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When to plant Broccoli in Covington County, AL

Plant Broccoli in Covington County after March 20; the prime window is March 6–March 27. A second sowing from September 2 to September 16 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Broccoli in Covington County, AL

Broccoli

Broccoli is a nutrient-dense cool-season crop that produces large central heads followed by smaller side shoots. It is one of the most popular garden vegetables.

Covington County, Alabama is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 20 and the first fall frost is November 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 236 days.

At an elevation of 392 feet, Covington County receives approximately 50.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 95°F, so Broccoli may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Clay soil retains moisture well for Broccoli, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Broccoli root diseases.

Covington County, AL (Zone 8b) Long season
236 days
Last Spring Frost March 20
236 growing days
First Fall Frost November 11

Covington County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

How Much Broccoli to Grow

1-2 lbs
Average yield per plant
3
Plants per person
6 sq ft
Space per person

For a family of 4, plant approximately 12 broccoli plants in about 24 sq ft. In Covington County's 236-day season, you'll have plenty of time for a full harvest. Plan your garden layout →

Broccoli Planting Timeline — Covington County, AL

Broccoli Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 13 Feb 13 – Feb 27
Transplant Outdoors March 20 Mar 20 – Apr 3
Direct Sow March 6 Mar 6 – Mar 27
Harvest May 22 May 22 – Jul 3
Fall Sowing September 2 Sep 2 – Sep 16

Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February Start Indoors
March Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April Transplant Outdoors
May Harvest
June Harvest
July Harvest
August
September Fall Sowing
October
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

60–90 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 8b

📆 Growing Season

236 days in Covington County

Growing Tips for Covington County

Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost. Provide consistent moisture to prevent hollow stems. Harvest heads before yellow flowers appear.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Tomatoes
  • Strawberries

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

🌾 Save Your Own Broccoli Seeds
Life Cycle Biennial
Pollination Cross-Pollinated (insects)
How to Collect Allow plants to flower 2nd year; collect dry pods.
Storage Store airtight; viable 5 years at 35°F, under 50% humidity.

Isolate 1/2 mile from other brassicas. Biennial — must overwinter roots.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Broccoli in Covington County, AL?

Covington County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 20. Plan your Broccoli planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Covington County, AL?

Covington County, Alabama is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 20 and first fall frost is November 11.

When should I plant Broccoli in Covington County, AL?

In Covington County, AL, plant Broccoli after the last frost (around March 20) and before the first frost (around November 11). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Covington County, AL for Broccoli?

Covington County sits in USDA Zone 8b. Broccoli grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Broccoli grow in Covington County's climate?

Yes — Broccoli grows well in Covington County's temperate climate. Covington County averages a 236-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 20 and first frost around November 11.

🌱

Your Covington County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Covington County (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Covington County, AL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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