Clay County, AL — Planting Guide
Clay County is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 29 and the first fall frost is October 31, giving you a growing season of approximately 216 days.
At an elevation of 109 ft, Clay County receives approximately 60.7 in of rainfall annually. Summer highs average 91°F with winter lows around 34°F. The predominant soil type is Clay Loam.
🌡️ Zone
8a (10°F to 15°F min)
❄️ Last Frost
March 29
🍂 First Frost
October 31
📅 Growing Season
216 days
⛰️ Elevation
109 ft
🌧️ Annual Rainfall
60.7 in
Clay County, AL
Long season
216 days
Last Spring Frost
March 29
➔
216 growing days
➔
First Fall Frost
October 31
Clay County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Zone 8a
Frost Countdown
--
Loading...
Last Frost: Mar 29
First Frost: Oct 31
Soil & Growing Conditions in Clay County
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Retains moisture well but slow to warm in spring. Amend with compost to improve drainage.
Watering Needs
With 60.7 inches of annual rainfall, supplemental watering is typically only needed during summer dry spells.
Season Tips
216-day frost-free season
Plenty of time for warm-season crops. Start heat-lovers indoors 6–8 weeks before last frost to maximise your harvest window.
Your Free Printable Garden Planner
Plan every bed, every planting, every harvest — in one place. This 22-page printable includes your zone's planting calendar, a month-by-month task list, a seed inventory tracker, a harvest log, and succession-planting charts. Built to print, write in, and actually use all season.
Recommended for Your Garden
Raised Bed Garden Kit
$40-120
Cedar raised bed kit — ideal for poor soil, clay, or small-space gardening.
Perlite
$10-18
Improve drainage and aeration in heavy clay soils with horticultural perlite.
Raised Bed Soil Mix
$20-45
Premium blend of topsoil, compost, and perlite formulated for raised beds.
🥬 Vegetables to Grow in Clay County
114 vegetables that grow well in Zone 8a with planting dates for Clay County.
Show all 114 vegetables with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Fall Plant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acorn Squash | Mar 1 | Apr 5 | Apr 12 | — | Jul 5 – Aug 9 | 80–100 |
| Amaranth | Feb 8 | Apr 5 | Apr 12 | — | Jul 12 – Aug 30 | 90–120 |
| Artichoke | — | — | Apr 12 | — | Aug 16 – Oct 25 | 120–180 |
| Arugula | Feb 22 | Mar 15 | Mar 29 | Aug 22 | May 3 – Jul 5 | 30–50 |
| Asparagus | — | — | Apr 12 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Beets | — | Mar 15 | — | Aug 22 | May 10 – Jun 7 | 50–70 |
