Zone 8 Planting Guide: Your Month-by-Month Gardening Calendar

Gardening by USDA Plant Hardiness Zones offers an excellent starting point for planning your planting schedule. By combining a zone-specific gardening overview with your personal experience, local insights, and diligent yearly record-keeping, you can create a highly effective annual gardening calendar. This guide focuses specifically on Zone 8, providing a detailed, month-by-month breakdown to help you maximize your garden’s potential throughout the year.

January

January in Zone 8 is about nurturing your garden’s foundation and preparing for the vibrant growing season ahead. While active planting is minimal, crucial steps taken now will ensure a thriving garden later.

January Gardening Tasks:

• Protect Perennials: Ensure your perennial plants are insulated against any harsh winter weather. Apply a layer of mulch around the base of plants to protect roots from freezing temperatures and frost heaving.
• Garden Tool Maintenance: Take this time to clean and sharpen your garden tools. Properly maintained tools are more efficient and make gardening tasks easier as the season progresses.
• Plan Your Garden: January is an ideal month for garden planning. Review seed catalogs, map out your garden beds, and decide which vegetables, herbs, and flowers you want to grow this year. Consider crop rotation to improve soil health and reduce pest and disease issues.
• Order Seeds: Place your seed orders early to ensure you get the varieties you want, especially for popular or unique seeds that may sell out quickly.
• Start Seeds Indoors (Optional): In warmer parts of Zone 8, you can start seeds indoors for early spring crops like broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage. This gives them a head start and extends your growing season.
• Compost Care: On milder days, turn your compost pile to aerate it and speed up decomposition. This will give you nutrient-rich compost to use in your garden beds in the spring.
• Prune Fruit Trees and Berry Bushes: January is a good time to prune dormant fruit trees, berry bushes, and other woody ornamentals. Pruning while plants are dormant encourages healthy growth and fruit production.
• Monitor Stored Produce: Check any stored fruits or vegetables like potatoes, onions, and squash for signs of spoilage and remove any that are going bad to prevent rot from spreading.

February

February marks the transition towards active gardening in Zone 8. The anticipation of spring is in the air, and it’s time to get a head start on planting and garden preparation.

February Gardening Tasks:

• Clean and Sharpen Tools: If you haven’t already, give your garden tools a thorough cleaning and sharpening. This includes shovels, spades, hoes, and pruning shears.
• Direct Sow Hardy Vegetables: As soil and weather conditions permit, direct sow seeds outdoors for cool-season crops like asparagus, beets, carrots, Swiss chard, kohlrabi, leaf lettuce, mustard greens, onion sets, parsnips, peas, radishes, spinach, and turnips.
• Final Seed Orders: Finalize and place any remaining seed orders to ensure you have everything you need for the upcoming growing season. Consider trying a new vegetable variety this year to expand your gardening horizons.
• Start Warm-Season Seeds Indoors: If you haven’t already, start seeds indoors for warm-season vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant. These need a longer growing season and starting them indoors gives them a jump start.
• Direct Sow Cold-Stratification Flowers: Direct sow seeds outdoors for flowers that benefit from cold stratification, such as Nigella, Poppy, and Delphinium. The cold temperatures aid in their germination process.
• Service Mechanized Tools: Take your lawn mower and other mechanized garden tools in for servicing before the spring rush begins.
• Turn Compost Pile: Continue to turn your compost pile on nice days to promote decomposition and aeration.
• Prune Fruit Trees and Woody Ornamentals: Complete pruning of fruit trees, berry bushes, and other woody ornamentals before spring growth begins.
• Harden Off Brassica Seedlings: Begin hardening off Brassica seedlings (broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, etc.) that were started indoors. Gradually acclimate them to outdoor conditions before transplanting.
• Plant Brassica Seedlings: Towards the end of February, plant hardened-off Brassica seedlings in the garden, using frost cloth, cold frames, or low tunnels for protection.
• Mow Winter Cover Crops: If you planted winter cover crops, mow them down to prepare the beds for spring planting.
• Spread Compost: Spread a layer of compost over garden beds that you plan to plant in next month to enrich the soil.

