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When to plant Onion in Limestone County, AL

Spring Onion in Limestone County goes in March 22–April 12, once nighttime temps stop dipping near freezing. A second sowing from August 20 to September 3 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Onion in Limestone County, AL

Onions are a fundamental kitchen staple available in yellow, white, and red varieties. Choose long-day, short-day, or intermediate types based on your latitude.

Limestone County, Alabama is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 5 and the first fall frost is October 29, giving you a growing season of approximately 207 days.

At an elevation of 200 feet, Limestone County receives approximately 54.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 93°F, providing good warmth for Onion during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Onion, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Onion root diseases.

Limestone County, AL (Zone 8a) Long season
207 days
Last Spring Frost April 5
207 growing days
First Fall Frost October 29

Limestone County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.5-6.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Onion

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

Month Onion Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 4.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 5.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 4.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 5.2" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 5.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 5.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 3.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Onion Planting Timeline — Limestone County, AL

Onion Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 1 Mar 1 – Mar 15
Transplant Outdoors April 5 Apr 5 – Apr 19
Direct Sow March 22 Mar 22 – Apr 12
Harvest July 5 Jul 5 – Aug 23
Fall Sowing August 20 Aug 20 – Sep 3

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors Direct Sow
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May
June
July Harvest
August Fall Sowing 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 8a

📆 Growing Season

207 days in Limestone County

Growing Tips for Limestone County

Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before transplanting. Match day-length type to your latitude. Stop watering when tops begin to fall over and cure bulbs for 2-3 weeks before storage.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Peas
  • Green Beans
  • Asparagus

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Onion in Limestone County, AL?

Limestone County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of April 5. Plan your Onion planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Limestone County, AL?

Limestone County, Alabama is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 5 and first fall frost is October 29.

When should I plant Onion in Limestone County, AL?

In Limestone County, AL, plant Onion after the last frost (around April 5) and before the first frost (around October 29). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Limestone County, AL for Onion?

Limestone County sits in USDA Zone 8a. Onion grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Onion grow in Limestone County's climate?

Yes — Onion grows well in Limestone County's temperate climate. Limestone County averages a 207-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 5 and first frost around October 29.

🌱

Your Limestone County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Limestone 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.

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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 Limestone County, AL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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