ZONE 8
Located along the coast of the Pacific Northwest through parts of California, the Southwest and the American South, Zone 8 boasts a long growing season from April to December, with hot summers and an annual average minimum temperature of 15ºF. The temperate climate (it’s one of the warmer regions in the country) makes for nearly perfect veggie growing conditions, along with a multitude of flower and tree varieties to augment your garden.
Unfortunately, the same wonderful growing conditions that promote a healthy garden also encourage all manner of weeds to thrive, too. Luckily, keeping them in check is entirely possible with our Weed Control tools and herbicides. While you’re digging in, make sure you protect yourself from the sun, mud, and any spiky, sticky plants themselves with our Gardening Clothes & Footwear.
States in Zone 8: Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina
SPRING
Since spring in Zone 8 is relatively warm and the threat of frost should pass by the beginning of April, it’s an ideal season to plant all manner of veggies outdoors for a summer harvest. The warmer soil also makes it the right time to get many perennial flowers, herbs, and trees going.
Recommended Plants:
Vegetables & Herbs
- Corn
- Cucumber
- Peppers
- Oregano
Fruits & Berries
- Persimmons
- Apricots
Flowers
- Oleander
- Phlox
Trees & Shrubs
- Bay Laurel
- Jujube Trees
SUMMER
With temperatures rising and the days lengthening, now’s when you want to plant short-growth period veggies and herbs that will tolerate the heat and sunshine of summer for an early fall harvest. Spruce up your garden with splashes of annual flowers to attract pollinators and friendly insects as well.
Recommended Plants:
Vegetables & Herbs
- Beans
- Cauliflower
- Squash
- Basil
- Chives
Fruits & Berries
- Raspberries
Flowers
- Zinnia
Trees & Shrubs
- Cyprus Trees
FALL
With shortening days and cooler temperatures, fall’s great for leafy greens and root veggies that will keep your kitchen stocked into early winter. In preparation for next spring, get berries and perennial bulbs in the ground; they’ll benefit from a winter toughening in time for an upcoming spring and summer harvest.
Recommended Plants:
Vegetables & Herbs
- Kale
- Peas
- Spinach
- Lettuce
- Rhubarb
Fruits & Berries
- Strawberries
Flowers
- Lavender
- Cana Lilly
Trees & Shrubs
- Southern Magnolia
WINTER
In anticipation of an early spring planting, February’s a great time to get seedlings started indoors in order to transplant them outside in April. There’s also a plethora of hardy veggies that can withstand frost and keep your garden looking lush into the colder months.
Recommended Plants:
Vegetables & Herbs
- Garlic
- Onions
- Radishes
- Fava Beans
- Arugula
- Swiss Chard
Fruits & Berries
- Blueberries
Flowers
- Wild Columbine
Trees & Shrubs
- Boxwood