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USDA Zone 8B

Zone 8B Planting Calendar — March 20 to December 8

Zone 8b is a nearly subtropical zone where summer heat shapes the entire growing strategy. Productive windows concentrate in spring (February–May) and fall (September–November). First frost is rare before December, enabling extended fall harvests well into winter.

Zone 8B at a glance: Last frost averages March 20 (range February 27 to April 8). First fall frost averages December 8. Growing season is 293 days. Start warm-season crops indoors 6–10 weeks before last frost; transplant after March 20.
Updated May 13, 2026 · Frost data from NOAA 1991-2020 Climate Normals
Last Spring Frost
March 20
range February 27 to April 8
First Fall Frost
December 8
Range: Nov 22 – Dec 22
Growing Season
293 days
Avg. frost-free window
Winter Low
15° to 20°F
Average minimum temp
Reference City
Houston, TX
Climate data source
Annual Rainfall
50"
Irregular pattern

NOAA Frost Probability for Zone 8B

Computed across 2,648 ZIP codes in Zone 8B · Composite generated May 21, 2026 | NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate Normals (released 2021) | Threshold: minimum temperature at or below 32°F (NCEI element TMIN-PRBLST-T32F) — some crops are damaged above 32°F too, depending on duration, humidity, wind, and crop sensitivity
In Zone 8B, the last spring frost most likely lands on March 20. There's a 10% chance it could happen as late as April 8, and a 10% chance it's already done by February 27. These probabilities come from NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals, weighted across every NOAA station serving the 2,648 ZIP codes in Zone 8B.
Earliest (10% by)
Feb 27
10% chance frost is done by this date
Typical (50% by)
Mar 20
50% chance frost is done by this date
Latest (90% by)
Apr 8
90% chance frost is done by this date
Zone 8B last-frost probability curve Cumulative probability curve showing the likelihood that the last spring frost has occurred by each date in Zone 8B. P10 (10% probability) is February 27, P50 (50%, the median) is March 20, P90 (90%) is April 8. Source: NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate Normals. 0% 25% 50% 75% 100% Feb 7 Feb 21 Mar 5 Mar 19 Apr 1 Apr 15 Apr 28 Probability (%) Date P10: Feb 27 P50: Mar 20 P90: Apr 8
How we calculate this

NOAA provides station-level Climate Normals. NOAA's National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) records daily minimum temperatures at thousands of U.S. weather stations and publishes, for each station, the probability that the last spring frost has occurred by each calendar date — based on 30 years of observations (1991–2020). These per-station probability percentiles are the primary data.

SoilStack aggregates those station-level normals into a per-USDA-zone composite. For each ZIP code in Zone 8B, we identify nearby NOAA stations, weight each station's contribution by inverse-distance squared to the ZIP centroid, build a per-ZIP composite from those weighted station percentiles, and then aggregate every per-ZIP composite in the zone into a single zone-level composite using a weighted circular mean for dates and a weighted arithmetic mean for numeric values like growing-season length.

For Zone 8B specifically, this composite was aggregated across 2,648 contributing ZIP codes (of 3,375 total ZIP codes assigned to this zone in the USDA 2023 Plant Hardiness Zone Map).

Read the full methodology →

Data sources

NOAA NCEI 1991–2020 U.S. Annual/Seasonal Climate Normals — the authoritative U.S. climatological dataset, released by NOAA in 2021 and covering frost-date probabilities at six temperature thresholds and nine probability percentiles for thousands of stations nationwide. Dataset identifier: gov.noaa.ncdc:C01619.

Methodology paper: Palecki, M., Durre, I., Applequist, S., Arguez, A., Lawrimore, J. (2021). U.S. Climate Normals 2020: U.S. Annual/Seasonal Climate Normals (1991–2020). NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information.

Station ↔ ZIP crosswalk: built from NOAA’s GHCN station inventory and the U.S. Census Bureau 2024 ZCTA Gazetteer (public domain) using great-circle distance with inverse-distance-squared weighting.

View the NOAA NCEI dataset →

How to read this chart

The curve shows the cumulative probability that the last spring frost has occurred by each date. It rises from 0% (no chance frost is done that early) to 100% (essentially certain frost has occurred by that late date).

Three reference points are highlighted:

  • P10 (Feb 27) — the earliest date by which there’s a 10% chance the last frost is already done. Gardeners willing to take risk on early planting anchor decisions here.
  • P50 (Mar 20) — the median. Half of historical years had their last frost on or before this date. This is the “Typical” reference.
  • P90 (Apr 8) — the date by which there’s a 90% chance frost is done. Risk-averse gardeners planting frost-sensitive crops use this date as their go-ahead signal.

For most warm-season crops (tomatoes, peppers, basil, beans), waiting until the P50 to P90 window is the conservative call. Hardier crops can go in around P10.

Limitations

30-year climate normals, not single-year forecast. These probabilities reflect the climatological baseline from 1991–2020. They tell you what’s likely in a typical year, not what the current year’s actual weather will do. For real-time frost risk in the next 7–10 days, consult the NWS forecast for your area.

Microclimate variation. A zone composite represents the weighted average across hundreds of stations. Your specific ZIP may run several days warmer or cooler than the zone average due to elevation, water proximity, urban heat island, or local topography.

Station density. Zone 8B has dense NOAA station coverage. Some zones with sparser ZIP-level coverage (Alaska, parts of the desert Southwest) rely on fewer mapped ZIPs and should be interpreted with slightly more caution.

Data refresh cycle. NOAA releases new Climate Normals on a 10-year cycle. The current 1991–2020 dataset will be superseded by the 2001–2030 release expected in 2031.

Data source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Annual/Seasonal Climate Normals (1991-2020). Dataset ID gov.noaa.ncdc:C01619. Methodology: Palecki et al. (2021). License: NOAA NODD (public domain, no endorsement).

