York County, VA — Planting Guide
York County is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 3 and the first fall frost is November 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 217 days.
At an elevation of 1,031 ft, York County receives approximately 43.5 in of rainfall annually. Summer highs average 88°F with winter lows around 30°F. The predominant soil type is Silt Loam.
🌡️ Zone
8a (10°F to 15°F min)
❄️ Last Frost
April 3
🍂 First Frost
November 6
📅 Growing Season
217 days
⛰️ Elevation
1,031 ft
🌧️ Annual Rainfall
43.5 in
York County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Soil & Growing Conditions in York County
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Ideal for most crops — holds moisture and nutrients while draining well.
Watering Needs
Moderate rainfall (43.5 in.) — plan to water 1–2 times per week during the growing season.
Season Tips
217-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
Test your soil pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels before planting.
Get instant, accurate soil pH readings to fine-tune your amendments.
Boost soil fertility and structure with rich, well-aged organic compost.
🥬 Vegetables to Grow in York County
114 vegetables that grow well in Zone 8a with planting dates for York County.
Show all 114 vegetables with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Fall Plant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acorn Squash | Mar 6 | Apr 10 | Apr 17 | — | Jul 10 – Aug 14 | 80–100 |
| Amaranth | Feb 13 | Apr 10 | Apr 17 | — | Jul 17 – Sep 4 | 90–120 |
| Artichoke | — | — | Apr 17 | — | Aug 21 – Oct 30 | 120–180 |
| Arugula | Feb 27 | Mar 20 | Apr 3 | Aug 28 | May 8 – Jul 10 | 30–50 |
| Asparagus | — | — | Apr 17 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Beets | — | Mar 20 | — | Aug 28 | May 15 – Jun 12 | 50–70 |
| Belgian Endive | Feb 27 | Mar 20 | Apr 3 | Aug 28 | Jul 24 – Sep 18 | 110–150 |
| Bitter Melon | Feb 13 | Apr 10 | Apr 17 | — | Jun 19 – Jul 31 | 60–90 |
| Black Beans | — | Apr 10 | — | — | Jul 10 – Aug 28 | 90–120 |
| Bok Choy | Feb 27 | Mar 20 | Apr 3 | Aug 28 | May 15 – Jun 19 | 40–60 |
| Broccoli | Feb 27 | Mar 20 | Apr 3 | Aug 28 | Jun 5 – Jul 17 | 60–90 |
| Broccoli Rabe | Feb 27 | Mar 20 | Apr 3 | Aug 28 | May 15 – Jun 19 | 40–60 |
| Brussels Sprouts | Feb 27 | Mar 20 | Apr 3 | Aug 28 | Jul 3 – Aug 28 | 90–130 |
| Butternut Squash | Mar 6 | Apr 10 | Apr 17 | — | Jul 17 – Aug 21 | 85–110 |
| Cabbage | Feb 27 | Mar 20 | Apr 3 | Aug 28 | Jun 5 – Jul 31 | 60–100 |
| Calabash | Feb 13 | Apr 10 | Apr 17 | — | Jul 10 – Sep 4 | 80–120 |
| Cardoon | — | — | Apr 17 | — | Aug 21 – Oct 2 | 120–150 |
| Carrots | — | Mar 20 | — | Aug 28 | May 22 – Jun 26 | 60–80 |
| Cauliflower | Feb 27 | Mar 20 | Apr 3 | Aug 28 | May 29 – Jul 31 | 55–100 |
| Celeriac | Feb 27 | Mar 20 | Apr 3 | Aug 28 | Jul 17 – Aug 21 | 100–120 |