| Belgian Endive | Feb 22 | Mar 15 | Mar 29 | Aug 22 | Jul 19 – Sep 13 | 110–150 |
| Bitter Melon | Feb 8 | Apr 5 | Apr 12 | — | Jun 14 – Jul 26 | 60–90 |
| Black Beans | — | Apr 5 | — | — | Jul 5 – Aug 23 | 90–120 |
| Bok Choy | Feb 22 | Mar 15 | Mar 29 | Aug 22 | May 10 – Jun 14 | 40–60 |
| Broccoli | Feb 22 | Mar 15 | Mar 29 | Aug 22 | May 31 – Jul 12 | 60–90 |
| Broccoli Rabe | Feb 22 | Mar 15 | Mar 29 | Aug 22 | May 10 – Jun 14 | 40–60 |
| Brussels Sprouts | Feb 22 | Mar 15 | Mar 29 | Aug 22 | Jun 28 – Aug 23 | 90–130 |
| Butternut Squash | Mar 1 | Apr 5 | Apr 12 | — | Jul 12 – Aug 16 | 85–110 |
| Cabbage | Feb 22 | Mar 15 | Mar 29 | Aug 22 | May 31 – Jul 26 | 60–100 |
| Calabash | Feb 8 | Apr 5 | Apr 12 | — | Jul 5 – Aug 30 | 80–120 |
| Cardoon | — | — | Apr 12 | — | Aug 16 – Sep 27 | 120–150 |
| Carrots | — | Mar 15 | — | Aug 22 | May 17 – Jun 21 | 60–80 |
| Cauliflower | Feb 22 | Mar 15 | Mar 29 | Aug 22 | May 24 – Jul 26 | 55–100 |
| Celeriac | Feb 22 | Mar 15 | Mar 29 | Aug 22 | Jul 12 – Aug 16 | 100–120 |
| Celery | Feb 22 | Mar 15 | Mar 29 | Aug 22 | Jun 21 – Aug 16 | 80–120 |
| Celtuce | Feb 22 | Mar 15 | Mar 29 | Aug 22 | May 31 – Jul 12 | 60–90 |
| Chard | Feb 22 | Mar 15 | Mar 29 | Aug 22 | May 24 – Jul 12 | 50–60 |
| Chayote | Feb 8 | Apr 5 | Apr 12 | — | Aug 16 – Oct 25 | 120–180 |
| Chickpeas | Feb 22 | Mar 15 | Mar 29 | Aug 22 | Jun 21 – Aug 2 | 80–110 |
| Chicory | Feb 22 | Mar 15 | Mar 29 | Aug 22 | May 31 – Jul 12 | 60–85 |
| Chinese Cabbage | Feb 22 | Mar 15 | Mar 29 | Aug 22 | May 24 – Jun 21 | 50–70 |
| Christmas Lima Beans | Feb 8 | Apr 5 | Apr 12 | — | Jul 5 – Aug 9 | 80–100 |
| Collard Greens | Feb 22 | Mar 15 | Mar 29 | Aug 22 | May 24 – Jul 26 | 55–75 |
| Corn | — | Apr 5 | — | — | Jun 7 – Aug 2 | 60–100 |
| Cowpeas | — | Apr 5 | — | — | Jun 7 – Jul 19 | 60–90 |
| Cress | Feb 22 | Mar 15 | Mar 29 | Aug 22 | Apr 12 – May 3 | 14–21 |
| Crookneck Squash | Mar 1 | Apr 5 | Apr 12 | — | May 31 – Jun 28 | 45–60 |
| Crosne | — | Mar 15 | — | Aug 22 | Aug 16 – Oct 18 | 150–200 |
| Cucumber | Mar 1 | Apr 5 | Apr 12 | — | Jun 7 – Aug 2 | 50–70 |
| Daikon | — | Mar 15 | — | Aug 22 | May 10 – Jun 7 | 50–70 |
| Delicata Squash | Mar 1 | Apr 5 | Apr 12 | — | Jul 5 – Aug 9 | 80–100 |
| Edamame | — | Apr 5 | — | — | Jun 21 – Aug 2 | 75–100 |
| Eggplant | Jan 25 | Apr 5 | Apr 12 | — | Jun 21 – Aug 23 | 65–85 |
| Endive | Feb 22 | Mar 15 | Mar 29 | Aug 22 | May 17 – Jun 21 | 45–65 |
| Escarole | Feb 22 | Mar 15 | Mar 29 | Aug 22 | May 24 – Jun 21 | 50–70 |
| Fava Beans | Feb 22 | Mar 15 | Mar 29 | Aug 22 | Jun 14 – Jul 26 | 75–100 |