March

March is a pivotal month in Zone 8, often marking the average last frost date. This transition period allows for planting a wide range of crops, from cool-season vegetables to preparing for summer favorites.

March Gardening Tasks:

• Houseplant Care: With longer days, houseplants will resume active growth. Repot them if needed and provide them with fertilizer to support new growth.
• Prepare Garden Beds: If not done in February, amend garden beds by adding compost and other organic matter like straw or leaves to improve soil fertility and structure.
• Last Call for Indoor Warm-Season Starts: Aim to start your eggplant, peppers, and tomatoes indoors by mid-March if you haven’t already.
• Harden Off Cool-Season Transplants: Continue hardening off cool-season transplants like onions, parsley, and cole crops (broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, Brussels sprouts). Select younger transplants of cole crops, as overly mature plants can bolt (go to seed prematurely) when exposed to early season cold.
• Protect Brassicas from Pests: Cover Brassica crops with floating row covers to protect them from early cabbage moths and flea beetles if these pests have been a problem in previous years.
• Continue Direct Sowing Cool-Season Vegetables: Continue direct sowing seeds for beets, carrots, Swiss chard, kohlrabi, leaf lettuce, mustard greens, onion sets, parsnips, peas, radishes, spinach, and turnips.
• Plant Root Crops and Perennials: Plant potatoes, strawberries, asparagus crowns, rhubarb, and onion sets this month.
• Remove Winter Protection: Around mid-March, remove winter protection from perennials and pull back mulch from strawberry and asparagus beds to allow new growth to emerge. Side-dress asparagus with a gentle, natural nitrogen fertilizer.
• Install Birdhouses: Place birdhouses outdoors to attract birds to your garden, as they will help with natural pest control.
• Fertilize Berries: Fertilize grapes, raspberries, and blueberries before new growth begins.
• Prune Raspberries: Prune raspberry canes that will fruit this year by ¼ of their length. Remove old fruiting canes from last year if you haven’t already.
• Start a Garden Journal: Buy a notebook and begin keeping a garden journal to track planting dates, varieties, harvest dates, and observations about plant performance, disease susceptibility, and pest issues.
• Scatter Annual Flower Seeds: Scatter seeds of hardy annual flowers in flower borders for early summer blooms.
• Start Warm-Season Vine Crops Indoors: Start seeds indoors for okra, squash, cucumber, melons, and watermelons. Sow vining crops in individual peat pots to minimize root disturbance during transplanting.

April

April in Zone 8 is the green light for summer crops! With warmer temperatures consistently arriving, it’s time to plant warm-weather seedlings outdoors and continue direct sowing for a continuous harvest.

April Gardening Tasks:

• Continue Starting Warm-Season Seeds Indoors: You can still start seeds indoors for okra, squash, cucumber, melons, and watermelons if needed.
• Harden Off Frost-Tender Plants: Begin hardening off frost-tender plants started indoors, including vegetables, herbs, and flowers, early in the month.
• Sow Annual Flowers: Sow seeds of annual flowers directly in the garden if you haven’t already.
• Water Direct-Sown Vegetables: Keep direct-sown vegetable seeds well-watered to promote germination and establishment.
• Direct Sow Warm-Season Vegetables: If the weather forecast is favorable, direct sow seeds outdoors for beans, okra, squash, sweet corn, Southern peas, asparagus beans, and watermelon. Plant sweet corn in paired rows or blocks for better pollination. Plan for successive plantings of beans and sweet corn every week or two to extend the harvest.
• Hill Potatoes: Continue “hilling up” potatoes as the plants grow to encourage tuber development.
• Direct Sow Warm-Season Flowers and Herbs: Direct sow seeds for sunflowers, nasturtiums, marigolds, borage, basil, and other warm-season flowers and herbs.
• Install Tomato Trellises: Set up trellising systems for your tomato plants before they start to sprawl to provide support and improve air circulation.
• Protect Transplants from Cutworms: Protect newly transplanted vegetable seedlings from cutworms by using cardboard collars around the base of each plant.
• Harvest Leafy Greens: Harvest leafy greens frequently as warmer weather will cause them to bolt (go to seed) and become bitter.