| Celery | Feb 27 | Mar 20 | Apr 3 | Aug 28 | Jun 26 – Aug 21 | 80–120 |
| Celtuce | Feb 27 | Mar 20 | Apr 3 | Aug 28 | Jun 5 – Jul 17 | 60–90 |
| Chard | Feb 27 | Mar 20 | Apr 3 | Aug 28 | May 29 – Jul 17 | 50–60 |
| Chayote | Feb 13 | Apr 10 | Apr 17 | — | Aug 21 – Oct 30 | 120–180 |
| Chickpeas | Feb 27 | Mar 20 | Apr 3 | Aug 28 | Jun 26 – Aug 7 | 80–110 |
| Chicory | Feb 27 | Mar 20 | Apr 3 | Aug 28 | Jun 5 – Jul 17 | 60–85 |
| Chinese Cabbage | Feb 27 | Mar 20 | Apr 3 | Aug 28 | May 29 – Jun 26 | 50–70 |
| Christmas Lima Beans | Feb 13 | Apr 10 | Apr 17 | — | Jul 10 – Aug 14 | 80–100 |
| Collard Greens | Feb 27 | Mar 20 | Apr 3 | Aug 28 | May 29 – Jul 31 | 55–75 |
| Corn | — | Apr 10 | — | — | Jun 12 – Aug 7 | 60–100 |
| Cowpeas | — | Apr 10 | — | — | Jun 12 – Jul 24 | 60–90 |
| Cress | Feb 27 | Mar 20 | Apr 3 | Aug 28 | Apr 17 – May 8 | 14–21 |
| Crookneck Squash | Mar 6 | Apr 10 | Apr 17 | — | Jun 5 – Jul 3 | 45–60 |
| Crosne | — | Mar 20 | — | Aug 28 | Aug 21 – Oct 23 | 150–200 |
| Cucumber | Mar 6 | Apr 10 | Apr 17 | — | Jun 12 – Aug 7 | 50–70 |
| Daikon | — | Mar 20 | — | Aug 28 | May 15 – Jun 12 | 50–70 |
| Delicata Squash | Mar 6 | Apr 10 | Apr 17 | — | Jul 10 – Aug 14 | 80–100 |
| Edamame | — | Apr 10 | — | — | Jun 26 – Aug 7 | 75–100 |
| Eggplant | Jan 30 | Apr 10 | Apr 17 | — | Jun 26 – Aug 28 | 65–85 |
| Endive | Feb 27 | Mar 20 | Apr 3 | Aug 28 | May 22 – Jun 26 | 45–65 |
| Escarole | Feb 27 | Mar 20 | Apr 3 | Aug 28 | May 29 – Jun 26 | 50–70 |
| Fava Beans | Feb 27 | Mar 20 | Apr 3 | Aug 28 | Jun 19 – Jul 31 | 75–100 |
| Fennel | Feb 13 | Apr 10 | Apr 17 | — | Jun 19 – Jul 31 | 60–90 |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Sep 25 | Dec 25 – Jun 11 | 90–240 |
| Ginger | Feb 13 | Apr 10 | Apr 17 | — | Dec 18 – Jan 1 | 240–300 |
| Green Beans | — | Apr 10 | — | — | Jun 5 – Jul 31 | 50–65 |
| Horseradish | — | — | Apr 17 | — | Aug 21 – Oct 30 | 120–180 |
| Hot Peppers | Jan 30 | Apr 10 | Apr 17 | — | Jun 26 – Oct 2 | 70–120 |
| Hubbard Squash | Mar 6 | Apr 10 | Apr 17 | — | Jul 31 – Sep 4 | 100–120 |
| Jicama | Feb 13 | Apr 10 | Apr 17 | — | Aug 21 – Oct 30 | 120–180 |
| Kabocha | Mar 6 | Apr 10 | Apr 17 | — | Jul 17 – Aug 14 | 85–100 |
| Kai Lan | Feb 27 | Mar 20 | Apr 3 | Aug 28 | May 22 – Jun 19 | 45–60 |
| Kale | Feb 27 | Mar 20 | Apr 3 | Aug 28 | May 29 – Jul 24 | 50–70 |
| Kidney Beans | — | Apr 10 | — | — | Jul 10 – Aug 14 | 85–110 |
| Kohlrabi | Feb 27 | Mar 20 | Apr 3 | Aug 28 | May 22 – Jun 26 | 45–65 |
| Komatsuna | Feb 27 | Mar 20 | Apr 3 | Aug 28 | May 8 – Jun 12 | 35–50 |
| Leeks | Feb 27 | Mar 20 | Apr 3 | Aug 28 | Jul 3 – Sep 18 | 90–150 |
| Lentils | Feb 27 | Mar 20 | Apr 3 | Aug 28 | Jun 26 – Aug 7 | 80–110 |
| Lettuce | Feb 27 | Mar 20 | Apr 3 | Aug 28 | May 8 – Jul 17 | 30–60 |
| Lima Beans | — | Apr 10 | — | — | Jun 12 – Jul 24 | 60–90 |
| Loofah | Feb 13 | Apr 10 | Apr 17 | — | Jul 31 – Oct 2 | 100–150 |