| Fennel | Feb 8 | Apr 5 | Apr 12 | — | Jun 14 – Jul 26 | 60–90 |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Sep 19 | Dec 19 – Jun 5 | 90–240 |
| Ginger | Feb 8 | Apr 5 | Apr 12 | — | Dec 13 – Dec 27 | 240–300 |
| Green Beans | — | Apr 5 | — | — | May 31 – Jul 26 | 50–65 |
| Horseradish | — | — | Apr 12 | — | Aug 16 – Oct 25 | 120–180 |
| Hot Peppers | Jan 25 | Apr 5 | Apr 12 | — | Jun 21 – Sep 27 | 70–120 |
| Hubbard Squash | Mar 1 | Apr 5 | Apr 12 | — | Jul 26 – Aug 30 | 100–120 |
| Jicama | Feb 8 | Apr 5 | Apr 12 | — | Aug 16 – Oct 25 | 120–180 |
| Kabocha | Mar 1 | Apr 5 | Apr 12 | — | Jul 12 – Aug 9 | 85–100 |
| Kai Lan | Feb 22 | Mar 15 | Mar 29 | Aug 22 | May 17 – Jun 14 | 45–60 |
| Kale | Feb 22 | Mar 15 | Mar 29 | Aug 22 | May 24 – Jul 19 | 50–70 |
| Kidney Beans | — | Apr 5 | — | — | Jul 5 – Aug 9 | 85–110 |
| Kohlrabi | Feb 22 | Mar 15 | Mar 29 | Aug 22 | May 17 – Jun 21 | 45–65 |
| Komatsuna | Feb 22 | Mar 15 | Mar 29 | Aug 22 | May 3 – Jun 7 | 35–50 |
| Leeks | Feb 22 | Mar 15 | Mar 29 | Aug 22 | Jun 28 – Sep 13 | 90–150 |
| Lentils | Feb 22 | Mar 15 | Mar 29 | Aug 22 | Jun 21 – Aug 2 | 80–110 |
| Lettuce | Feb 22 | Mar 15 | Mar 29 | Aug 22 | May 3 – Jul 12 | 30–60 |
| Lima Beans | — | Apr 5 | — | — | Jun 7 – Jul 19 | 60–90 |
| Loofah | Feb 8 | Apr 5 | Apr 12 | — | Jul 26 – Sep 27 | 100–150 |
| Luffa | Feb 8 | Apr 5 | Apr 12 | — | Jul 12 – Sep 27 | 90–150 |
| Mache | Feb 22 | Mar 15 | Mar 29 | Aug 22 | May 10 – Jun 14 | 40–60 |
| Malabar Spinach | Feb 8 | Apr 5 | Apr 12 | — | Jun 7 – Jul 5 | 55–70 |
| Melon | Mar 1 | Apr 5 | Apr 12 | — | Jun 21 – Aug 9 | 70–100 |
| Microgreens | Feb 22 | Mar 15 | Mar 29 | Aug 22 | Apr 5 – May 3 | 7–21 |
| Mitsuba | Feb 22 | Mar 15 | Mar 22 | Aug 22 | May 17 – Jul 12 | 50–70 |
| Mizuna | Feb 22 | Mar 15 | Mar 29 | Aug 22 | May 3 – May 31 | 30–45 |
| Mustard Greens | Feb 22 | Mar 15 | Mar 29 | Aug 22 | May 3 – Jul 5 | 30–50 |
| Napa Cabbage | Feb 22 | Mar 15 | Mar 29 | Aug 22 | May 24 – Jun 28 | 55–75 |
| New Zealand Spinach | Feb 8 | Apr 5 | Apr 12 | — | Jun 7 – Jul 5 | 55–70 |
| Okra | Feb 8 | Apr 5 | Apr 12 | — | Jun 7 – Aug 2 | 50–65 |
| Onion | Feb 22 | Mar 15 | Mar 29 | Aug 22 | Jun 28 – Aug 16 | 90–120 |
| Pac Choi | Feb 22 | Mar 15 | Mar 29 | Aug 22 | May 10 – Jun 7 | 40–55 |
| Parsnip | — | Mar 15 | — | Aug 22 | Jun 28 – Aug 9 | 100–130 |
| Patty Pan Squash | Mar 1 | Apr 5 | Apr 12 | — | May 31 – Jun 28 | 45–60 |
| Peas | Feb 22 | Mar 15 | Mar 29 | Aug 22 | May 24 – Jul 19 | 55–70 |
| Peppers | Jan 25 | Apr 5 | Apr 12 | — | Jun 14 – Aug 23 | 60–90 |
| Pole Beans | Feb 8 | Apr 5 | Apr 12 | — | Jun 7 – Aug 2 | 55–70 |