Zone 8B Planting Calendar — All Crops

Dates based on March 20 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
A
Abe Lincoln Tomatoes tomato Feb 11 Mar 4 Transplant May 23 – Jun 2
Ace 55 Tomatoes tomato Feb 11 Mar 4 Transplant May 18 – May 23
Acorn Squash squash — Feb 25 Direct Sow May 16 – Jun 5
African Flake Daisy Flowers flower Feb 4 Feb 18 Transplant May 19 – May 29
Alaska Early Pea legume Jan 21 Jan 28 Transplant Mar 24 – Mar 29
Alaska Mix Nasturtium Flowers flower Feb 11 Feb 18 Transplant Apr 9 – Apr 19
Alexandria Alpine Strawberry berry Jan 14 Feb 25 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Alfalfa Cover Crop cover crop Feb 4 Feb 11 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
All Season Cabbage brassica Jan 21 Feb 4 Transplant Apr 15 – Apr 25
All Sorts Surprise Mix Sunflowers flower Feb 18 Feb 25 Transplant May 6 – Jun 5
All Sweet Watermelon melon Feb 18 Feb 25 Transplant May 26 – May 31
All Year Round lettuce — Feb 6 Direct Sow Apr 11 – Apr 20
All Year Round Cauliflower brassica Jan 21 Feb 4 Transplant Apr 10
Amarillo Oro Melon melon Feb 18 Feb 25 Transplant May 26
Amarillo Yellow Carrots root vegetable Feb 11 Feb 18 Transplant May 4
America lettuce — Feb 6 Direct Sow Mar 21 – Apr 2
Amish Paste Tomatoes tomato Feb 4 Mar 4 Transplant May 17 – May 28
Anaheim Peppers pepper Jan 28 Mar 4 Transplant May 20 – May 28
Ancho Grande Hot Peppers pepper Feb 4 Mar 4 Transplant May 18 – May 28
Angelica herb Jan 21 Feb 18 Transplant May 9 – May 19
Anise herb Feb 18 Feb 25 Transplant Jun 5 – Jun 25
Anise hyssop leaves and flowers flower Feb 25 Mar 4 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Armenian Cucumber cucumber Feb 11 Feb 25 Transplant Apr 26 – May 6
Arroyo Lupine Flowers flower Feb 11 Feb 18 Transplant May 14 – Jun 3
Ashley Cucumber cucumber Feb 18 Feb 25 Transplant Apr 21 – Apr 26
Astro Arugula lettuce — Feb 6 Direct Sow Feb 27 – Mar 18
Atkinson Tomatoes tomato Feb 11 Mar 4 Transplant May 13 – May 23
Atlantic Giant Pumpkin squash Feb 18 Feb 25 Transplant Jun 25
Aunt Molly's Ground Cherry vegetable — Feb 18 Plant Out Apr 29 – May 19
Autumn King Carrots root vegetable Feb 11 Feb 18 Transplant May 4 – May 9
B
Baby Blue Eyes Flowers flower Feb 11 Feb 18 Transplant Apr 19 – May 19
Baby Blue Hubbard Winter Squash squash Feb 18 Feb 25 Transplant Jun 5
Baby Cakes Blackberry berry — Feb 25 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Baby's Breath Flowers flower Jan 28 Feb 18 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Bachelor's button edible flowers flower Feb 25 Mar 4 Transplant May 3 – May 23
Banana Melon melon Feb 18 Feb 25 Transplant May 26
Banana Peppers pepper Feb 4 Mar 11 Transplant May 10 – May 20
Barletta, Pearly White Onions root vegetable Jan 21 Feb 18 Transplant May 4 – May 9
Basil Herb Mix herb Feb 11 Feb 25 Transplant Apr 26 – May 16
Bay Laurel herb — Feb 25 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Beauregard Sweet Potato root vegetable — Feb 25 Direct Sow May 26 – Jun 10
Beauty Pink Radishes root vegetable Feb 11 Feb 18 Transplant Mar 15 – Mar 20
Beauty Purple Radishes root vegetable Feb 11 Feb 18 Transplant Mar 15 – Mar 20
Beauty White Radishes root vegetable Feb 11 Feb 18 Transplant Mar 15 – Mar 20
Bee Balm flower — Feb 18 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Beefsteak Tomatoes tomato Feb 25 Mar 4 Transplant May 23 – May 28
Better Boy Tomatoes tomato Feb 11 Mar 4 Transplant May 13 – May 18
Bhut Jolokia Ghost Pepper pepper Jan 28 Mar 4 Transplant Jun 2 – Jul 2
Big Jim Hatch Chile pepper Jan 28 Mar 4 Transplant May 13 – May 18
Big Max Pumpkin squash Feb 18 Feb 25 Transplant Jun 20 – Jun 25
Big Rainbow Tomatoes tomato Feb 11 Mar 4 Transplant May 28 – Jun 7
Birds Eye Hot Peppers pepper Feb 4 Mar 4 Transplant Jun 12 – Jun 22
Bitter melons vegetable Feb 18 Mar 4 Transplant May 18 – Jun 2
Black Beauty Eggplant vegetable — Feb 18 Plant Out May 4 – May 19
Black Beauty Zucchini squash Feb 1 Mar 1 Transplant Apr 15 – Apr 25
Black Cherry Tomatoes tomato Feb 4 Mar 4 Transplant May 7 – May 18
Black Diamond Watermelon melon Feb 18 Feb 25 Transplant May 26
Black Krim Tomatoes tomato Feb 25 Mar 4 Transplant May 18 – May 23
Black Oil Sunflower Microgreens microgreen Feb 25 Mar 4 Transplant Mar 11 – Mar 16
Black Salsify root vegetable Jan 14 Jan 21 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Black Seeded Simpson lettuce — Feb 6 Direct Sow Mar 23 – Mar 24
Black-Eyed Pea legume — Feb 25 Direct Sow May 1 – May 6
Black-Eyed Susan flower — Feb 18 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Blazing Star Flowers flower Feb 11 Feb 18 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Blonde de Paris lettuce — Feb 6 Direct Sow Mar 28 – Apr 7
Bloody Butcher Corn vegetable Feb 25 Mar 4 Transplant Jun 12 – Jun 22
Bloomsdale Longstanding Spinach lettuce — Feb 6 Direct Sow Mar 23 – Mar 30
Blue Curled Scotch lettuce — Feb 6 Direct Sow Apr 2 – Apr 7
Blue Flax Flowers flower Jan 28 Feb 4 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Blue Lake Bush Bean legume — Feb 25 Direct Sow Apr 16 – Apr 24
Bok Choy lettuce — Feb 6 Direct Sow Mar 23 – Apr 7
Boltardy Beets root vegetable Feb 11 Feb 18 Transplant Apr 9 – Apr 19
Bonny Best Tomatoes tomato Feb 11 Mar 4 Transplant May 18 – May 23
Borage flower — Feb 18 Plant Out Apr 14 – May 4
Borlotti Bush Bean legume Feb 18 Feb 25 Transplant Apr 21 – May 1
Boston Pickling Cucumber cucumber Feb 18 Feb 25 Transplant Apr 16 – Apr 21
Bouquet Dill herb Jan 28 Feb 4 Transplant Mar 26 – Apr 10
Bradley Tomatoes tomato Feb 11 Mar 4 Transplant May 18 – May 23
Brandywine Tomatoes tomato Feb 25 Mar 4 Transplant May 23 – Jun 2
Brilliant Celeriac root vegetable Jan 7 Feb 18 Transplant Jun 8 – Jun 18
Broad Windsor Fava Bean legume Jan 21 Jan 28 Transplant Apr 13 – Apr 23
Broadleaf Classic lettuce — Feb 6 Direct Sow Mar 28 – Apr 7
Broadleaf Sorrel lettuce — Feb 6 Direct Sow Perennial — see plant page
Broccolini brassica Jan 28 Mar 4 Transplant Apr 23 – May 13
Brunswick Cabbage brassica Jan 21 Feb 4 Transplant Apr 25 – May 5
Brussels Sprouts brassica Jan 28 Mar 4 Transplant May 28 – Jun 22
Buckwheat cover crop — Feb 18 Plant Out Mar 20 – Apr 4
Bull's Blood Beets root vegetable Feb 11 Feb 18 Transplant Apr 9 – Apr 14
Burgess Buttercup Winter Squash squash Feb 18 Feb 25 Transplant May 26
Burgundy Boston lettuce — Feb 6 Direct Sow Mar 28 – Apr 2
Buttercrunch lettuce — Feb 6 Direct Sow Mar 24 – Apr 2
Butterhead Lettuce lettuce — Feb 6 Direct Sow Mar 28 – Apr 12
Butternut Squash squash Feb 4 Mar 4 Transplant Jun 12 – Jul 2
C
Cal Sweet Watermelon melon Feb 18 Feb 25 Transplant May 21 – May 26
Calabrese Broccoli brassica Jan 21 Feb 4 Transplant Apr 10
Calendula flower — Feb 18 Plant Out Apr 9 – Apr 19
California Bluebell flower Feb 11 Feb 18 Transplant Apr 14 – Apr 24
California Giant Mix Zinnia Flowers flower Feb 18 Feb 25 Transplant Apr 26 – May 6
California Wonder Peppers pepper Feb 4 Mar 11 Transplant May 22 – May 25
Calypso Cilantro herb — Feb 18 Plant Out Apr 9 – Apr 14
Calypso Tomatoes tomato Feb 11 Mar 4 Transplant May 18 – May 23
Canary Bird Zinnia Flowers flower Feb 18 Feb 25 Transplant Apr 26 – May 6
Canary Yellow lettuce — Feb 6 Direct Sow Mar 28 – Apr 7
Cantaloupe melon Feb 4 Mar 4 Transplant May 23 – Jun 2
Caraway herb Jan 21 Jan 28 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Cardoon (Purple Artichoke Thistle) vegetable Jan 28 Feb 25 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Carentan Leeks allium Jan 14 Feb 4 Transplant May 5 – May 25
Caribbean Red Scotch Bonnet Pepper pepper Jan 28 Mar 4 Transplant Jun 7 – Jul 2
Caribe Tomatoes tomato Feb 11 Mar 4 Transplant May 18 – May 28
Carolina Cross Watermelon melon Feb 18 Feb 25 Transplant May 31
Carolina Reaper peppers pepper Jan 21 Mar 4 Transplant Jun 2 – Jul 2
Cascadia Sugar Snap Pea legume Jan 21 Jan 28 Transplant Apr 3 – Apr 5
Caserta Summer Squash squash Feb 18 Feb 25 Transplant May 1