| Luffa | Feb 13 | Apr 10 | Apr 17 | — | Jul 17 – Oct 2 | 90–150 |
| Mache | Feb 27 | Mar 20 | Apr 3 | Aug 28 | May 15 – Jun 19 | 40–60 |
| Malabar Spinach | Feb 13 | Apr 10 | Apr 17 | — | Jun 12 – Jul 10 | 55–70 |
| Melon | Mar 6 | Apr 10 | Apr 17 | — | Jun 26 – Aug 14 | 70–100 |
| Microgreens | Feb 27 | Mar 20 | Apr 3 | Aug 28 | Apr 10 – May 8 | 7–21 |
| Mitsuba | Feb 27 | Mar 20 | Mar 27 | Aug 28 | May 22 – Jul 17 | 50–70 |
| Mizuna | Feb 27 | Mar 20 | Apr 3 | Aug 28 | May 8 – Jun 5 | 30–45 |
| Mustard Greens | Feb 27 | Mar 20 | Apr 3 | Aug 28 | May 8 – Jul 10 | 30–50 |
| Napa Cabbage | Feb 27 | Mar 20 | Apr 3 | Aug 28 | May 29 – Jul 3 | 55–75 |
| New Zealand Spinach | Feb 13 | Apr 10 | Apr 17 | — | Jun 12 – Jul 10 | 55–70 |
| Okra | Feb 13 | Apr 10 | Apr 17 | — | Jun 12 – Aug 7 | 50–65 |
| Onion | Feb 27 | Mar 20 | Apr 3 | Aug 28 | Jul 3 – Aug 21 | 90–120 |
| Pac Choi | Feb 27 | Mar 20 | Apr 3 | Aug 28 | May 15 – Jun 12 | 40–55 |
| Parsnip | — | Mar 20 | — | Aug 28 | Jul 3 – Aug 14 | 100–130 |
| Patty Pan Squash | Mar 6 | Apr 10 | Apr 17 | — | Jun 5 – Jul 3 | 45–60 |
| Peas | Feb 27 | Mar 20 | Apr 3 | Aug 28 | May 29 – Jul 24 | 55–70 |
| Peppers | Jan 30 | Apr 10 | Apr 17 | — | Jun 19 – Aug 28 | 60–90 |
| Pole Beans | Feb 13 | Apr 10 | Apr 17 | — | Jun 12 – Aug 7 | 55–70 |
| Potatoes | Feb 13 | Apr 10 | Apr 17 | — | Jun 26 – Sep 4 | 70–120 |
| Pumpkin | Mar 6 | Apr 10 | Apr 17 | — | Jul 17 – Sep 4 | 85–120 |
| Purslane | Feb 27 | Mar 20 | Apr 3 | Aug 28 | May 15 – Jun 19 | 40–60 |
| Radicchio | Feb 27 | Mar 20 | Apr 3 | Aug 28 | Jun 5 – Jul 10 | 60–80 |
| Radish | — | Mar 20 | — | Aug 28 | Apr 17 – May 8 | 22–35 |
| Rhubarb | — | — | Apr 24 | — | — | 365–730 |
| Romanesco | Feb 27 | Mar 20 | Apr 3 | Aug 28 | Jun 19 – Jul 31 | 75–100 |
| Rutabaga | — | Mar 20 | — | Aug 28 | Jun 12 – Jul 17 | 80–100 |
| Salsify | — | Mar 20 | — | Aug 28 | Jul 3 – Aug 14 | 100–130 |
| Savoy Cabbage | Feb 27 | Mar 20 | Apr 3 | Aug 28 | Jun 12 – Aug 7 | 70–110 |
| Scallions | Feb 27 | Mar 20 | Apr 3 | Aug 28 | May 29 – Jun 26 | 50–70 |
| Scarlet Runner Beans | Feb 13 | Apr 10 | Apr 17 | — | Jun 19 – Jul 24 | 60–80 |
| Shallot | Feb 27 | Mar 20 | Apr 3 | Aug 28 | Jul 3 – Aug 21 | 90–120 |
| Shiso | Feb 13 | Apr 10 | Apr 17 | — | Jun 12 – Aug 7 | 50–70 |
| Snap Peas | Feb 13 | Apr 10 | Apr 17 | — | Jun 12 – Aug 7 | 55–70 |
| Snow Peas | Feb 27 | Mar 20 | Apr 3 | Aug 28 | May 29 – Jul 24 | 50–65 |
| Soybeans | — | Apr 10 | — | — | Jul 3 – Aug 28 | 80–120 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Mar 6 | Apr 10 | Apr 17 | — | Jul 17 – Aug 14 | 85–100 |
| Spinach | Feb 27 | Mar 20 | Apr 3 | Aug 28 | May 8 – Jul 10 | 35–50 |
| Squash (Summer) | Mar 6 | Apr 10 | Apr 17 | — | Jun 5 – Aug 7 | 45–65 |
| Squash (Winter) | Mar 6 | Apr 10 | Apr 17 | — | Jul 10 – Sep 4 | 80–120 |
| Sunchoke | — | — | Apr 17 | — | Aug 7 – Oct 2 | 110–150 |
| Sweet Corn | — | Apr 10 | — | — | Jun 12 – Jul 24 | 60–90 |