| Potatoes | Feb 8 | Apr 5 | Apr 12 | — | Jun 21 – Aug 30 | 70–120 |
| Pumpkin | Mar 1 | Apr 5 | Apr 12 | — | Jul 12 – Aug 30 | 85–120 |
| Purslane | Feb 22 | Mar 15 | Mar 29 | Aug 22 | May 10 – Jun 14 | 40–60 |
| Radicchio | Feb 22 | Mar 15 | Mar 29 | Aug 22 | May 31 – Jul 5 | 60–80 |
| Radish | — | Mar 15 | — | Aug 22 | Apr 12 – May 3 | 22–35 |
| Rhubarb | — | — | Apr 19 | — | — | 365–730 |
| Romanesco | Feb 22 | Mar 15 | Mar 29 | Aug 22 | Jun 14 – Jul 26 | 75–100 |
| Rutabaga | — | Mar 15 | — | Aug 22 | Jun 7 – Jul 12 | 80–100 |
| Salsify | — | Mar 15 | — | Aug 22 | Jun 28 – Aug 9 | 100–130 |
| Savoy Cabbage | Feb 22 | Mar 15 | Mar 29 | Aug 22 | Jun 7 – Aug 2 | 70–110 |
| Scallions | Feb 22 | Mar 15 | Mar 29 | Aug 22 | May 24 – Jun 21 | 50–70 |
| Scarlet Runner Beans | Feb 8 | Apr 5 | Apr 12 | — | Jun 14 – Jul 19 | 60–80 |
| Shallot | Feb 22 | Mar 15 | Mar 29 | Aug 22 | Jun 28 – Aug 16 | 90–120 |
| Shiso | Feb 8 | Apr 5 | Apr 12 | — | Jun 7 – Aug 2 | 50–70 |
| Snap Peas | Feb 8 | Apr 5 | Apr 12 | — | Jun 7 – Aug 2 | 55–70 |
| Snow Peas | Feb 22 | Mar 15 | Mar 29 | Aug 22 | May 24 – Jul 19 | 50–65 |
| Soybeans | — | Apr 5 | — | — | Jun 28 – Aug 23 | 80–120 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Mar 1 | Apr 5 | Apr 12 | — | Jul 12 – Aug 9 | 85–100 |
| Spinach | Feb 22 | Mar 15 | Mar 29 | Aug 22 | May 3 – Jul 5 | 35–50 |
| Squash (Summer) | Mar 1 | Apr 5 | Apr 12 | — | May 31 – Aug 2 | 45–65 |
| Squash (Winter) | Mar 1 | Apr 5 | Apr 12 | — | Jul 5 – Aug 30 | 80–120 |
| Sunchoke | — | — | Apr 12 | — | Aug 2 – Sep 27 | 110–150 |
| Sweet Corn | — | Apr 5 | — | — | Jun 7 – Jul 19 | 60–90 |
| Sweet Potatoes | Feb 8 | Apr 5 | Apr 12 | — | Jul 12 – Aug 30 | 90–120 |
| Tatsoi | Feb 22 | Mar 15 | Mar 29 | Aug 22 | May 3 – Jun 7 | 35–50 |
| Tomatillo | Feb 8 | Apr 5 | Apr 12 | — | Jun 14 – Aug 23 | 60–85 |
| Tomatoes | Feb 8 | Apr 5 | Apr 12 | — | Jun 14 – Aug 23 | 60–85 |
| Turmeric | Feb 8 | Apr 5 | Apr 12 | — | Dec 13 – Dec 27 | 240–300 |
| Turnip | — | Mar 15 | — | Aug 22 | Apr 26 – May 31 | 40–60 |
| Watercress | Feb 22 | Mar 15 | Mar 29 | Aug 22 | May 10 – Jun 14 | 40–60 |
| Watermelon | Mar 1 | Apr 5 | Apr 12 | — | Jun 21 – Aug 9 | 70–100 |
| Wax Beans | — | Apr 5 | — | — | May 31 – Jul 26 | 50–65 |
| Winter Melon | Feb 8 | Apr 5 | Apr 12 | — | Jul 12 – Aug 30 | 90–120 |
| Yard Long Beans | Feb 8 | Apr 5 | Apr 12 | — | Jun 7 – Jul 19 | 55–80 |
| Zucchini | Mar 1 | Apr 5 | Apr 12 | — | May 31 – Jul 26 | 45–60 |
🍓 Fruits to Grow in Clay County
27 fruits that grow well in Zone 8a with planting dates for Clay County.