Casper Eggplant vegetable Feb 4 Mar 4 Transplant May 13
Catmint herb Jan 28 Feb 18 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Catnip Herb herb Feb 11 Feb 18 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Cayenne Peppers pepper Jan 28 Mar 4 Transplant May 28 – Jun 7
Celebrity Tomatoes tomato Feb 25 Mar 4 Transplant May 13 – May 15
Celeste Fig berry — Mar 4 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Champion Radishes root vegetable Feb 11 Feb 18 Transplant Mar 15 – Mar 20
Chantenay Carrots root vegetable Feb 11 Feb 18 Transplant Apr 29
Charleston Wakefield Cabbage brassica Jan 14 Jan 28 Transplant Apr 13
Chayote squash vegetable Mar 4 Mar 4 Transplant Jul 2 – Aug 1
Cherokee Purple Tomatoes tomato Feb 25 Mar 4 Transplant May 21 – May 28
Cherry Belle Radish root vegetable — Feb 25 Direct Sow Mar 18 – Mar 27
Cherry Bomb peppers pepper Jan 21 Mar 4 Transplant May 18 – May 23
Cherry Queen Zinnia Flowers flower Feb 18 Feb 25 Transplant Apr 26 – May 6
Chervil herb Jan 21 Jan 28 Transplant Mar 4 – Mar 14
Chicago Hardy Fig berry — Mar 4 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Chinese Broccoli (Gai Lan) brassica — Feb 6 Direct Sow Mar 8 – Mar 28
Chinese Forget-Me-Not Flowers flower Jan 28 Feb 4 Transplant Apr 10 – Apr 30
Chinese Snake Cucumber cucumber Feb 18 Feb 25 Transplant May 11
Chioggia Beet root vegetable — Feb 25 Direct Sow Apr 21 – May 1
Chives herb — Feb 18 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Chocolate Bell Sweet Peppers pepper Feb 4 Mar 4 Transplant May 8 – May 23
Chocolate Cherry Sunflowers flower Feb 11 Feb 25 Transplant May 11 – May 26
Chocolate Cherry Tomatoes tomato Feb 11 Mar 4 Transplant May 18 – May 23
Chocolate Habanero Hot Peppers pepper Feb 4 Mar 4 Transplant May 28 – Jun 17
Cinderella Pumpkin squash Feb 18 Feb 25 Transplant Jun 15
Cinnamon Basil herb Feb 11 Feb 25 Transplant May 1 – May 16
Clasping Coneflower flower Feb 18 Feb 25 Transplant May 21 – Jun 5
Classic Cumin herb Feb 18 Feb 25 Transplant Jun 5 – Jun 25
Classic Tomatillos vegetable Feb 4 Feb 25 Transplant May 16 – May 21
Clemson Spineless Okra vegetable — Feb 18 Plant Out Apr 14 – Apr 23
Cocozelle Summer Squash squash Feb 18 Feb 25 Transplant Apr 16
Common Milkweed Flowers flower Feb 4 Feb 11 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Common Sage herb Jan 28 Feb 25 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Congo Watermelon melon Feb 18 Feb 25 Transplant May 26 – May 31
Contender Bush Bean legume — Feb 25 Direct Sow Apr 11 – Apr 21
Copenhagen Cabbage brassica Jan 21 Feb 4 Transplant Apr 10
Corno di Toro Pepper pepper Jan 28 Mar 4 Transplant May 18 – May 23
Cosmic Purple Carrot root vegetable — Feb 25 Direct Sow Apr 24 – May 11
Cosmos flower — Feb 18 Plant Out Apr 29 – May 19
Cosmos Sensations Mix Flowers flower Feb 11 Feb 18 Transplant Apr 29 – May 4
Crackerjack Mix Marigolds flower Jan 28 Feb 18 Transplant Apr 19 – May 4
Crego Mix Aster Flowers flower Feb 4 Feb 25 Transplant May 16 – May 26
Creole Tomatoes tomato Feb 11 Mar 4 Transplant May 23 – Jun 2
Crimson Cherry Rhubarb Root vegetable Jan 14 Jan 21 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Crimson Clover cover crop — Feb 18 Plant Out Apr 19 – May 19
Crimson Forest Bunching Onions root vegetable Jan 28 Feb 18 Transplant Apr 19
Crimson Sweet Watermelon melon — Feb 18 Plant Out May 9 – May 19
Crisphead lettuce — Feb 6 Direct Sow Apr 15 – Apr 22
Crosby's Egyptian Beets root vegetable Feb 11 Feb 18 Transplant Apr 14 – Apr 19
Crosne tubers root vegetable Feb 25 Mar 4 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Cubanelle Peppers pepper Feb 4 Mar 11 Transplant May 12 – May 20
Culinary Turmeric root vegetable Feb 11 Mar 11 Transplant Nov 6 2026 – Jan 5 2027
Cupid Grape Tomatoes tomato Feb 11 Mar 4 Transplant May 8 – May 13
Curly Kale lettuce — Feb 6 Direct Sow Apr 2 – Apr 12
Curly Parsley herb Jan 14 Feb 18 Transplant Apr 29 – May 9
Cylindra Beets root vegetable Feb 11 Feb 18 Transplant Apr 19
D
Daikon Radishes root vegetable Jan 28 Feb 4 Transplant Mar 21 – Mar 31
Dandelion herb Jan 21 Jan 28 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Danish Ballhead Cabbage brassica Jan 21 Feb 4 Transplant May 15 – May 25
Danvers Carrot root vegetable — Feb 25 Direct Sow May 6 – May 16
Dark Green Italian Giant Parsley herb Jan 28 Feb 4 Transplant Apr 5 – Apr 20
Dark Green Romaine lettuce — Feb 6 Direct Sow Apr 7 – Apr 17
Dark Green Summer Squash squash Feb 18 Feb 25 Transplant May 16
Datil peppers pepper Jan 21 Mar 4 Transplant Jun 2 – Jun 22
Delica kabocha squash squash Feb 18 Mar 4 Transplant Jun 7 – Jun 22
Delicata Squash squash — Feb 25 Direct Sow May 16 – Jun 5
Delicatesse Blue Kohlrabi brassica Jan 21 Jan 28 Transplant Mar 24 – Mar 29
Delicatesse White Kohlrabi brassica Jan 21 Jan 28 Transplant Mar 24 – Mar 29
Delicious Tomatoes tomato Feb 11 Mar 4 Transplant May 18 – May 23
Detroit Dark Red Beet root vegetable — Feb 25 Direct Sow Apr 21 – Apr 26
Devils Tongue Yellow Hot Peppers pepper Feb 4 Mar 4 Transplant Jun 2 – Jun 22
Di Cicco Broccoli brassica Jan 21 Feb 4 Transplant Apr 10
Dill herb — Feb 18 Plant Out Mar 30 – Apr 14
Dragon Tongue Bean legume — Feb 25 Direct Sow Apr 21 – Apr 26
Drumhead Cabbage brassica Jan 21 Feb 4 Transplant May 5 – May 15
Dukat Dill herb Jan 28 Feb 4 Transplant Mar 16 – Mar 26
Dutch Lamb's Lettuce lettuce — Feb 6 Direct Sow Mar 18 – Mar 28
Dutch Yellow Shallots allium Jan 14 Jan 21 Transplant Apr 21 – May 21
Dwarf Jewel Mix Nasturtium Flowers flower Feb 11 Feb 18 Transplant Apr 9 – Apr 19
Dwarf Long Pod Okra vegetable Mar 4 Mar 11 Transplant May 5 – May 10
E
Early Girl Tomatoes tomato Feb 25 Mar 4 Transplant Apr 25 – May 5
Early Jersey Wakefield Cabbage brassica Jan 14 Jan 28 Transplant Apr 3 – Apr 13
Early Purple Broccoli brassica Jan 21 Feb 4 Transplant Apr 10
Early Wonder Beets root vegetable Feb 11 Feb 18 Transplant Apr 9
Easter Egg Radishes root vegetable Feb 11 Feb 18 Transplant Mar 18 – Mar 22
Echinacea flower — Feb 18 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Edamame legume — Feb 25 Direct Sow May 11 – May 31
Egg Tomatoes tomato Feb 11 Mar 4 Transplant May 18 – May 23
Eight Ball Zucchini squash Feb 11 Feb 25 Transplant Apr 11 – Apr 21
Elephant Garlic root vegetable — Nov 10 Plant Out May 9 2027 – Jul 8 2027
Emerald Giant Sweet Peppers pepper Feb 4 Mar 4 Transplant May 18 – May 28
Emerald Green Velvet Okra vegetable Feb 25 Mar 4 Transplant Apr 28 – May 1
Empress of India Nasturtium Flowers flower Feb 11 Feb 18 Transplant Apr 9 – Apr 19
Endive / Escarole lettuce — Feb 6 Direct Sow Mar 23 – Apr 12
English Lavender flower — Feb 18 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
English Lavender herb Jan 28 Mar 4 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
English Thyme herb Jan 21 Feb 18 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
English White Daisy Flowers flower Jan 21 Feb 18 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Epazote herb Feb 4 Feb 25 Transplant Apr 21 – May 1
Evening Sun Sunflowers flower Feb 18 Feb 25 Transplant May 16 – May 26
Everbearing Cucumber cucumber Feb 18 Feb 25 Transplant Apr 26
Evergreen Bunching Onions root vegetable Jan 28 Feb 18 Transplant Jun 18
Evergreen Parsley herb Jan 28 Feb 4 Transplant Apr 15 – Apr 30
F
Fairy Dwarf Mix Candytuft Flowers flower Feb 4 Feb 11 Transplant Mar 28 – Apr 12
Fall Rutabagas root vegetable — Feb 25 Direct Sow May 21 – Jun 5
Fava Bean legume — Feb 25 Direct Sow May 11 – Jun 5
Fenugreek herb Jan 28 Feb 4 Transplant Mar 11 – Mar 26
Firecracker Hot Peppers pepper Feb 4 Mar 4 Transplant May 23 – Jul 2
Flat-Leaf Parsley herb Jan 14 Feb 18 Transplant Apr 29 – May 19
Floradade Tomatoes tomato Feb 11 Mar 4 Transplant May 13 – May 18
Florida Broadleaf lettuce — Feb 6 Direct Sow Mar 18 – Mar 28
Florida Giant Watermelon melon Feb 18 Feb 25 Transplant May 21
Florida Market Eggplant vegetable Feb 4 Mar 4 Transplant May 23 – Jun 2
