Zone 8 Planting Calendar

Zone 8 Vegetable Planting and Harvest Chart. Zone 8 has a long growing season of about 210–240 days, with last frost typically around mid-April and first frost around mid-October. This allows for a wide variety of both cool-season and warm-season crops to grow successfully.


Zone 8 Vegetable Planting and Harvest Chart

VegetableStart IndoorsDirect Sow OutdoorsTransplant OutdoorsHarvest Window
ArugulaEarly February–OctMarch–Nov
BeetsFebruary–JulyApril–Nov
BroccoliJan–FebFeb–MarchApril–Sept
Brussels SproutsJan–FebFeb–MarchAug–Nov
CabbageJan–FebFeb–MarchMay–Nov
CarrotsFebruary–JulyApril–Dec
CauliflowerJan–FebFeb–MarchMay–Nov
CornMarch–JuneJune–Sept
CucumbersApril (optional)April–JuneMay–JuneJune–Oct
KaleJan–FebFebruary–JulyFeb–MarchMarch–Dec
LettuceJanuary–SeptMarch–Nov
Onions (sets)February–AprilMay–July
PeasFebruary–MarchApril–June
PeppersJan–FebMarch–AprilJune–Oct
PotatoesFebruary–MarchJune–Sept
PumpkinsApril (optional)April–JuneMaySept–Oct
RadishesJanuary–OctMarch–Nov
SpinachJanuary–March, Sept–OctMarch–May, Sept–Nov
Squash (Summer)April (optional)April–JuneMay–JuneJune–Oct
Squash (Winter)April (optional)April–JuneMaySept–Oct
TomatoesJan–FebMarch–AprilJuly–Oct
TurnipsFebruary–JulyApril–Nov
ZucchiniApril (optional)April–JuneMay–JuneJune–Oct

Zone 8 Gardening Tips:

Frost Dates: Last frost ~April 15; First frost ~October 15 (check local microclimates for accuracy).

Start Seeds Indoors: For heat-loving crops like tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants, start 6–8 weeks before the last frost date.

Cool-Season Crops: Utilize the early and late parts of the season for cool-weather crops like spinach, kale, and peas.

Succession Planting: For crops like lettuce, spinach, and radishes, you can plant successively to extend harvests.

Use Row Covers & Cold Frames: Protect tender crops from unexpected frosts in spring or fall, extending the growing season.