Show all 27 fruits with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Fall Plant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alpine Strawberries | — | — | Apr 19 | — | Jul 19 – Nov 1 | 90–180 |
| Aronia | — | — | Apr 19 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Blackberries | — | — | Apr 19 | — | — | 365–730 |
| Blueberries | — | — | Apr 19 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Boysenberries | — | — | Apr 19 | — | — | 365–730 |
| Cantaloupe | — | — | Apr 19 | — | Jun 28 – Aug 2 | 70–90 |
| Che Fruit | — | — | Apr 19 | — | — | 1095–1825 |
| Elderberries | — | — | Apr 19 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Figs | — | — | Apr 19 | — | — | 730–1825 |
| Goji Berries | — | — | Apr 19 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Gooseberries | — | — | Apr 19 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Grapes | — | — | Apr 19 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Ground Cherry | — | — | Apr 19 | — | Jun 28 – Aug 23 | 65–80 |
| Hardy Kiwi | — | — | Apr 19 | — | — | 1095–1825 |
| Honeydew | — | — | Apr 19 | — | Jul 12 – Aug 23 | 80–110 |
| Jostaberry | — | — | Apr 19 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Kiwi | — | — | Apr 19 | — | — | 1095–1825 |
| Loquat | — | — | Apr 19 | — | — | 730–1825 |
| Medlar | — | — | Apr 19 | — | — | 1095–1825 |
| Mulberries | — | — | Apr 19 | — | — | 730–1825 |
| Pawpaw | — | — | Apr 19 | — | — | 1095–2555 |
| Persimmon | — | — | Apr 19 | — | — | 1095–2555 |
| Pomegranate | — | — | Apr 19 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Quince | — | — | Apr 19 | — | — | 1095–1825 |
| Raspberries | — | — | Apr 19 | — | — | 365–730 |
| Serviceberries | — | — | Apr 19 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Strawberries | — | — | Apr 19 | — | Jul 19 – Jan 3 | 90–365 |
🌿 Herbs to Grow in Clay County
39 herbs that grow well in Zone 8a with planting dates for Clay County.