Fordhook Giant lettuce — Feb 6 Direct Sow Mar 23 – Apr 2
Foxglove Flowers flower Feb 4 Feb 11 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
French Breakfast Radish root vegetable — Feb 25 Direct Sow Mar 18 – Mar 25
French Lamb's Lettuce lettuce — Feb 6 Direct Sow Mar 18 – Mar 28
French Marigold flower — Feb 18 Plant Out Apr 9 – Apr 19
French Red Shallots allium Jan 14 Jan 21 Transplant Apr 21 – May 21
French Tarragon herb — Feb 18 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Fresno Peppers pepper Jan 28 Mar 4 Transplant May 18 – May 23
Full Heart Batavian lettuce — Feb 6 Direct Sow May 2 – May 7
G
Gaillardia Annual Mix Flowers flower Feb 11 Feb 18 Transplant Apr 29 – May 19
Gardener's Delight Tomatoes tomato Feb 11 Mar 4 Transplant May 3 – May 18
Garlic root vegetable Aug 15 Aug 22 Transplant Apr 19 – May 19
Garlic Chives herb — Feb 18 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Genovese Basil herb Feb 4 Mar 4 Transplant May 3 – May 13
Georgia Rattlesnake Watermelon melon Feb 18 Feb 25 Transplant May 26 – May 31
Georgia Southern Collard Greens lettuce — Feb 6 Direct Sow Apr 7 – Apr 27
German Chamomile herb — Feb 18 Plant Out Apr 19 – Apr 24
Giant Imperial Mix Larkspur Flowers flower Jan 21 Jan 28 Transplant May 8 – May 28
Giant Maximum Mix Snapdragon Flowers flower Jan 21 Feb 18 Transplant May 9 – May 24
Giant Musselburgh Leeks allium Jan 14 Feb 4 Transplant May 15 – May 20
Giant Red lettuce — Feb 6 Direct Sow Mar 23
Ginger root vegetable Feb 11 Mar 11 Transplant Nov 6 2026 – Jan 5 2027
Globe Gilia Flowers flower Feb 11 Feb 18 Transplant Apr 19 – May 9
Glorious Gleam Nasturtium Flowers flower Feb 11 Feb 18 Transplant Apr 14 – Apr 29
Glory of Enkhuizen Cabbage brassica Jan 21 Feb 4 Transplant May 5
Gold Rush Zucchini squash Feb 11 Feb 25 Transplant Apr 11 – Apr 16
Golden Acre Cabbage brassica Jan 21 Feb 4 Transplant Apr 10
Golden Bantam Sweet Corn vegetable Feb 25 Mar 4 Transplant May 12 – May 18
Golden Beet root vegetable — Feb 25 Direct Sow Apr 21 – May 1
Golden Bush Scallop Summer Squash squash Feb 18 Feb 25 Transplant May 1
Golden Celery vegetable Jan 21 Feb 25 Transplant May 21 – May 31
Golden Detroit Beets root vegetable Feb 11 Feb 18 Transplant Apr 14 – Apr 19
Golden Globe Turnips root vegetable Feb 11 Feb 18 Transplant Apr 4 – Apr 9
Golden Hubbard Winter Squash squash Feb 18 Feb 25 Transplant Jun 5
Golden Marconi Sweet Peppers pepper Feb 4 Mar 4 Transplant May 8 – May 23
Golden Sunray Tomatoes tomato Feb 11 Mar 4 Transplant May 18 – May 23
Golden Wax Bush Bean legume Feb 18 Feb 25 Transplant Apr 16 – Apr 26
Grano Red Onions root vegetable Jan 21 Feb 18 Transplant Jun 18
Grano White Onions root vegetable Jan 21 Feb 18 Transplant Jun 18
Greek Basil herb Feb 11 Feb 25 Transplant May 1 – May 11
Greek Oregano herb — Feb 25 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Green Arrow Pea legume Jan 21 Jan 28 Transplant Apr 3 – Apr 8
Green Cabbage brassica Jan 28 Mar 4 Transplant May 3 – Jun 12
Green Fingers Persian Cucumber cucumber Feb 11 Feb 25 Transplant Apr 21 – Apr 26
Green Flesh Honeydew Melon melon Feb 18 Feb 25 Transplant May 21 – Jun 5
Green Globe Artichoke vegetable Jan 28 Mar 4 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Green Hubbard Winter Squash squash Feb 18 Feb 25 Transplant Jun 15
Green Ice lettuce — Feb 6 Direct Sow Mar 23
Green Marrow Summer Squash squash Feb 18 Feb 25 Transplant May 21
Green Onion vegetable — Feb 18 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Green Purslane vegetable Feb 18 Feb 25 Transplant Apr 1 – Apr 16
Green shiso leaves herb Feb 4 Feb 25 Transplant Apr 26 – May 6
Green Striped Cushaw Crookneck Winter Squash squash Feb 18 Feb 25 Transplant Jun 5
Green Wave lettuce — Feb 6 Direct Sow Mar 23
Green Zebra Tomatoes tomato Feb 25 Mar 4 Transplant May 18 – May 21
H
Habanero Pepper pepper Jan 28 Mar 11 Transplant Jun 9 – Jul 9
Hailstone Radishes root vegetable Feb 11 Feb 18 Transplant Mar 20
Hairy vetch cover crop stands cover crop Feb 25 Mar 4 Transplant May 3 – Jun 2
Hamburg Rooted Parsley herb Jan 28 Feb 4 Transplant May 5 – May 25
Hard Red Wheat Cover Crop cover crop Jan 21 Jan 28 Transplant Apr 13 – May 3
Harris Model Parsnips root vegetable Feb 11 Feb 18 Transplant May 19
Harvester Bush Bean legume Feb 18 Feb 25 Transplant Apr 16 – Apr 21
Heart of Gold Cantaloupe Melon melon Feb 18 Feb 25 Transplant May 21 – Jun 5
Heirloom Red Kuri Squash squash Feb 11 Feb 25 Transplant May 26 – Jun 5
Herb Fennel herb — Feb 18 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Heritage Rainbow Blend Carrots root vegetable Feb 11 Feb 18 Transplant Apr 29 – May 4
Heritage Raspberry berry — Feb 25 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Highbush Blueberries berry Feb 4 Mar 4 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Holiday Marbles Hot Peppers pepper Feb 4 Mar 4 Transplant Jun 2 – Jun 22
Holland Red Shallots allium Jan 14 Jan 21 Transplant Apr 21 – May 21
Homemade Pickles Cucumber cucumber Feb 18 Feb 25 Transplant Apr 21 – Apr 26
Homestead Tomatoes tomato Feb 11 Mar 4 Transplant May 23 – May 28
Honey Rock Cantaloupe Melon melon Feb 18 Feb 25 Transplant May 21 – Jun 5
Honeydew Melon melon Feb 4 Mar 4 Transplant Jun 12 – Jun 27
Horehound Herb herb Feb 11 Feb 18 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Horseradish vegetable — Feb 18 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Hot Pink lettuce — Feb 6 Direct Sow Mar 28 – Apr 7
Hungarian Hot Wax Pepper pepper Jan 28 Mar 4 Transplant May 8 – May 18
I
Iceberg lettuce — Feb 6 Direct Sow Apr 15 – Apr 22
Igloo Cauliflower brassica Jan 21 Feb 4 Transplant Apr 10 – Apr 15
Imperial Star Artichoke vegetable Jan 14 Feb 18 Transplant May 19 – May 29
Improved Meyer Lemon berry — Mar 4 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Indian Spring Mix Hollyhock Flowers flower Feb 11 Feb 18 Transplant Jun 18 – Aug 17
Isis Candy Cherry Tomatoes tomato Jan 28 Feb 25 Transplant May 6 – May 16
Issai hardy kiwi vines berry Feb 4 Feb 4 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Italian Large Leaf Basil herb Feb 11 Feb 25 Transplant Apr 26 – May 11
Italian Oregano herb Jan 28 Feb 18 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
J
Jack Be Little Pumpkin squash Feb 18 Feb 25 Transplant Jun 5
Jack O'Lantern Pumpkin squash — Feb 25 Direct Sow May 26 – Jun 15
Jacob's Cattle beans legume Feb 25 Mar 4 Transplant May 23 – Jun 2
Jade Bush Bean legume Feb 18 Feb 25 Transplant Apr 21 – Apr 26
Jalapeño Peppers pepper Jan 28 Mar 4 Transplant May 8 – May 18
Japanese Eggplant vegetable — Feb 18 Plant Out Apr 9 – Apr 24
Jersey Knight Asparagus vegetable — Feb 18 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Jerusalem artichoke tubers root vegetable Feb 25 Mar 4 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Jewel Strawberries berry Feb 11 Feb 18 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Jicama Mexican Yam Bean legume Feb 25 Mar 4 Transplant Jul 22 – Aug 11
Jimmy Nardello Peppers pepper Feb 4 Mar 11 Transplant May 30 – Jun 9
Jubilee Tomatoes tomato Feb 11 Mar 4 Transplant May 18 – May 23
Jubilee Watermelon melon Feb 18 Feb 25 Transplant May 26 – May 31
Juliet Tomatoes tomato Feb 11 Mar 4 Transplant May 2 – May 4
K
Kagraner Sommer lettuce — Feb 6 Direct Sow Mar 28 – Apr 5
Kellogg's Breakfast tomatoes tomato Jan 28 Feb 25 Transplant May 11 – May 21
Kentucky Wonder Pole Bean legume Feb 18 Feb 25 Transplant May 1 – May 8
King Arthur Peppers pepper Feb 4 Mar 11 Transplant May 12 – May 18
King of the Garden Pole Lima Bean legume Feb 21 Feb 28 Transplant May 27 – Jun 3
King's Cure-All Evening Primrose Flowers flower Feb 4 Feb 11 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Kuroda Carrots root vegetable Feb 11 Feb 18 Transplant Apr 29
L
Lacinato Kale lettuce — Feb 6 Direct Sow Apr 7 – Apr 12
Lacy Phacelia Flowers flower Feb 11 Feb 18 Transplant Apr 14 – May 4
