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When to plant Shallot in Hale County, AL

Spring Shallot in Hale County goes in February 28–March 21, once nighttime temps stop dipping near freezing. A second sowing from September 4 to September 18 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Shallot in Hale County, AL

Shallots are a gourmet allium prized for their complex, sweet, and mild flavor. Each bulb multiplies into a cluster, making them easy and rewarding to grow.

Hale County, Alabama is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 14 and the first fall frost is November 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 244 days.

At an elevation of 405 feet, Hale County receives approximately 49.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 93°F, providing good warmth for Shallot during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Shallot, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot.

Hale County, AL (Zone 8b) Long season
244 days
Last Spring Frost March 14
244 growing days
First Fall Frost November 13

Hale County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.8-6.5

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Shallot

Shallot needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Shallot Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 4.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 4.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 5.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 4.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.1" 1.2" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Dec 3.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Hale County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Shallot Planting Timeline — Hale County, AL

Shallot Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 7 Feb 7 – Feb 21
Transplant Outdoors March 14 Mar 14 – Mar 28
Direct Sow February 28 Feb 28 – Mar 21
Harvest June 13 Jun 13 – Aug 1
Fall Sowing September 4 Sep 4 – Sep 18

Plant 1" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

90–120 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 8b

📆 Growing Season

244 days in Hale County

Growing Tips for Hale County

Plant sets in fall for spring harvest or early spring for summer harvest. Mulch heavily if overwintering. Harvest when tops brown and dry, then cure for storage.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Peas
  • Green Beans

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Shallot in Hale County, AL?

Hale County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 14. Plan your Shallot planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Hale County, AL?

Hale County, Alabama is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 14 and first fall frost is November 13.

When should I plant Shallot in Hale County, AL?

In Hale County, AL, plant Shallot after the last frost (around March 14) and before the first frost (around November 13). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Hale County, AL for Shallot?

Hale County sits in USDA Zone 8b. Shallot grows reliably in zones 4a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Shallot grow in Hale County's climate?

Yes — Shallot grows well in Hale County's temperate climate. Hale County averages a 244-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 14 and first frost around November 13.

🌱

Your Hale County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Hale 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 Hale County, AL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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