Show all 39 herbs with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Fall Plant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Angelica | Feb 22 | Mar 15 | Mar 22 | Aug 22 | — | 365–730 |
| Anise | Feb 22 | Mar 15 | Mar 22 | Aug 22 | Jun 21 – Sep 6 | 90–120 |
| Basil | Feb 8 | Apr 5 | Apr 12 | — | Jun 7 – Aug 9 | 50–75 |
| Bee Balm | — | — | Apr 5 | — | Jul 5 – Sep 20 | 90–120 |
| Borage | Feb 22 | Mar 15 | Mar 22 | Aug 22 | May 17 – Jul 5 | 50–60 |
| Caraway | Feb 22 | Mar 15 | Mar 22 | Aug 22 | — | 365–450 |
| Catnip | — | — | Apr 5 | — | Jun 7 – Aug 9 | 60–80 |
| Chamomile | Feb 22 | Mar 15 | Mar 22 | Aug 22 | May 24 – Aug 2 | 60–90 |
| Chervil | Feb 22 | Mar 15 | Mar 22 | Aug 22 | May 3 – Jul 5 | 40–60 |
| Chives | — | — | Apr 5 | — | Jun 7 – Aug 16 | 60–90 |
| Cilantro | Feb 22 | Mar 15 | Mar 22 | Aug 22 | May 3 – Jul 5 | 40–60 |
| Comfrey | — | — | Apr 5 | — | Jun 7 – Aug 16 | 60–90 |
| Cumin | Feb 22 | Mar 15 | Mar 22 | Aug 22 | Jul 5 – Sep 6 | 100–120 |
| Dill | Feb 22 | Mar 15 | Mar 22 | Aug 22 | May 3 – Jul 5 | 40–60 |
| Epazote | Feb 8 | Apr 5 | Apr 12 | — | May 31 – Jul 26 | 45–60 |
| Fennel (herb) | Feb 22 | Mar 15 | Mar 22 | Aug 22 | May 24 – Aug 2 | 60–90 |
| Feverfew | — | — | Apr 5 | — | Jul 5 – Sep 20 | 90–120 |
| Garlic Chives | — | — | Apr 5 | — | Jun 7 – Aug 16 | 60–90 |
| Horehound | — | — | Apr 5 | — | Jun 21 – Aug 16 | 75–90 |
| Hyssop | — | — | Apr 5 | — | Jun 14 – Aug 16 | 70–90 |
| Lemon Balm | — | — | Apr 5 | — | Jun 7 – Jul 26 | 60–70 |
| Lemon Thyme | — | — | Apr 5 | — | Jun 14 – Aug 16 | 70–90 |
| Lemon Verbena | Feb 8 | Apr 5 | Apr 12 | — | Jun 14 – Aug 23 | 60–90 |
| Lemongrass | Feb 8 | Apr 5 | Apr 12 | — | Jun 28 – Sep 27 | 75–120 |
| Lovage | — | — | Apr 5 | — | Jun 14 – Aug 16 | 70–90 |
| Marjoram | — | — | Apr 5 | — | Jun 7 – Aug 16 | 60–90 |
| Mint | — | — | Apr 5 | — | Jun 7 – Aug 16 | 60–90 |
| Oregano | — | — | Apr 5 | — | Jun 7 – Aug 16 | 60–90 |
| Parsley | Feb 22 | Mar 15 | Mar 22 | Aug 22 | May 24 – Jul 26 | 60–80 |
| Rosemary | — | — | Apr 5 | — | Jun 28 – Nov 15 | 80–180 |
| Rue | — | — | Apr 5 | — | Jun 14 – Aug 16 | 70–90 |
| Sage | — | — | Apr 5 | — | Jun 21 – Aug 16 | 75–90 |
| Savory | — | — | Apr 5 | — | May 31 – Jul 26 | 50–70 |
| Sorrel | Feb 22 | Mar 15 | Mar 22 | Aug 22 | May 3 – Jul 5 | 40–60 |
| Stevia | Feb 8 | Apr 5 | Apr 12 | — | Jun 14 – Aug 23 | 60–90 |
| Tarragon | — | — | Apr 5 | — | Jun 7 – Aug 16 | 60–90 |
| Thai Basil | Feb 8 | Apr 5 | Apr 12 | — | Jun 7 – Aug 9 | 50–75 |
| Thyme | — | — | Apr 5 | — | Jun 14 – Aug 16 | 70–90 |
| Valerian | — | — | Apr 5 | — | Aug 9 – Nov 15 | 120–180 |
🌸 Flowers to Grow in Clay County
54 flowers that grow well in Zone 8a with planting dates for Clay County.