Lanceleaf Coreopsis Flowers flower Feb 11 Feb 18 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Landreth Bush Bean legume Feb 18 Feb 25 Transplant Apr 16 – Apr 21
Large Leaf Sorrel lettuce — Feb 6 Direct Sow Perennial — see plant page
Large Red Cherry Tomatoes tomato Feb 11 Mar 4 Transplant May 13 – May 23
Leaf Lettuce Mix lettuce — Feb 6 Direct Sow Mar 23 – Apr 2
Lebanese White Bush Summer Squash squash Feb 18 Feb 25 Transplant Apr 11
Leek vegetable — Feb 18 Plant Out May 29 – Jun 28
Lemon Balm herb — Feb 18 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Lemon Cucumber cucumber — Feb 18 Plant Out Apr 19 – Apr 29
Lemon Habanero Hot Peppers pepper Feb 4 Mar 4 Transplant May 28 – Jun 17
Lemon Mint Herb herb Feb 11 Feb 18 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Lemon Verbena herb — Feb 25 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Lemongrass herb Jan 28 Mar 4 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Lettuce Leaf Basil herb Feb 11 Feb 25 Transplant May 1 – May 16
Licorice Basil herb Feb 11 Feb 25 Transplant May 1 – May 16
Lima Bean legume — Feb 25 Direct Sow Apr 26 – May 16
Lime Basil herb Feb 11 Feb 25 Transplant May 1 – May 11
Little Fingers Carrots root vegetable Feb 11 Feb 18 Transplant Apr 14
Little Gem lettuce — Feb 6 Direct Sow Mar 28 – Apr 3
Little Marvel Pea legume Jan 21 Jan 28 Transplant Mar 29 – Apr 1
Lollo Bionda lettuce — Feb 6 Direct Sow Mar 28 – Apr 7
Lollo Rossa lettuce — Feb 6 Direct Sow Mar 31 – Apr 3
Long Green Louisiana Eggplant vegetable Feb 4 Mar 4 Transplant May 8 – May 13
Long Island Cheese Winter Squash squash Feb 18 Feb 25 Transplant Jun 5
Long Ping Tung Eggplant vegetable Feb 4 Mar 4 Transplant Apr 28 – May 3
Long Purple Italian Eggplant vegetable Feb 4 Mar 4 Transplant May 18
Lovage Herb herb Feb 11 Feb 18 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Love-in-a-Mist Flowers flower Feb 11 Feb 18 Transplant Apr 24 – May 14
Luffa gourds vegetable Feb 11 Mar 4 Transplant Jun 12 – Jul 2
Luminosa Zinnia Flowers flower Feb 18 Feb 25 Transplant Apr 26 – May 6
Lunar White Carrots root vegetable Feb 11 Feb 18 Transplant May 4 – May 9
Lunaria Silver Dollar Flowers flower Feb 4 Feb 11 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Lunchbox Mini Peppers pepper Feb 4 Mar 11 Transplant May 5 – May 10
M
Magenta Sunset lettuce — Feb 6 Direct Sow Apr 2 – Apr 7
Mammoth Dill herb Jan 28 Feb 4 Transplant Mar 21 – Apr 10
Mammoth Melting Sugar Snow Pea legume Jan 21 Jan 28 Transplant Apr 6 – Apr 12
Mammoth Sunflower flower — Feb 18 Plant Out Apr 24 – May 9
Manitoba Tomatoes tomato Feb 11 Mar 4 Transplant Apr 28 – May 8
Marglobe Improved Tomatoes tomato Feb 11 Mar 4 Transplant May 13 – May 23
Marglobe Supreme Tomatoes tomato Feb 11 Mar 4 Transplant May 13 – May 23
Marion Tomatoes tomato Feb 11 Mar 4 Transplant May 18 – May 23
Marketer Cucumber cucumber Feb 18 Feb 25 Transplant Apr 21
Marketmore 76 Cucumber cucumber Feb 4 Mar 4 Transplant May 1 – May 11
Marvel of Four Seasons lettuce — Feb 6 Direct Sow Mar 23 – Apr 7
Mary Washington Asparagus vegetable Jan 28 Feb 4 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Matador Viking lettuce — Feb 6 Direct Sow Mar 23 – Mar 26
Matt's Wild Cherry Tomatoes tomato Jan 28 Feb 25 Transplant Apr 21 – May 1
Maximillian Sunflowers flower Feb 11 Feb 18 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
McKana Giants Mix Columbine Flowers flower Feb 11 Feb 18 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Medium Red Clover Cover Crop cover crop Jan 28 Feb 4 Transplant Apr 5 – Apr 20
Mesclun Mix lettuce — Feb 6 Direct Sow Feb 27 – Mar 8
Michihili Cabbage brassica Jan 14 Jan 28 Transplant Apr 8
Midnight Snack Tomatoes tomato Feb 4 Mar 4 Transplant May 8 – May 13
Millennium Asparagus vegetable Jan 28 Feb 4 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Mizuna lettuce — Feb 6 Direct Sow Mar 18 – Mar 28
Money Maker Tomatoes tomato Feb 11 Mar 4 Transplant May 18 – May 28
Monstrueux de Viroflay lettuce — Feb 6 Direct Sow Mar 23 – Mar 28
Moon & Stars Red-Flesh Watermelon melon Feb 18 Feb 25 Transplant May 26 – Jun 5
Moon & Stars Yellow-Flesh Watermelon melon Feb 18 Feb 25 Transplant May 26 – Jun 5
Morris Heading lettuce — Feb 6 Direct Sow Apr 22 – Apr 27
Mortgage Lifter Tomatoes tomato Feb 25 Mar 4 Transplant May 23 – May 28
Mountain Magic Tomatoes tomato Feb 25 Mar 4 Transplant May 15 – May 18
Mr. Stripey Tomatoes tomato Feb 11 Mar 4 Transplant May 28 – Jun 7
Mrs. Burns Lemon Basil herb Jan 28 Feb 25 Transplant Apr 26 – May 6
Mucho Nacho Jalapeño Peppers pepper Feb 4 Mar 4 Transplant May 11 – May 13
Mugwort herb Feb 11 Feb 18 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Muncher Cucumber cucumber Feb 18 Feb 25 Transplant Apr 26 – May 1
Mustard Greens lettuce — Feb 6 Direct Sow Mar 13 – Mar 28
Mâche (Corn Salad) lettuce — Feb 6 Direct Sow Apr 7 – May 1
N
Nagami Kumquat berry — Mar 4 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Nantes Carrot root vegetable — Feb 25 Direct Sow Apr 28 – May 11
Napa Cabbage brassica — Feb 6 Direct Sow Apr 17 – May 7
Nasturtium flower — Feb 18 Plant Out Apr 9 – Apr 24
National Pickling Cucumber cucumber — Feb 18 Plant Out Apr 9 – Apr 17
New England Aster Flowers flower Feb 4 Feb 11 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
New Sunn Hemp Cover Crop cover crop Feb 25 Mar 4 Transplant May 3 – Jun 2
New Zealand Spinach lettuce Feb 11 Feb 25 Transplant Apr 16 – Apr 26
Noble Giant lettuce — Feb 6 Direct Sow Mar 24 – Mar 28
Nodding Catchfly Flowers flower Feb 11 Feb 18 Transplant Apr 19 – May 19
Nopales pads vegetable Mar 4 Mar 4 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
NuMex Twilight Hot Peppers pepper Feb 4 Mar 4 Transplant Jun 2 – Jul 2
Nutri-Red Carrots root vegetable Feb 11 Feb 18 Transplant Apr 29 – May 4
O
OG American Flag Leeks allium Jan 14 Feb 4 Transplant May 5 – May 15
Old Fashion lettuce — Feb 6 Direct Sow Mar 23 – Mar 28
Orange lettuce — Feb 6 Direct Sow Mar 23 – Apr 2
Orange Flesh Honeydew Melon melon Feb 18 Feb 25 Transplant May 21 – Jun 5
Orange Habanero Hot Peppers pepper Feb 4 Mar 4 Transplant May 28 – Jun 17
Orange Horizon Sweet Peppers pepper Feb 4 Mar 4 Transplant May 18 – May 23
Orange King Zinnia Flowers flower Feb 18 Feb 25 Transplant Apr 26 – May 6
Orange Oxheart Tomatoes tomato Feb 11 Mar 4 Transplant May 18 – May 28
Orange Sulphur Cosmos Flowers flower Feb 11 Feb 18 Transplant Apr 14 – Apr 29
Oregon Giant Snow Pea legume Jan 21 Jan 28 Transplant Apr 8 – Apr 12
Oregon Sugar Pod Snow Pea legume Jan 21 Jan 28 Transplant Mar 29 – Apr 6
Orion Florence Fennel vegetable Feb 4 Feb 25 Transplant May 16 – May 26
Ox-Eye Daisy Flowers flower Jan 21 Feb 18 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Ozark Beauty Strawberry berry — Feb 25 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
P
Pacific Giant Pumpkin squash Feb 18 Feb 25 Transplant Jun 20 – Jun 30
Padron Peppers pepper Feb 4 Mar 11 Transplant May 10 – May 15
Pandora Striped Eggplant vegetable Feb 4 Mar 4 Transplant May 18 – May 23
Paris Market Carrots root vegetable Feb 11 Feb 18 Transplant Apr 9 – Apr 14
Paris Yellow Pumpkin squash Feb 18 Feb 25 Transplant Jun 5
Parsnip root vegetable — Feb 25 Direct Sow Jun 5 – Jul 5
Pasilla de Oaxaca Hot Peppers pepper Feb 4 Mar 4 Transplant May 18 – May 28
Patio Princess Tomatoes tomato Feb 11 Mar 4 Transplant May 8 – May 13
Pattypan Squash squash — Feb 25 Direct Sow Apr 13 – Apr 21
Paul Robeson tomatoes tomato Jan 28 Feb 25 Transplant May 6 – May 21
Peach Melba Nasturtium Flowers flower Feb 11 Feb 18 Transplant Apr 9 – Apr 19
Peppermint herb — Feb 18 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Pepperoncini Pepper pepper Feb 4 Mar 4 Transplant May 8 – May 18
Phacelia cover crop and bee forage cover crop Feb 25 Mar 4 Transplant Apr 18 – May 3
Pimento Sweet Peppers pepper Feb 4 Mar 4 Transplant May 28 – Jun 2
Pineapple Tomatillos vegetable Feb 4 Feb 25 Transplant May 6 – May 16