May

May in Zone 8 is a time of rapid growth and increasing pest activity. Focus on succession planting, pest monitoring, and maintaining healthy plant growth to ensure a bountiful harvest throughout the season.

May Gardening Tasks:

• Pest Monitoring and Control: Regularly monitor your garden for pests. Early identification and control are crucial. Refer to pest guides to identify common garden pests and learn about integrated pest management techniques.
• Continue Brassica Protection: If cabbage moths and flea beetles are still a problem, continue to protect Brassica crops with floating row covers.
• Colorado Potato Beetle Control: Handpick Colorado potato beetle adults, eggs, and larvae from potato plants, or use an organic insecticide if necessary.
• Cucumber Beetle Monitoring: Watch out for striped and spotted cucumber beetles, which can transmit bacterial wilt to squashes and melons. Handpick adults and eggs throughout the season.
• Mexican Bean Beetle Prevention: Monitor for Mexican bean beetles and consider using floating row covers to protect bean crops.
• Aphid Control: Check for aphids on new foliage. Spray leaves with a strong jet of water or use insecticidal soap to control infestations. Repeat treatments may be needed.
• Squash Vine Borer Prevention: Monitor squash vines for squash vine borer moths and eggs. Remove eggs by hand or wrap the base of stems with aluminum foil or row cover to prevent egg-laying.
• Continue Direct Sowing Warm-Season Flowers and Herbs: Keep direct sowing sunflowers, nasturtiums, marigolds, borage, basil, and other warm-season flowers and herbs for continuous blooms and herb supply.
• Avoid Working in Wet Gardens: Stay out of the garden when plant leaves are wet to minimize the spread of diseases.
• Water Deeply and Less Frequently: Water vegetable gardens thoroughly once a week rather than light daily watering to encourage deep root growth and drought tolerance.
• Monitor Spring Crop Quality: Hot weather can cause lettuce and other spring crops to bolt and become bitter. Harvest spring crops as they mature and plant warm-season crops in their place.
• Blossom End Rot Prevention: Prevent blossom end rot on tomatoes, peppers, squash, and watermelons by maintaining consistent soil moisture, planting in well-drained soil, and avoiding deep cultivation near plants. Amend soil with calcium-rich fertilizers like bone meal if blossom end rot occurs.
• Succession Planting Warm-Season Vegetables: Continue planting direct-seeded warm-season vegetables like beans, summer squash, and cucumbers for a prolonged harvest.
• Deadhead Flowers: Deadhead spent flowers on annuals and perennials to encourage more blooms and redirect plant energy into flower and root production.
• Fertilize Annual Flowers: Fertilize annual flowers with a balanced fertilizer once flowering begins and again later in the season to support continuous blooming.
• Weed Regularly: Weed the garden regularly to keep weeds under control and prevent them from competing with your crops.
• Plant Heat-Loving Crops: There is still time to plant heat-loving Southern peas and asparagus beans.
• Pinch Herbs: Pinch flowers off herbs like basil, mint, and oregano to promote bushy growth and leaf production.
• Harvest Onions and Garlic: Harvest onions and garlic as the tops dry and fall over. Cure them properly before storing.
• Plant Sweet Potato Slips: Plant sweet potato slips after the soil has warmed up, potentially towards the end of May or early June.

June

June in Zone 8 is all about managing the peak of the growing season. Harvesting becomes a primary focus, along with continued planting, pest and disease control, and maintaining plant health through proper watering and fertilization.

June Gardening Tasks:

• Succession Planting Warm-Season Crops: Plant another round of heat-loving Southern peas, beans, and annual flowers for a continuous supply.
• Monitor Tomatoes for Leaf Spot: Watch tomato plants for signs of leaf spot diseases and take action if needed (e.g., improve air circulation, use organic fungicides if necessary).
• Continue Pest Monitoring: Continue monitoring for pests as outlined in the May task list and take appropriate control measures.
• Sow Late-Season Crops: Seeds can still be sown throughout July for late crops of beets, bush beans, carrots, Swiss chard, cucumbers, and summer squash. Use pre-moistened potting soil mix for sowing in warm weather and cover rows with a thin layer of mulch or floating row cover to retain moisture.
• Deadhead Flowers: Keep deadheading flowers regularly to prolong the blooming season.
• Divide Bearded Iris: Divide and transplant bearded iris after they have finished blooming, using the vigorous ends of the rhizomes and discarding the old center portion. Cut leaves back to about six inches.
• Mosquito Control: Control mosquitoes by eliminating stagnant water sources around your garden. Consider installing a bat house to encourage natural mosquito control.
• Watering: Ensure your garden receives about one inch of rain or water per week. Water deeply in the early morning to allow foliage to dry before evening, reducing the risk of fungal diseases. Mulch plants to conserve soil moisture.
• Harvest Regularly: Harvest vegetables like beans, peas, squash, cucumbers, and okra regularly to encourage continued production and enjoy peak freshness.
• Weed Regularly: Keep weeding the garden to prevent weeds from competing with your crops for nutrients and water.
• Pinch Herbs: Continue to pinch herbs like basil, mint, oregano, and savory to promote bushy growth and prevent flowering.

July

July in Zone 8 is often the hottest month, demanding diligent garden maintenance to keep plants thriving through the heat. Focus on consistent watering, pest and disease control, and harvesting to maximize your garden’s productivity.

July Gardening Tasks:

• Garlic Harvest: If you haven’t harvested your garlic yet, do it now.
• Pest and Disease Control: Continue regular bug removal and pest damage inspections. Remove and treat infestations or diseases as needed, using organic methods when possible.
• Potato Harvest: Dig potatoes after the vines have died back.
• Regular Harvesting: Harvest vegetables such as beans, peas, squash, cucumbers, and okra frequently to encourage continuous production and maintain quality.
• Tomato Disease Monitoring: Keep watching tomato plants for signs of leaf spot diseases and take action if needed.
• Deadheading Flowers: Continue deadheading flowers to prolong the bloom season and encourage more flowering.
• Fertilize Annual Flowers: Fertilize flowering annual plants one more time to encourage a final flush of blooms before the end of the season.
• Water Container Plants Daily: Check the soil moisture of container-grown vegetables and flowers daily, as they may need watering twice a day in hot weather.
• Pinch Herbs: Pinch herbs like basil, mint, oregano, and savory to promote bushy growth and prevent them from going to seed.

August

August in Zone 8 signals the transition from summer to fall gardening. While summer harvests continue, it’s time to start planning and planting for a productive fall garden.

August Gardening Tasks:

• Start Fall Cole Crop Seeds Indoors: Start seeds indoors now for heading cole crops like broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage for your fall garden.
• Direct Sow Fall Root Crops: Direct sow seeds for radishes, carrots, beets, turnips, and kale in late August through September for fall harvests.
• Sow Fall Peas: Sow peas in mid to late August for a fall crop.
• Finish Starting Brassica Seedlings: Finish starting seeds indoors for fall crops like Brussels sprouts and other heading Brassicas.
• Fall Potato Planting (Warmer Zones): In warmer parts of Zone 8, you can plant a fall crop of potatoes. Aim to get them in by the second week of September.
• Continue Pest and Disease Control: Maintain regular pest and disease inspections and take action as needed.
• Prune Raspberries After Harvest: After the last raspberry harvest, prune out old flowering canes to prepare for next year’s growth and prevent disease. Leave only three to four young canes per foot of row. Prune shoot tips in spring.
• Avoid Late-Season Pruning of Trees and Shrubs: Avoid pruning trees and shrubs this late in the season, as it can stimulate new growth that won’t harden off before winter. Delay pruning until late winter or early spring.
• Sow Late-Season Greens: Sow seeds for a late crop of leaf lettuce, mustard greens, Swiss chard, and spinach for fall harvests.
• Continue Deadheading Flowers: Continue deadheading flowers to encourage a final flower display before the end of the season.
• Regular Harvesting: Harvest vegetables like beans, peas, squash, cucumbers, and okra regularly to prolong production.
• Remove Finished Plants: Remove old plants that have stopped producing to eliminate shelter for insects and disease organisms.
• Weed Control: Control weeds before they go to seed to reduce weed problems next year.
• Harvest Cantaloupe: Harvest cantaloupe when the stem separates easily from the fruit with gentle prodding.
• Sow Fall Cover Crops: Sow a fall cover crop in areas of the garden that will be left fallow to improve soil health over winter.