Show all 54 flowers with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Fall Plant | Bloom | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ageratum | Feb 15 | Mar 22 | Mar 22 | — | May 17 – Oct 4 | 60–75 |
| Alliums | — | — | — | Sep 26 | Oct 24 – Nov 14 | 28–42 |
| Anemones | — | — | — | Sep 5 | Sep 19 – Oct 17 | 90–120 |
| Astilbe | Feb 1 | — | Mar 29 | — | Jun 7 – Jul 26 | 70–100 |
| Bachelor's Button | — | Feb 15 | Mar 15 | Sep 5 | May 17 – Aug 30 | 60–90 |
| Begonias | Jan 18 | — | Mar 22 | — | May 31 – Oct 18 | 70–90 |
| Black-eyed Susan | Feb 1 | Mar 22 | Mar 29 | — | Jun 7 – Oct 25 | 60–80 |
| Bleeding Hearts | Feb 1 | — | Mar 29 | — | May 17 – Jun 14 | 60–90 |
| Calendula | — | Feb 15 | Mar 15 | Aug 22 | May 3 – Sep 13 | 50–70 |
| California Poppy | — | — | — | Sep 5 | Nov 14 – Feb 20 | 60–90 |
| Celosia | Mar 1 | Mar 22 | Mar 22 | — | May 24 – Oct 18 | 60–90 |
| Columbine | Feb 1 | Mar 29 | Mar 29 | — | May 17 – Jun 14 | 70–100 |
| Coreopsis | Feb 1 | Mar 22 | Mar 29 | — | May 31 – Oct 25 | 60–80 |
| Cosmos | Mar 1 | Mar 15 | Mar 15 | — | May 24 – Oct 11 | 60–90 |
| Crocus | — | — | — | Oct 3 | Sep 5 – Sep 26 | 10–20 |
| Daffodils | — | — | — | Sep 26 | Sep 5 – Oct 3 | 20–40 |
| Dahlias | Mar 8 | Mar 29 | Mar 29 | — | Jun 7 – Nov 8 | 70–120 |
| Daylily | Feb 1 | — | Mar 29 | — | Jun 7 – Oct 25 | 60–90 |
| Dianthus | Feb 1 | Feb 15 | Feb 22 | — | Apr 12 – Jun 28 | 60–80 |
| Echinacea (Purple Coneflower) | Feb 1 | Mar 29 | Mar 29 | — | Jun 7 – Oct 25 | 70–90 |
| Foxglove | Feb 1 | Mar 29 | Mar 29 | — | May 17 – Jun 14 | 80–120 |
| Freesia | — | — | — | Sep 19 | Oct 17 – Nov 14 | 84–112 |
| Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) | Feb 8 | Mar 22 | Mar 22 | — | May 31 – Nov 15 | 70–100 |
| Geraniums | Jan 18 | — | Mar 22 | — | May 31 – Oct 18 | 70–100 |
| Gladiolus | — | Mar 29 | Mar 29 | — | Jun 7 – Nov 8 | 70–100 |
| Hostas | Jan 25 | — | Mar 29 | — | Jun 7 – Oct 11 | 60–90 |
| Hyacinths | — | — | — | Oct 3 | Sep 26 – Oct 17 | 14–28 |
| Hydrangeas | Jan 25 | — | Mar 29 | — | Jun 7 – Oct 11 | 90–150 |
| Impatiens | Feb 1 | — | Mar 29 | — | Jun 7 – Oct 25 | 60–75 |
| Irises | — | Division | Mar 29 | — | May 17 – Jun 21 | 60–100 |
| Larkspur | — | Mar 1 | — | Aug 22 | May 10 – Aug 16 | 60–90 |
| Lavender | Jan 25 | — | Apr 5 | — | Jun 14 – Sep 20 | 90–120 |
| Lilies | — | Division | Mar 29 | — | Jun 7 – Sep 27 | 70–120 |
| Lobelia | Feb 1 | — | Feb 22 | — | Apr 19 – Jun 14 | 70–80 |
| Lupine | Feb 1 | Mar 29 | Mar 29 | — | May 17 – Jun 14 | 75–100 |
| Marigolds | Feb 15 | Mar 22 | Mar 22 | — | May 17 – Sep 20 | 50–70 |
| Nasturtium | Mar 1 | Mar 22 | Mar 22 | — | May 17 – Oct 18 | 55–65 |
| Pansy | Jan 18 | — | Mar 15 | Aug 22 | May 10 – Aug 16 | 70–90 |
| Peonies | — | Division | Mar 29 | — | May 24 – Jun 21 | 90–120 |
| Petunia | Feb 1 | — | Mar 29 | — | Jun 7 – Oct 11 | 70–90 |
| Phlox | Feb 1 | Mar 29 | Mar 29 | — | Jun 7 – Aug 16 | 80–110 |
| Portulaca | Mar 1 | Mar 22 | Mar 22 | — | May 10 – Oct 4 | 50–70 |