Pineapple Tomatoes tomato Feb 11 Mar 4 Transplant May 28 – Jun 7
Pink Banana Jumbo Winter Squash squash Feb 18 Feb 25 Transplant Jun 5 – Jun 15
Pink Oxheart Tomatoes tomato Feb 11 Mar 4 Transplant May 23 – Jun 2
Pinkeye Purple Hull Cowpea legume Jan 7 Mar 4 Transplant May 3 – May 13
Pixie Delight Lupine Flowers flower Feb 11 Feb 18 Transplant May 19 – Jun 8
Plains Coreopsis flower Feb 11 Feb 18 Transplant Apr 19 – Apr 29
Planters Jumbo Cantaloupe Melon melon Feb 18 Feb 25 Transplant May 21
Poblano Peppers pepper Jan 28 Mar 4 Transplant May 8 – May 18
Polar Bear Zinnia Flowers flower Feb 18 Feb 25 Transplant Apr 26 – May 6
Ponderosa Red Beefsteak Tomatoes tomato Feb 11 Mar 4 Transplant May 18 – May 23
Popcorn vegetable — Feb 18 Plant Out May 14 – Jun 18
Potato onion clusters root vegetable Feb 25 Mar 4 Transplant Jun 2 – Jul 2
Powderpuff Aster Flowers flower Feb 4 Feb 25 Transplant May 11 – May 21
Premier lettuce — Feb 6 Direct Sow Mar 28 – Apr 7
Pretty Purple Hot Peppers pepper Feb 4 Mar 4 Transplant Jun 2 – Jul 2
Prizewinner Runner Pole Bean legume Feb 18 Feb 25 Transplant May 11 – May 18
Progress No. 9 Shelling Pea legume Jan 21 Jan 28 Transplant Mar 27 – Mar 31
Provider Bush Bean legume — Feb 25 Direct Sow Apr 16 – Apr 21
Purple Basil herb Feb 4 Mar 4 Transplant May 13 – May 28
Purple Beauty Sweet Peppers pepper Feb 4 Mar 4 Transplant May 13 – May 18
Purple Carrots root vegetable Feb 11 Feb 18 Transplant Apr 29 – May 4
Purple Haze Carrots root vegetable Feb 11 Feb 18 Transplant Apr 29 – May 2
Purple Passion Asparagus vegetable Jan 28 Feb 4 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Purple Plum Radishes root vegetable Feb 11 Feb 18 Transplant Mar 18 – Mar 20
Purple Tiger Hot Peppers pepper Feb 4 Mar 4 Transplant Jun 2 – Jun 12
Purple Tomatillos vegetable Feb 4 Feb 25 Transplant May 11 – May 21
Pápalo leaves herb Feb 11 Feb 18 Transplant Apr 29 – May 9
Q
Queen Anne's Lace Flowers flower Feb 11 Feb 18 Transplant May 14 – May 29
Queensland Blue Winter Squash squash Feb 18 Feb 25 Transplant Jun 5 – Jun 25
R
Radicchio lettuce — Feb 6 Direct Sow Apr 7 – May 2
Rainbow Corn vegetable Feb 18 Feb 25 Transplant Jun 10 – Jun 20
Rainbow Mix lettuce — Feb 6 Direct Sow Mar 28 – Apr 7
Rambo Radish Microgreens microgreen Feb 25 Mar 4 Transplant Mar 10 – Mar 14
Rapeseed Cover Crop cover crop Jan 28 Feb 4 Transplant Mar 21 – Apr 15
Rapini Broccoli Raab brassica Jan 28 Feb 4 Transplant Apr 10
Raspberry Shortcake berry — Feb 25 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Rattlesnake Pole Bean legume Feb 18 Feb 25 Transplant Apr 26 – May 6
Red Acre Cabbage brassica Jan 14 Jan 28 Transplant Apr 13 – Apr 18
Red Burgundy Okra vegetable Feb 25 Mar 4 Transplant Apr 28 – May 3
Red Burgundy Onions root vegetable Jan 21 Feb 18 Transplant Jun 8 – Jun 18
Red Cabbage brassica Jan 28 Mar 4 Transplant May 13 – Jun 22
Red Caribbean Habanero Hot Peppers pepper Feb 4 Mar 4 Transplant May 28 – Jun 17
Red Cayenne Hot Peppers pepper Feb 4 Mar 4 Transplant May 18 – May 28
Red Cherry Hot Peppers pepper Feb 4 Mar 4 Transplant May 18 – May 28
Red Garnet Amaranth vegetable Feb 18 Feb 25 Transplant Apr 21 – Apr 26
Red Leaf Lettuce lettuce — Feb 6 Direct Sow Mar 23 – Apr 2
Red Mushroom Hot Peppers pepper Feb 4 Mar 4 Transplant May 18 – May 28
Red Pear Tomatoes tomato Feb 11 Mar 4 Transplant May 8 – May 18
Red Pontiac Potato root vegetable — Feb 25 Direct Sow May 26 – Jun 15
Red Prairie Mexican Hat Flowers flower Feb 18 Feb 25 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Red Romaine lettuce — Feb 6 Direct Sow Apr 7 – Apr 17
Red Russian Kale lettuce — Feb 6 Direct Sow Mar 28 – Apr 7
Red Vein Sorrel lettuce — Feb 6 Direct Sow Perennial — see plant page
Red Velvet Leaf Basil herb Feb 11 Feb 25 Transplant May 1 – May 16
Red-Stem Malabar Spinach lettuce Feb 11 Mar 4 Transplant Apr 28 – May 13
Rhubarb vegetable — Feb 18 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Rio Grande Tomatoes tomato Feb 11 Mar 4 Transplant May 18 – May 23
Roma II Bush Bean legume Feb 18 Feb 25 Transplant Apr 19 – Apr 25
Roma VF Tomatoes tomato Feb 25 Mar 4 Transplant May 18 – May 23
Romaine Lettuce lettuce — Feb 6 Direct Sow Apr 12 – Apr 22
Roman Chamomile herb Jan 28 Feb 18 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Romanesco brassica Jan 28 Mar 4 Transplant May 18 – Jun 12
Romano Pole Bean legume Feb 18 Feb 25 Transplant Apr 26 – May 4
Roselle calyces and leaves vegetable Feb 4 Feb 25 Transplant Jul 25 – Aug 24
Rosemary herb — Mar 4 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Round de Nice Zucchini Summer Squash squash Feb 18 Feb 25 Transplant Apr 11
Round Mauve Eggplant vegetable Feb 4 Mar 4 Transplant May 23 – Jun 2
Royal Burgundy Bush Bean legume Feb 18 Feb 25 Transplant Apr 16 – Apr 21
Royal Carpet Alyssum Flowers flower Feb 4 Feb 11 Transplant Mar 28 – Apr 12
Ruby Red lettuce — Feb 6 Direct Sow Apr 2 – Apr 7
Rue herb Jan 28 Feb 18 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Russell Mix Lupine Flowers flower Feb 11 Feb 18 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Russian Tarragon herb Feb 11 Feb 18 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Rutgers Tomato tomato Feb 4 Mar 4 Transplant May 13 – May 23
S
Salad Bowl Green lettuce — Feb 6 Direct Sow Mar 27 – Mar 28
Salad Burnet herb Feb 4 Feb 11 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
San Andreas Strawberries berry Feb 11 Feb 18 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
San Marzano Tomatoes tomato Feb 25 Mar 4 Transplant May 21 – May 31
Santa Fe Grande Hot Peppers pepper Feb 4 Mar 4 Transplant May 18 – May 23
Savoy Perfection Cabbage brassica Jan 21 Feb 4 Transplant May 5 – May 10
Scarlet Flax Flowers flower Jan 28 Feb 4 Transplant Mar 31 – Apr 15
Scarlet Runner Bean legume — Feb 25 Direct Sow Perennial — see plant page
Scarlet Sage Flowers flower Feb 4 Feb 25 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Seascape Strawberry berry — Feb 25 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Serrano Peppers pepper Jan 28 Mar 4 Transplant May 13 – May 23
Shallot vegetable — Feb 18 Plant Out May 19 – Jun 18
Shasta Daisy Flowers flower Jan 14 Feb 18 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Shelling Pea legume — Feb 25 Direct Sow Apr 21 – May 6
Shishito Peppers pepper Feb 4 Mar 11 Transplant May 10 – May 15
Showy Pink Ladies Evening Primrose Flowers flower Feb 11 Feb 18 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Shungiku (Edible Chrysanthemum) lettuce Jan 28 Feb 4 Transplant Mar 16 – Mar 31
Siberian Dwarf lettuce — Feb 6 Direct Sow Mar 28 – Apr 2
Signet marigold edible flowers flower Feb 25 Mar 4 Transplant May 3 – May 8
Silver Queen Sweet Corn vegetable — Feb 18 Plant Out May 19 – May 21
Single Mix China Aster Flowers flower Feb 4 Feb 25 Transplant May 6 – May 16
Slenderette Bush Bean legume Feb 18 Feb 25 Transplant Apr 19 – Apr 23
Slow-Bolt (Slo-Bolt) Cilantro/Coriander herb Feb 11 Feb 18 Transplant Mar 18 – Mar 30
Smooth Blue Aster Flowers flower Feb 4 Feb 11 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Snow Crown Cauliflower brassica Jan 28 Mar 4 Transplant Apr 23 – May 3
Snow Pea legume — Feb 25 Direct Sow Apr 18 – May 6
Snow White Carrots root vegetable Feb 11 Feb 18 Transplant Apr 29 – May 4
Snowball Self-Blanche Cauliflower brassica Jan 21 Feb 4 Transplant Apr 10
Soapwort flower Feb 4 Feb 25 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Softneck Garlic root vegetable — Nov 10 Plant Out Jul 8 2027 – Aug 7 2027
Solar Yellow Carrots root vegetable Feb 11 Feb 18 Transplant Apr 29 – May 4
Southport Red Globe Onions root vegetable Jan 21 Feb 18 Transplant Jun 18
Southport White Globe Onions root vegetable Jan 21 Feb 18 Transplant Jun 18
Spacemaster Bush Cucumber cucumber Feb 11 Feb 25 Transplant Apr 26 – May 1
Spaghetti Squash squash — Feb 25 Direct Sow May 24 – Jun 5
Spanish Sweet White Onions root vegetable Jan 21 Feb 18 Transplant Jun 8 – Jun 18