| Sweet Potatoes | Feb 13 | Apr 10 | Apr 17 | — | Jul 17 – Sep 4 | 90–120 |
| Tatsoi | Feb 27 | Mar 20 | Apr 3 | Aug 28 | May 8 – Jun 12 | 35–50 |
| Tomatillo | Feb 13 | Apr 10 | Apr 17 | — | Jun 19 – Aug 28 | 60–85 |
| Tomatoes | Feb 13 | Apr 10 | Apr 17 | — | Jun 19 – Aug 28 | 60–85 |
| Turmeric | Feb 13 | Apr 10 | Apr 17 | — | Dec 18 – Jan 1 | 240–300 |
| Turnip | — | Mar 20 | — | Aug 28 | May 1 – Jun 5 | 40–60 |
| Watercress | Feb 27 | Mar 20 | Apr 3 | Aug 28 | May 15 – Jun 19 | 40–60 |
| Watermelon | Mar 6 | Apr 10 | Apr 17 | — | Jun 26 – Aug 14 | 70–100 |
| Wax Beans | — | Apr 10 | — | — | Jun 5 – Jul 31 | 50–65 |
| Winter Melon | Feb 13 | Apr 10 | Apr 17 | — | Jul 17 – Sep 4 | 90–120 |
| Yard Long Beans | Feb 13 | Apr 10 | Apr 17 | — | Jun 12 – Jul 24 | 55–80 |
| Zucchini | Mar 6 | Apr 10 | Apr 17 | — | Jun 5 – Jul 31 | 45–60 |
🍓 Fruits to Grow in York County
27 fruits that grow well in Zone 8a with planting dates for York County.
Show all 27 fruits with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Fall Plant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alpine Strawberries | — | — | Apr 24 | — | Jul 24 – Nov 6 | 90–180 |
| Aronia | — | — | Apr 24 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Blackberries | — | — | Apr 24 | — | — | 365–730 |
| Blueberries | — | — | Apr 24 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Boysenberries | — | — | Apr 24 | — | — | 365–730 |
| Cantaloupe | — | — | Apr 24 | — | Jul 3 – Aug 7 | 70–90 |
| Che Fruit | — | — | Apr 24 | — | — | 1095–1825 |
| Elderberries | — | — | Apr 24 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Figs | — | — | Apr 24 | — | — | 730–1825 |
| Goji Berries | — | — | Apr 24 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Gooseberries | — | — | Apr 24 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Grapes | — | — | Apr 24 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Ground Cherry | — | — | Apr 24 | — | Jul 3 – Aug 28 | 65–80 |
| Hardy Kiwi | — | — | Apr 24 | — | — | 1095–1825 |
| Honeydew | — | — | Apr 24 | — | Jul 17 – Aug 28 | 80–110 |
| Jostaberry | — | — | Apr 24 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Kiwi | — | — | Apr 24 | — | — | 1095–1825 |
| Loquat | — | — | Apr 24 | — | — | 730–1825 |
| Medlar | — | — | Apr 24 | — | — | 1095–1825 |
| Mulberries | — | — | Apr 24 | — | — | 730–1825 |
| Pawpaw | — | — | Apr 24 | — | — | 1095–2555 |
| Persimmon | — | — | Apr 24 | — | — | 1095–2555 |
| Pomegranate | — | — | Apr 24 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Quince | — | — | Apr 24 | — | — | 1095–1825 |
| Raspberries | — | — | Apr 24 | — | — | 365–730 |
| Serviceberries | — | — | Apr 24 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Strawberries | — | — | Apr 24 | — | Jul 24 – Jan 8 | 90–365 |
🌿 Herbs to Grow in York County
39 herbs that grow well in Zone 8a with planting dates for York County.
