paid link SoilStack earns a small commission from qualifying Amazon purchases at no extra cost to you. Commissions help keep the site free and ad-free. We only recommend products that match published extension-service specs. Best value Rapitest 4-in-1 Soil Test Kit The home garden standard. Tests pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium with a patented color comparator. View on Amazon paid link SoilStack earns a small commission from qualifying Amazon purchases at no extra cost to you. Commissions help keep the site free and ad-free. We only recommend products that match published extension-service specs. Premium MySoil Professional Lab Test Mail-in lab analysis covering 13 nutrients plus pH. Includes custom fertilizer recommendations for your soil. View on Amazon paid link SoilStack earns a small commission from qualifying Amazon purchases at no extra cost to you. Commissions help keep the site free and ad-free. We only recommend products that match published extension-service specs.

Row cover / frost blanket

High

Row cover adds frost protection, speeds early growth, and physically excludes insect pests without spraying. Look for spun-bonded fabric with a stated weight and frost rating, UV resistance, and enough width for hoops or low tunnels.

Source: University of Maryland Extension; University of New Hampshire Extension; Colorado State University Extension

Budget Agfabric Floating Row Cover (5'x25') Lightweight 0.9 oz fabric for light frost and pest exclusion. Breathable enough to leave on all season without overheating plants. View on Amazon paid link SoilStack earns a small commission from qualifying Amazon purchases at no extra cost to you. Commissions help keep the site free and ad-free. We only recommend products that match published extension-service specs. Best value AlpineReach Frost Blanket (10'x30') Thicker 1.2 oz fabric rated to protect down to 28°F. Covers 300 sq ft — enough for multiple raised beds in a single sheet. View on Amazon paid link SoilStack earns a small commission from qualifying Amazon purchases at no extra cost to you. Commissions help keep the site free and ad-free. We only recommend products that match published extension-service specs. Premium DeWitt Supreme Crop Protection (6'x50') Professional-grade 1.5 oz fabric from the brand farms and extension offices use. Handles hard freezes and lasts multiple seasons. View on Amazon paid link SoilStack earns a small commission from qualifying Amazon purchases at no extra cost to you. Commissions help keep the site free and ad-free. We only recommend products that match published extension-service specs.

Seed starting tray + heat mat

Medium

For gardeners who start seeds indoors, this combo improves even germination. Warm-season crops benefit from bottom heat. Look for a rigid tray, cell inserts with drainage, and a heat mat paired with a thermostat.

Source: Utah State University Extension; Iowa State University Extension; Mississippi State University Extension

Budget VIVOSUN Seedling Heat Mat (10"x20") The foundation piece. UL & MET certified, 27,000+ reviews. Slides under any tray to boost germination rates for warm-season seeds. View on Amazon paid link SoilStack earns a small commission from qualifying Amazon purchases at no extra cost to you. Commissions help keep the site free and ad-free. We only recommend products that match published extension-service specs. Best value VIVOSUN Heat Mat + Thermostat Combo Same trusted mat with a digital thermostat so you can dial in exact soil temperature. Peppers want 80-85°F, tomatoes 75-80°F. View on Amazon paid link SoilStack earns a small commission from qualifying Amazon purchases at no extra cost to you. Commissions help keep the site free and ad-free. We only recommend products that match published extension-service specs. Premium AC Infinity Heavy-Duty Germination Kit Complete germination station with Samsung LEDs, 3mm thick dome, heat mat, and ventilation panels. The setup serious seed starters graduate to. View on Amazon paid link SoilStack earns a small commission from qualifying Amazon purchases at no extra cost to you. Commissions help keep the site free and ad-free. We only recommend products that match published extension-service specs.

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Frost dates from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals via NOAA 1991-2020 Climate Normals, NWS Fort Worth (FWD). Growing season data from Texas A&M AgriLife Extension. Planting dates are averages based on zone frost dates and standard horticultural timing — adjust for your local microclimate.