Sparkler Radishes root vegetable Feb 11 Feb 18 Transplant Mar 15 – Mar 20
Sparky Mix Marigolds flower Jan 28 Feb 18 Transplant Apr 14 – Apr 29
Spearmint herb — Feb 18 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Speckled Pea Shoot Microgreens microgreen Feb 25 Mar 4 Transplant Mar 12 – Mar 18
St. Valery Carrots root vegetable Feb 11 Feb 18 Transplant Apr 29
Stevia herb — Feb 18 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Straight Eight Cucumber cucumber Feb 11 Feb 25 Transplant Apr 26 – May 1
Sugar Ann Snap Pea legume Jan 21 Jan 28 Transplant Mar 21 – Mar 25
Sugar Baby Watermelon melon Feb 4 Mar 4 Transplant May 18 – May 23
Sugar Pie Pumpkin squash — Feb 25 Direct Sow May 26 – Jun 15
Sugar Snap Pea legume — Feb 25 Direct Sow Apr 21 – May 6
Summer Bibb lettuce — Feb 6 Direct Sow Apr 2 – Apr 7
Summer Carnival Mix Hollyhock Flowers flower Feb 11 Feb 18 Transplant Jun 18 – Aug 17
Summer Max Mix Cover Crop cover crop Feb 25 Mar 4 Transplant Apr 18 – May 3
Summer Savory herb Feb 18 Feb 25 Transplant Apr 21 – May 1
Sun Gold Sunflowers flower Feb 18 Feb 25 Transplant May 16 – May 31
Sun Gold Tomatoes tomato Feb 11 Mar 4 Transplant Apr 30 – May 8
Sunbright Yellow Sweet Peppers pepper Feb 4 Mar 4 Transplant May 18 – May 23
Sunray Tomatoes tomato Feb 11 Mar 4 Transplant May 18 – May 23
Sunshine Blue Blueberry berry — Feb 25 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Sunshine Kabocha Squash squash Feb 11 Feb 25 Transplant May 31 – Jun 5
Sunspot Sunflowers flower Feb 18 Feb 25 Transplant Apr 21 – May 6
Sweet 100 Tomatoes tomato Feb 11 Mar 4 Transplant May 3 – May 8
Sweet Alyssum flower — Feb 18 Plant Out Mar 30 – Apr 14
Sweet Marjoram herb Jan 28 Feb 25 Transplant May 11 – May 26
Sweet Million Tomatoes tomato Feb 4 Mar 4 Transplant May 3 – May 8
Sweet Woodruff herb Jan 28 Feb 18 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Swiss Chard lettuce — Feb 6 Direct Sow Mar 28 – Apr 7
T
Tabasco Hot Peppers pepper Feb 4 Mar 4 Transplant May 23 – Jun 2
Tall Trailing Mix Nasturtium Flowers flower Feb 11 Feb 18 Transplant Apr 14 – Apr 29
Tall Utah 52-70 Celery vegetable — Feb 18 Plant Out May 29 – Jun 28
Tango lettuce — Feb 6 Direct Sow Mar 10 – Mar 18
Tansy herb Jan 28 Feb 18 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Tatsoi lettuce Jan 7 Jan 21 Transplant Feb 15 – Mar 7
Taylor Dwarf Bush Bean legume Feb 18 Feb 25 Transplant May 1 – May 4
Tendercrisp Celery vegetable Jan 21 Feb 25 Transplant May 21 – Jun 5
Tendergreen lettuce — Feb 6 Direct Sow Mar 18 – Mar 28
Tendergreen Burpless Cucumber cucumber Feb 18 Feb 25 Transplant May 1
Tendergreen Bush Bean legume Feb 18 Feb 25 Transplant Apr 16 – Apr 21
Tendersweet Carrots root vegetable Feb 11 Feb 18 Transplant Apr 29
Tendersweet Orange Watermelon melon Feb 18 Feb 25 Transplant May 26 – May 31
Tepin Hot Peppers pepper Feb 4 Mar 4 Transplant Jul 2 – Sep 20
Texas 1015Y SuperSweet Onion root vegetable Dec 17 Jan 21 Transplant May 6 – May 16
Texas Bluebonnet Lupine Flowers flower Feb 11 Feb 18 Transplant May 4 – May 24
Thai Basil herb Feb 4 Mar 4 Transplant May 3 – May 8
Thai Hot Peppers pepper Jan 28 Mar 4 Transplant May 18 – May 28
Thessaloniki Tomatoes tomato Feb 11 Mar 4 Transplant May 18 – May 23
Thorogreen Bush Lima Bean legume Feb 21 Feb 28 Transplant May 4 – May 14
Tigerella Tomatoes tomato Feb 11 Mar 4 Transplant Apr 28 – May 13
Tiny Tim Tomatoes tomato Feb 4 Mar 4 Transplant Apr 18 – Apr 28
Tom Thumb lettuce — Feb 6 Direct Sow Mar 28 – Apr 17
Tom Watson Watermelon melon Feb 18 Feb 25 Transplant May 21
Tomatillo vegetable — Feb 18 Plant Out Apr 19 – May 14
Top Crop Bush Bean legume Feb 18 Feb 25 Transplant Apr 16 – Apr 21
Top Hat Blueberry berry — Feb 25 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Tri Color Amaranth (Joseph's Coat) vegetable Feb 18 Feb 25 Transplant Mar 27 – Apr 11
Trinidad Moruga Scorpion peppers pepper Jan 21 Mar 4 Transplant May 23 – Jul 2
Tropical Milkweed Flowers flower Jan 28 Feb 25 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Trucker's Favorite Corn vegetable Feb 18 Feb 25 Transplant May 11 – May 21
True Watercress vegetable Feb 11 Feb 18 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Tumbling Tom Red Tomatoes tomato Feb 4 Mar 4 Transplant May 8 – May 13
Turkish Orange Eggplant vegetable Feb 4 Mar 4 Transplant May 28 – Jun 2
Turnip root vegetable — Feb 25 Direct Sow Apr 16 – Apr 26
Tuscany Black lettuce — Feb 6 Direct Sow Apr 7 – Apr 22
U
Upland Cress vegetable Feb 11 Feb 18 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
V
Vates lettuce — Feb 6 Direct Sow Mar 28 – Apr 2
Vates lettuce — Feb 6 Direct Sow Apr 7 – Apr 22
Velvet Queen Sunflowers flower Feb 18 Feb 25 Transplant May 11 – May 26
Verde Tomatillos vegetable Feb 4 Feb 25 Transplant May 11 – May 21
Verona Red lettuce — Feb 6 Direct Sow May 2 – May 9
Victoria Rhubarb vegetable Jan 14 Feb 4 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Vienna Purple Kohlrabi brassica Jan 21 Jan 28 Transplant Mar 24 – Apr 3
Vienna White Kohlrabi brassica Jan 21 Jan 28 Transplant Apr 3
Viola and pansy edible flowers flower Dec 31 Feb 4 Transplant Apr 5 – Apr 15
Violetta Purple Cauliflower brassica Jan 21 Feb 4 Transplant Apr 10
VR Moscow Tomatoes tomato Feb 11 Mar 4 Transplant May 23 – Jun 2
W
Waltham 29 Broccoli brassica Jan 28 Mar 4 Transplant May 18 – Jun 2
Wando Pea legume Jan 21 Jan 28 Transplant Apr 1 – Apr 6
Watermelon Radishes root vegetable — Feb 25 Direct Sow Apr 16 – May 1
Wee Be Little Pumpkin squash Feb 18 Feb 25 Transplant May 21
West Indian Burr Gherkin Cucumber cucumber Feb 18 Feb 25 Transplant Apr 21 – May 1
Whirlybird Nasturtium Flowers flower Feb 11 Feb 18 Transplant Apr 9 – Apr 19
White Boston lettuce — Feb 6 Direct Sow Mar 18 – Mar 28
White Cherry Tomatoes tomato Feb 11 Mar 4 Transplant May 13 – May 18
White Cloud Sweet Peppers pepper Feb 4 Mar 4 Transplant May 13 – May 18
White clover living mulch cover crop Feb 25 Mar 4 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
White Cushaw Crookneck Winter Squash squash Feb 18 Feb 25 Transplant Jun 5
White Detroit Beets root vegetable Feb 11 Feb 18 Transplant Apr 14 – Apr 19
White Emergo Runner Pole Bean legume Feb 18 Feb 25 Transplant May 11 – May 16
White Icicle Radishes root vegetable Feb 11 Feb 18 Transplant Mar 20 – Mar 30
White Lisbon Bunching Onions root vegetable Jan 28 Feb 18 Transplant Apr 24
White Marrow Summer Squash squash Feb 18 Feb 25 Transplant May 21
White Wonder Cucumber cucumber Feb 18 Feb 25 Transplant Apr 21 – Apr 26
Winner Kohlrabi brassica — Feb 6 Direct Sow Mar 23 – Mar 28
Winter Density lettuce — Feb 6 Direct Sow Apr 1 – Apr 7
Winter Giant lettuce — Feb 6 Direct Sow Mar 23 – Mar 28
Winter rye cover crop stands cover crop Feb 25 Mar 4 Transplant Aug 31 – Oct 10
Witloof White lettuce — Feb 6 Direct Sow May 23 – Jun 15
Wormwood herb Jan 28 Feb 18 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Y
Yard Long Bean legume — Feb 25 Direct Sow Apr 26 – May 26
Yarrow flower — Feb 18 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Yellow Beefsteak Tomatoes tomato Feb 11 Mar 4 Transplant May 18 – May 28
Yellow Crookneck Squash squash — Feb 25 Direct Sow Apr 16 – Apr 26
Yellow Jalapeno (Caloro) Hot Peppers pepper Feb 4 Mar 4 Transplant May 18 – May 28
Yellow Mushroom Hot Peppers pepper Feb 4 Mar 4 Transplant May 18 – May 28
Yellow Oxheart Tomatoes tomato Feb 11 Mar 4 Transplant May 28 – Jun 2
Yellow Pear Tomatoes tomato Feb 11 Mar 4 Transplant May 13 – May 23
Yellow Scotch Bonnet Hot Peppers pepper Feb 4 Mar 4 Transplant Jun 2 – Jul 2
Yellow Sulphur Cosmos Flowers flower Feb 11 Feb 18 Transplant Apr 14 – Apr 29
Yellow Sweet Blossom Clover Cover Crop cover crop Jan 28 Feb 4 Transplant Apr 5 – May 5
Yolo Wonder Sweet Peppers pepper Feb 4 Mar 4 Transplant May 13 – May 23
Yukon Gold Potato root vegetable — Feb 25 Direct Sow May 16 – Jun 5
Z
Zinnia flower — Feb 18 Plant Out Apr 19 – May 19