Show all 39 herbs with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Fall Plant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Angelica | Feb 27 | Mar 20 | Mar 27 | Aug 28 | — | 365–730 |
| Anise | Feb 27 | Mar 20 | Mar 27 | Aug 28 | Jun 26 – Sep 11 | 90–120 |
| Basil | Feb 13 | Apr 10 | Apr 17 | — | Jun 12 – Aug 14 | 50–75 |
| Bee Balm | — | — | Apr 10 | — | Jul 10 – Sep 25 | 90–120 |
| Borage | Feb 27 | Mar 20 | Mar 27 | Aug 28 | May 22 – Jul 10 | 50–60 |
| Caraway | Feb 27 | Mar 20 | Mar 27 | Aug 28 | — | 365–450 |
| Catnip | — | — | Apr 10 | — | Jun 12 – Aug 14 | 60–80 |
| Chamomile | Feb 27 | Mar 20 | Mar 27 | Aug 28 | May 29 – Aug 7 | 60–90 |
| Chervil | Feb 27 | Mar 20 | Mar 27 | Aug 28 | May 8 – Jul 10 | 40–60 |
| Chives | — | — | Apr 10 | — | Jun 12 – Aug 21 | 60–90 |
| Cilantro | Feb 27 | Mar 20 | Mar 27 | Aug 28 | May 8 – Jul 10 | 40–60 |
| Comfrey | — | — | Apr 10 | — | Jun 12 – Aug 21 | 60–90 |
| Cumin | Feb 27 | Mar 20 | Mar 27 | Aug 28 | Jul 10 – Sep 11 | 100–120 |
| Dill | Feb 27 | Mar 20 | Mar 27 | Aug 28 | May 8 – Jul 10 | 40–60 |
| Epazote | Feb 13 | Apr 10 | Apr 17 | — | Jun 5 – Jul 31 | 45–60 |
| Fennel (herb) | Feb 27 | Mar 20 | Mar 27 | Aug 28 | May 29 – Aug 7 | 60–90 |
| Feverfew | — | — | Apr 10 | — | Jul 10 – Sep 25 | 90–120 |
| Garlic Chives | — | — | Apr 10 | — | Jun 12 – Aug 21 | 60–90 |
| Horehound | — | — | Apr 10 | — | Jun 26 – Aug 21 | 75–90 |
| Hyssop | — | — | Apr 10 | — | Jun 19 – Aug 21 | 70–90 |
| Lemon Balm | — | — | Apr 10 | — | Jun 12 – Jul 31 | 60–70 |
| Lemon Thyme | — | — | Apr 10 | — | Jun 19 – Aug 21 | 70–90 |
| Lemon Verbena | Feb 13 | Apr 10 | Apr 17 | — | Jun 19 – Aug 28 | 60–90 |
| Lemongrass | Feb 13 | Apr 10 | Apr 17 | — | Jul 3 – Oct 2 | 75–120 |
| Lovage | — | — | Apr 10 | — | Jun 19 – Aug 21 | 70–90 |
| Marjoram | — | — | Apr 10 | — | Jun 12 – Aug 21 | 60–90 |
| Mint | — | — | Apr 10 | — | Jun 12 – Aug 21 | 60–90 |
| Oregano | — | — | Apr 10 | — | Jun 12 – Aug 21 | 60–90 |
| Parsley | Feb 27 | Mar 20 | Mar 27 | Aug 28 | May 29 – Jul 31 | 60–80 |
| Rosemary | — | — | Apr 10 | — | Jul 3 – Nov 20 | 80–180 |
| Rue | — | — | Apr 10 | — | Jun 19 – Aug 21 | 70–90 |
| Sage | — | — | Apr 10 | — | Jun 26 – Aug 21 | 75–90 |
| Savory | — | — | Apr 10 | — | Jun 5 – Jul 31 | 50–70 |
| Sorrel | Feb 27 | Mar 20 | Mar 27 | Aug 28 | May 8 – Jul 10 | 40–60 |
| Stevia | Feb 13 | Apr 10 | Apr 17 | — | Jun 19 – Aug 28 | 60–90 |
| Tarragon | — | — | Apr 10 | — | Jun 12 – Aug 21 | 60–90 |
| Thai Basil | Feb 13 | Apr 10 | Apr 17 | — | Jun 12 – Aug 14 | 50–75 |