| Ranunculus | — | — | — | Sep 5 | Sep 19 – Oct 24 | 90–120 |
| Roses | Jan 25 | — | Mar 29 | — | Jun 7 – Oct 25 | 90–180 |
| Salvia | Feb 1 | — | Mar 22 | — | May 31 – Oct 18 | 70–90 |
| Sedum (Stonecrop) | Feb 1 | — | Mar 29 | — | Jul 19 – Oct 11 | 60–90 |
| Snapdragon | Jan 18 | Feb 22 | Mar 15 | Aug 22 | May 24 – Sep 13 | 70–100 |
| Sunflower | Mar 8 | Mar 22 | Mar 22 | — | Jun 14 – Oct 18 | 70–100 |
| Sweet Alyssum | Feb 15 | Feb 22 | Mar 15 | Sep 5 | Apr 26 – Aug 16 | 45–60 |
| Sweet Pea | — | — | — | Aug 29 | Nov 7 – Jan 30 | 65–85 |
| Tulips | — | — | — | Oct 3 | Sep 19 – Oct 17 | 15–30 |
| Vinca (Annual) | Jan 18 | — | Mar 22 | — | May 31 – Oct 18 | 70–90 |
| Yarrow | Feb 1 | Mar 22 | Mar 29 | — | May 31 – Oct 25 | 60–90 |
| Zinnia | Mar 1 | Mar 22 | Mar 22 | — | May 31 – Oct 18 | 60–70 |
Monthly Planting Guide for Clay County
Gardening Guides & Resources
Helpful guides from The Ultimate Homestead to improve your garden in Clay County.
Frequently Asked Questions
What planting zone is Clay County, AL?
Clay County is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. This zone classification determines which perennial plants survive winter and sets the baseline for frost timing across the county.
When is the last frost in Clay County, AL?
Based on 30 years of NOAA weather station data, the median last spring frost in Clay County falls around March 29. Plan transplants and direct-sow dates relative to this date.
When is the first fall frost in Clay County, AL?
The median first fall frost in Clay County arrives around October 31. Harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops — tomatoes, peppers, basil, squash — before this date.
Your Clay County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Clay County (Zone 8a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.
The Gardener's Encyclopedia to Companion Planting
$27
$293 value
The pairings that make vegetables, herbs, and flowers grow better — and the ones that quietly wreck a bed.
- Proven pairings for 200+ vegetables, herbs, flowers, and fruits
- Full seed-starting + planting schedule with timing and spacing
- Bonus: square-foot gardening guide + printable seasonal planners
Seed Saving & Storage Guide
$27
$157 value
Most saved seeds go bad before next season. This shows exactly when to pick, how to dry, and where to store seeds from 200 plants so yours don't.
- 200 plants, step-by-step: life cycle, pollination type, isolation
- Exact temperature + humidity ranges that keep seeds viable
- Bonus: searchable Google Sheets tracker + custom GPT assistant
Composting Guide for Homesteaders
$27
$210 value
Turn kitchen scraps and yard waste into compost that actually feeds the garden — instead of a pile that smells, attracts pests, and never breaks down.
- 14 sections on composting methods, soil science, and troubleshooting
- The 7-step hot-compost system from start to finish
- Bonus tools: troubleshooting chart, safety guide, monitoring log