September

September in Zone 8 is a transitional month, moving from summer harvests to fall garden preparations. Continue harvesting summer crops while actively planting and planning for fall.

September Gardening Tasks:

• Plant Fall Greens and Root Crops: Leaf lettuce, Swiss chard, spinach, and radishes can still be planted for harvest this fall.
• Pest Monitoring: Keep up your inspections for pests, especially bean beetles, which can have a second strong showing this time of year.
• Bring Houseplants Indoors: Bring houseplants that have been outdoors for the summer back indoors by mid-month. Inspect them for insects and treat if necessary before bringing them inside.
• Prepare for Winter Mulching: Make preparations for mulching garden beds for winter. Consider purchasing bagged mulch or getting a truckload delivered for larger gardens.
• Plant Cover Crops: Get any cover crops you plan to use in the ground by mid-month.
• Divide and Transplant Spring-Flowering Perennials: Fall is the ideal time to divide and transplant fibrous-rooted perennials that flower in the spring. Cut back tops to reduce transplant stress.
• Harvest Cool-Season Vegetables: Continue harvesting second plantings of cool-season vegetables like radishes, lettuce, cabbage, Swiss chard, spinach, broccoli, and other cole crops.
• Weed Strawberry Beds: Keep strawberry beds weed-free. Weeding now will make spring weeding much easier.

October

October in Zone 8 is about wrapping up the main gardening season, harvesting storage crops, and preparing your garden and tools for the dormant months.

October Gardening Tasks:

• Plant Garlic and Onions: Plant garlic, shallots, walking onions, and potato onions for next year’s harvest.
• Harvest Storage Crops: Harvest pumpkins, summer squashes, and gourds for storage before the first frost. Handle pumpkins carefully to avoid nicks and bruises.
• Plant Spring-Flowering Bulbs: Plant spring-flowering bulbs like tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths for a beautiful spring display.
• Allow Plants to Naturally Slow Down: Allow plants to finish their summer growth cycle naturally. Avoid late-season fertilizing or heavy pruning that could encourage new growth susceptible to frost damage.
• Improve Garden Soil: Fall is an excellent time to improve your garden soil. Add manure, compost, and leaves to increase organic matter content. Wood ashes can also be added as a top dressing to provide phosphorus, potassium, and calcium.
• Mark Dormant Perennials: Mark the location of perennial flowers and bulbs that are going dormant with popsicle sticks or a garden map to avoid accidentally digging them up in the spring.
• Divide Daylilies: Dig, divide, and move daylilies after they have finished blooming.
• Harvest and Cure Root Crops: Dig up sweet potatoes and peanuts while the weather is still warm and cure them before storing.
• Harvest Remaining Summer Produce: Keep an eye on the weather and continuously harvest remaining summer produce like beans, eggplant, peppers, and tomatoes before frost.
• Save Seeds: Save seeds from your favorite self-pollinating, non-hybrid flowers like marigolds. Dry seeds thoroughly and store them in a cool, dry, dark place for next year.

November

November in Zone 8 often brings the first frost of the season. Focus on protecting remaining crops, completing harvests, and preparing your garden for winter dormancy.

November Gardening Tasks:

• Plant Garlic and Onions (Last Chance): If you haven’t already, plant garlic, shallots, walking onions, and potato onions early in November.
• Continue Harvesting Fall Crops: Continue harvesting fall crops. Parsnips, peas, Brussels sprouts, and kale often taste even better after a frost. Use cold frames or low tunnels to extend the harvest season.
• Garden Journal Review: Make notes in your garden journal about productive and unsatisfactory vegetable varieties to inform next year’s garden planning.
• Leave Seed Heads for Birds: Leave seed heads on asters, sunflowers, and cosmos for birds to eat during the winter.
• Winterize Water Systems: Drain hoses and empty bird baths before hard frosts to prevent damage.
• Protect Potted Perennials: Bury potted perennials in an empty part of the garden or surround them with straw for winter insulation.
• Collect Soil Samples for Testing: Collect soil samples for testing to prepare for next year’s fertilization needs.
• Plant Spring-Flowering Bulbs (Last Chance): Plant any remaining spring-flowering bulbs early in the month.
• Harvest Remaining Summer Produce: Harvest any remaining summer produce like beans, eggplants, peppers, and tomatoes before a hard frost. Dig up sweet potatoes if not already done.
• Apply Winter Mulch: Towards the end of November, apply a two to four inch layer of protective mulch to garden beds.
• Order Seed Catalogs: Order seed catalogs now for January garden planning and seed starting.
• Protect Broccoli and Cauliflower: Cover broccoli and cauliflower plants on frosty nights to extend their harvest.
• Start Harvesting Winter Carrots: Start digging up winter carrots as soon as they are large enough to enjoy fresh from the garden.

December

December in Zone 8 is a time for winter garden maintenance, season extension for cold-hardy crops, and preparing for the next gardening year.

December Gardening Tasks:

• Season Extension for Cold-Tolerant Greens: Experiment with season extension techniques like mini hoop houses, cold frames, or repurposed milk jugs to protect and extend the harvest of cold-tolerant greens.
• Clean and Store Planters: Empty, clean, and store planters in a dry place for the winter.
• Winterize Rain Barrels: Empty and turn over rain barrels to protect them from freezing temperatures. Reconnect downspouts to direct water away from foundations.
• Harvest Cole Crops: Continue harvesting cole crops like Brussels sprouts, cabbage, broccoli, collards, and kale, which become sweeter after frost. Use low tunnels to extend their season.
• Mulch Late-Season Root Crops: Mulch late-season root crops like carrots, beets, leeks, rutabagas, turnips, winter radishes, Swiss chard, Chinese cabbage, and leaf lettuce with a thick layer of straw for protection and extended harvest. Cover leaf lettuce with floating row cover before mulching to keep straw out of the leaves.
• Amend Garden Soil: Spread manure, sawdust, straw, and shredded leaves over the garden and plow them under to improve soil fertility, structure, and water-holding capacity for the next growing season.
• Monitor Houseplants for Pests: Continue to check houseplants for insects that may have been brought indoors.
• Apply Winter Mulch (If Not Done): Apply a two to four inch layer of mulch on planting beds if you haven’t already, especially around perennials.
• Service Gas-Powered Equipment: Oil and store gas-powered equipment like lawn mowers and leaf blowers. Arrange for tune-ups and blade sharpening during this slow period.
• Order Seed Catalogs (If Not Done): Order seed catalogs if you haven’t already, exploring companies specializing in open-pollinated and heirloom varieties.
• Harvest Winter Carrots (If Not Done): Continue digging up winter carrots as needed.
• Last Chance for Garlic Planting: This is your last chance to plant garlic in Zone 8.
• Protect Half-Hardy Crops: Be ready to cover lettuce and other half-hardy crops with blankets during hard freezes.
• Consider Garden-Related Gifts: Consider gifting memberships to local botanical gardens, arboretums, or nature centers for holiday gifts.
• Tool Maintenance: Clean garden tools with a wire brush and apply a light coat of oil to prevent rust. Sharpen edges of hoes and spades. Clean and sharpen pruning tools. Sand handles and apply linseed oil or paint them a bright color for visibility.
• Drain Fuel from Equipment: Drain fuel tanks of lawn mowers or tillers before storing them for the winter.
• Mulch Root Crops in Ground: A thick layer of straw over root crops like parsnips, carrots, leeks, and beets will protect them for harvesting through winter.
• Review Garden Notes: Start reviewing and expanding your garden notes to help with next year’s garden plans.
• Harvest Winter Greens: Continue to harvest Brussels sprouts, kale, cabbage, and collards throughout December.
• Mulch Spring Planting Beds: Spread mulch over beds where early spring crops will be planted.
• Turn and Cover Compost: Turn the compost one last time and cover it with a tarp to protect nutrients from winter rains.

This article was updated on 3/26/24.