| Thyme | — | — | Apr 10 | — | Jun 19 – Aug 21 | 70–90 |
| Valerian | — | — | Apr 10 | — | Aug 14 – Nov 20 | 120–180 |
🌸 Flowers to Grow in York County
54 flowers that grow well in Zone 8a with planting dates for York County.
Show all 54 flowers with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Fall Plant | Bloom | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ageratum | Feb 20 | Mar 27 | Mar 27 | — | May 22 – Oct 9 | 60–75 |
| Alliums | — | — | — | Oct 2 | Oct 30 – Nov 20 | 28–42 |
| Anemones | — | — | — | Sep 11 | Sep 25 – Oct 23 | 90–120 |
| Astilbe | Feb 6 | — | Apr 3 | — | Jun 12 – Jul 31 | 70–100 |
| Bachelor's Button | — | Feb 20 | Mar 20 | Sep 11 | May 22 – Sep 4 | 60–90 |
| Begonias | Jan 23 | — | Mar 27 | — | Jun 5 – Oct 23 | 70–90 |
| Black-eyed Susan | Feb 6 | Mar 27 | Apr 3 | — | Jun 12 – Oct 30 | 60–80 |
| Bleeding Hearts | Feb 6 | — | Apr 3 | — | May 22 – Jun 19 | 60–90 |
| Calendula | — | Feb 20 | Mar 20 | Aug 28 | May 8 – Sep 18 | 50–70 |
| California Poppy | — | — | — | Sep 11 | Nov 20 – Feb 26 | 60–90 |
| Celosia | Mar 6 | Mar 27 | Mar 27 | — | May 29 – Oct 23 | 60–90 |
| Columbine | Feb 6 | Apr 3 | Apr 3 | — | May 22 – Jun 19 | 70–100 |
| Coreopsis | Feb 6 | Mar 27 | Apr 3 | — | Jun 5 – Oct 30 | 60–80 |
| Cosmos | Mar 6 | Mar 20 | Mar 20 | — | May 29 – Oct 16 | 60–90 |
| Crocus | — | — | — | Oct 9 | Sep 11 – Oct 2 | 10–20 |
| Daffodils | — | — | — | Oct 2 | Sep 11 – Oct 9 | 20–40 |
| Dahlias | Mar 13 | Apr 3 | Apr 3 | — | Jun 12 – Nov 13 | 70–120 |
| Daylily | Feb 6 | — | Apr 3 | — | Jun 12 – Oct 30 | 60–90 |
| Dianthus | Feb 6 | Feb 20 | Feb 27 | — | Apr 17 – Jul 3 | 60–80 |
| Echinacea (Purple Coneflower) | Feb 6 | Apr 3 | Apr 3 | — | Jun 12 – Oct 30 | 70–90 |
| Foxglove | Feb 6 | Apr 3 | Apr 3 | — | May 22 – Jun 19 | 80–120 |
| Freesia | — | — | — | Sep 25 | Oct 23 – Nov 20 | 84–112 |
| Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) | Feb 13 | Mar 27 | Mar 27 | — | Jun 5 – Nov 20 | 70–100 |
| Geraniums | Jan 23 | — | Mar 27 | — | Jun 5 – Oct 23 | 70–100 |
| Gladiolus | — | Apr 3 | Apr 3 | — | Jun 12 – Nov 13 | 70–100 |
| Hostas | Jan 30 | — | Apr 3 | — | Jun 12 – Oct 16 | 60–90 |
| Hyacinths | — | — | — | Oct 9 | Oct 2 – Oct 23 | 14–28 |
| Hydrangeas | Jan 30 | — | Apr 3 | — | Jun 12 – Oct 16 | 90–150 |
| Impatiens | Feb 6 | — | Apr 3 | — | Jun 12 – Oct 30 | 60–75 |
| Irises | — | Division | Apr 3 | — | May 22 – Jun 26 | 60–100 |
| Larkspur | — | Mar 6 | — | Aug 28 | May 15 – Aug 21 | 60–90 |
