When to Plant Scallions in Covington County, AL
What to do in May
May is a pivotal month for Covington County, Alabama gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
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Basket week: scallions
Don't tug. Use scissors or pruners for clean cuts — torn stems invite disease.
June prep starts now
- First harvests: scallions
Scallions (green onions) are mild-flavored alliums harvested for their slender green tops and white bases. They are quick-growing and perfect for succession planting.
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 Scallions may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Clay soil retains moisture well for Scallions, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Scallions root diseases.
Covington County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.3-6.6
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Covington County
How your county's soil matches Scallions's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.3–6.6) is more acidic than Scallions prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in Covington County is excellent for Scallions — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.5%). Annual compost additions will help Scallions.
How to Plant Scallions
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Scallions
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 02 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 02.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Scallions
Scallions needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Scallions Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Covington County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Scallions Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Scallions Planting Timeline — Covington County, AL
Scallions 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 15 | May 15 – Jun 12 |
| Fall Sowing | September 2 | Sep 2 – Sep 16 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
50–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
236 days in Covington County
Growing Tips for Scallions in Covington County
Direct sow Scallions outdoors after March 20 in Covington County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Covington County's clay soil (33% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Scallions. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
Common pests for Scallions in this region include onion maggots and thrips. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Direct sow every 3 weeks for continuous harvest. Thin to 1 inch apart or grow in clusters. Harvest when pencil-thick by pulling or cutting at soil level.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
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Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Scallions in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Scallions in Covington County, AL?
Covington County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 20. Plan your Scallions 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.
Your Covington County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-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.