Browse Zone 8B by Month

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

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Zone 8B Growing Tips

States in Zone 8B

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

Texas (central) Louisiana Mississippi Alabama (south) Georgia (south) South Carolina (coast) Florida (north) California (Bay Area, central valley)

What works well in Zone 8B

Zone 8b is a long-season humid subtropical garden, not a frost-dominated one. The 293-day season splits into productive late-winter/spring and fall/early-winter shoulders, with a difficult midsummer period of heat, humidity, insects, and foliar disease. Coastal areas also carry tropical storm risk.

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 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 Complete Garden Drip Irrigation 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 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

Critical

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 Seeding Straw 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 Cleaned Wheat Straw Mulch (3 cu ft, ~20 lbs) 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 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.

Garden shade cloth

High

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 30% Sun-Block Shade Cloth (6x8 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 30% Sun-Block Shade Cloth (6x10 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 30% UV-Block Shade Cloth (6x15 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.

Raised bed kit

High

Raised beds improve drainage, let gardeners control soil from day one, reduce compaction, and make gardening more accessible. A quality kit should use rot-resistant, food-safe materials and provide enough depth for productive rooting.

Source: Penn State Extension; University of Delaware Cooperative Extension; Illinois Extension

Budget Galvanized Metal Raised Bed (8x4x2 ft, 478-gallon) Galvanized steel, 8 ft x 4 ft x 2 ft (24 inches deep). Non-toxic galvanized coating, rust-resistant for humid Gulf Coast and South Florida use. The most-reviewed metal raised bed on Amazon (5.6K reviews, 700+ bought past month). 24-inch depth supports deep-rooted vegetables like tomatoes and root crops. 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 Premium Cedar Raised Garden Bed (4x8 ft, 17.5 in, 3/4 in thick) Made in USA from North American cedar, 3/4 inch thick boards (most cedar beds on Amazon are 1/2 inch — thickness drives lifespan). 17.5 inch depth gives deep-rooted crops the room extension services recommend. Cedar is naturally rot-resistant without pressure-treatment chemicals, suitable for vegetable production. 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 Woodgrain Metal Raised Bed (4x8 ft, 16 in tall) Vego Garden is the gardening community's premium raised bed brand, known for durable powder-coated metal construction with wood-grain aesthetics. 4 by 8 ft footprint, 16 inches tall, food-safe coating. Combines metal durability (no rot, decades of life) with the visual warmth of wood — best for gardeners who want a long-term investment. 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.

Storm tie-downs and ground anchors

High

UF/IFAS Extension and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension recommend securing or removing trellises, shade cloth, hoop covers, container plants, and lightweight raised-bed accessories before tropical storms and hurricanes, since loose garden items become projectiles in high winds. Most-relevant for Gulf Coast Zone 8b (Houston, Mobile, New Orleans), Florida Zone 9b (Miami, Tampa), and any coastal area within the Atlantic and Gulf hurricane corridors. Galvanized steel ground anchors resist rust in humid coastal soils, and screw-in spiral anchors hold significantly better than driven stakes in saturated soil during storm conditions. Use quick-release fasteners on shade cloth and trellises so they can be removed quickly when a storm watch is issued.

Source: UF/IFAS Extension; Texas A&M AgriLife Extension

Budget Galvanized Storm Tie-Down Stakes (10-pack, with ropes) Galvanized steel canopy anchors with included rope — the only listing in this category that bundles stakes and tie-down rope together. Rust-resistant for humid Gulf Coast and Florida soils. The most-reviewed tent anchor on Amazon (12K+ reviews). Best as a starter kit for securing shade cloth, lightweight hoop covers, and trellises. 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 J-Hook Rebar Anchor Stakes (16-pack, 12", galvanized) 12 inch galvanized rebar stakes with a J-hook top, which lets gardeners loop rope or strap directly onto the stake for fast tie-downs. 16-pack covers a typical home garden's worth of trellises, shade frames, and hoop covers with stakes to spare. Better tie-down geometry than U-shaped stakes for storm prep. 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 30" Screw-In Ground Anchors (4-pack, fully welded) 30 inch fully-welded spiral earth anchors that screw into soil rather than being driven. Spiral threads grip far better than straight stakes in saturated soil during storms, which is the failure mode that lets driven stakes pull free in high winds. This is the anchor type UF/IFAS hurricane prep guidance actually describes for Florida and Gulf Coast use. 4-pack covers the corners of a typical garden structure. 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 NCEI 1991-2020 U.S. Climate Normals (dataset gov.noaa.ncdc:C01619; methodology Palecki et al. 2021), aggregated across 2,648 ZIP codes in Zone 8B. Growing season data from Texas A&M AgriLife Extension — Harris County. Planting dates are averages based on zone frost dates and standard horticultural timing — adjust for your local microclimate.