| Lavender | Jan 30 | — | Apr 10 | — | Jun 19 – Sep 25 | 90–120 |
| Lilies | — | Division | Apr 3 | — | Jun 12 – Oct 2 | 70–120 |
| Lobelia | Feb 6 | — | Feb 27 | — | Apr 24 – Jun 19 | 70–80 |
| Lupine | Feb 6 | Apr 3 | Apr 3 | — | May 22 – Jun 19 | 75–100 |
| Marigolds | Feb 20 | Mar 27 | Mar 27 | — | May 22 – Sep 25 | 50–70 |
| Nasturtium | Mar 6 | Mar 27 | Mar 27 | — | May 22 – Oct 23 | 55–65 |
| Pansy | Jan 23 | — | Mar 20 | Aug 28 | May 15 – Aug 21 | 70–90 |
| Peonies | — | Division | Apr 3 | — | May 29 – Jun 26 | 90–120 |
| Petunia | Feb 6 | — | Apr 3 | — | Jun 12 – Oct 16 | 70–90 |
| Phlox | Feb 6 | Apr 3 | Apr 3 | — | Jun 12 – Aug 21 | 80–110 |
| Portulaca | Mar 6 | Mar 27 | Mar 27 | — | May 15 – Oct 9 | 50–70 |
| Ranunculus | — | — | — | Sep 11 | Sep 25 – Oct 30 | 90–120 |
| Roses | Jan 30 | — | Apr 3 | — | Jun 12 – Oct 30 | 90–180 |
| Salvia | Feb 6 | — | Mar 27 | — | Jun 5 – Oct 23 | 70–90 |
| Sedum (Stonecrop) | Feb 6 | — | Apr 3 | — | Jul 24 – Oct 16 | 60–90 |
| Snapdragon | Jan 23 | Feb 27 | Mar 20 | Aug 28 | May 29 – Sep 18 | 70–100 |
| Sunflower | Mar 13 | Mar 27 | Mar 27 | — | Jun 19 – Oct 23 | 70–100 |
| Sweet Alyssum | Feb 20 | Feb 27 | Mar 20 | Sep 11 | May 1 – Aug 21 | 45–60 |
| Sweet Pea | — | — | — | Sep 4 | Nov 13 – Feb 5 | 65–85 |
| Tulips | — | — | — | Oct 9 | Sep 25 – Oct 23 | 15–30 |
| Vinca (Annual) | Jan 23 | — | Mar 27 | — | Jun 5 – Oct 23 | 70–90 |
| Yarrow | Feb 6 | Mar 27 | Apr 3 | — | Jun 5 – Oct 30 | 60–90 |
| Zinnia | Mar 6 | Mar 27 | Mar 27 | — | Jun 5 – Oct 23 | 60–70 |
Monthly Planting Guide for York County
Gardening Guides & Resources
Helpful guides from The Ultimate Homestead to improve your garden in York County.
Frequently Asked Questions
What planting zone is York County, VA?
York 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 York County, VA?
Based on 30 years of NOAA weather station data, the median last spring frost in York County falls around April 3. Plan transplants and direct-sow dates relative to this date.
When is the first fall frost in York County, VA?
The median first fall frost in York County arrives around November 6. Harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops — tomatoes, peppers, basil, squash — before this date.
Your York County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for York 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
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
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
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