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Zone 8a Planting Calendar

Zone 8a Zone 8a June

This month in Zone 8a

June is a pivotal month for Zone 8a gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.

Avg. last frost March 28
Avg. first frost November 6
  1. Begin indoor sowing: begonias, geraniums, and pansy

    Your window is short. These crops want several weeks of indoor growth before they go outside.

  2. Harvest basil, carrots, and cucumber as they ripen

    Check every 1–2 days. Many of these get tough or go to seed if you wait too long.

July prep starts now
  • First harvests: basil, cucumber, and green beans
Download your personalised Zone 8a planting plan →

Zone 8a has an average minimum temperature range of 10°F to 15°F. The average last spring frost is around March 8 and the first fall frost is around November 18, giving you approximately 255 days in the growing season.

There are 234 plants in our database that grow well in Zone 8a.

Zone 8a Long season
255 days
Last Spring Frost March 8
255 growing days
First Fall Frost November 18
Zone 8a Frost Countdown
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Last Frost: Mar 8 First Frost: Nov 18
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States That Include Zone 8a

Many states span multiple zones. The states highlighted below contain areas classified as Zone 8a.

Growing Season Comparison

What to Plant Right Now in Zone 8a

Based on June 2026 planting windows.

See all June plantings →

All Planting Windows at a Glance

This chart shows when to start, transplant, sow, and harvest every plant in Zone 8a.

Vegetables for Zone 8a

Plant Start Indoors Direct Sow Transplant Harvest Days to Maturity
Acorn Squash Feb 8 Mar 15 Mar 22 Jun 14 – Jul 19 80–100
Amaranth Jan 18 Mar 15 Mar 22 Jun 21 – Aug 9 90–120
Artichoke Mar 22 Jul 26 – Oct 4 120–180
Arugula Feb 1 Feb 22 Mar 8 Apr 12 – Jun 14 30–50
Asparagus Mar 22 730–1095
Beets Feb 22 Apr 19 – May 17 50–70
Belgian Endive Feb 1 Feb 22 Mar 8 Jun 28 – Aug 23 110–150
Bitter Melon Jan 18 Mar 15 Mar 22 May 24 – Jul 5 60–90
Black Beans Mar 15 Jun 14 – Aug 2 90–120
Bok Choy Feb 1 Feb 22 Mar 8 Apr 19 – May 24 40–60
Broccoli Feb 1 Feb 22 Mar 8 May 10 – Jun 21 60–90
Broccoli Rabe Feb 1 Feb 22 Mar 8 Apr 19 – May 24 40–60
Brussels Sprouts Feb 1 Feb 22 Mar 8 Jun 7 – Aug 2 90–130
Butternut Squash Feb 8 Mar 15 Mar 22 Jun 21 – Jul 26 85–110
Cabbage Feb 1 Feb 22 Mar 8 May 10 – Jul 5 60–100
Calabash Jan 18 Mar 15 Mar 22 Jun 14 – Aug 9 80–120
Cardoon Mar 22 Jul 26 – Sep 6 120–150
Carrots Feb 22 Apr 26 – May 31 60–80
Cauliflower Feb 1 Feb 22 Mar 8 May 3 – Jul 5 55–100
Celeriac Feb 1 Feb 22 Mar 8 Jun 21 – Jul 26 100–120
Celery Feb 1 Feb 22 Mar 8 May 31 – Jul 26 80–120
Celtuce Feb 1 Feb 22 Mar 8 May 10 – Jun 21 60–90
Chard Feb 1 Feb 22 Mar 8 May 3 – Jun 21 50–60
Chayote Jan 18 Mar 15 Mar 22 Jul 26 – Oct 4 120–180
Chickpeas Feb 1 Feb 22 Mar 8 May 31 – Jul 12 80–110
Chicory Feb 1 Feb 22 Mar 8 May 10 – Jun 21 60–85
Chinese Cabbage Feb 1 Feb 22 Mar 8 May 3 – May 31 50–70
Christmas Lima Beans Jan 18 Mar 15 Mar 22 Jun 14 – Jul 19 80–100
Collard Greens Feb 1 Feb 22 Mar 8 May 3 – Jul 5 55–75
Corn Mar 15 May 17 – Jul 12 60–100
Cowpeas Mar 15 May 17 – Jun 28 60–90
Cress Feb 1 Feb 22 Mar 8 Mar 22 – Apr 12 14–21
Crookneck Squash Feb 8 Mar 15 Mar 22 May 10 – Jun 7 45–60
Crosne Feb 22 Jul 26 – Sep 27 150–200
Cucumber Feb 8 Mar 15 Mar 22 May 17 – Jul 12 50–70
Daikon Feb 22 Apr 19 – May 17 50–70
Delicata Squash Feb 8 Mar 15 Mar 22 Jun 14 – Jul 19 80–100
Edamame Mar 15 May 31 – Jul 12 75–100
Eggplant Jan 4 Mar 15 Mar 22 May 31 – Aug 2 65–85
Endive Feb 1 Feb 22 Mar 8 Apr 26 – May 31 45–65
Escarole Feb 1 Feb 22 Mar 8 May 3 – May 31 50–70
Fava Beans Feb 1 Feb 22 Mar 8 May 24 – Jul 5 75–100
Fennel Jan 18 Mar 15 Mar 22 May 24 – Jul 5 60–90
Garlic Jan 6 – Jun 23 90–240
Ginger Jan 18 Mar 15 Mar 22 Nov 22 – Dec 6 240–300
Green Beans Mar 15 May 10 – Jul 5 50–65
Horseradish Mar 22 Jul 26 – Oct 4 120–180
Hot Peppers Jan 4 Mar 15 Mar 22 May 31 – Sep 6 70–120
Hubbard Squash Feb 8 Mar 15 Mar 22 Jul 5 – Aug 9 100–120
Jicama Jan 18 Mar 15 Mar 22 Jul 26 – Oct 4 120–180
Kabocha Feb 8 Mar 15 Mar 22 Jun 21 – Jul 19 85–100
Kai Lan Feb 1 Feb 22 Mar 8 Apr 26 – May 24 45–60
Kale Feb 1 Feb 22 Mar 8 May 3 – Jun 28 50–70
Kidney Beans Mar 15 Jun 14 – Jul 19 85–110
Kohlrabi Feb 1 Feb 22 Mar 8 Apr 26 – May 31 45–65
Komatsuna Feb 1 Feb 22 Mar 8 Apr 12 – May 17 35–50
Leeks Feb 1 Feb 22 Mar 8 Jun 7 – Aug 23 90–150
Lentils Feb 1 Feb 22 Mar 8 May 31 – Jul 12 80–110
Lettuce Feb 1 Feb 22 Mar 8 Apr 12 – Jun 21 30–60
Lima Beans Mar 15 May 17 – Jun 28 60–90
Loofah Jan 18 Mar 15 Mar 22 Jul 5 – Sep 6 100–150
Luffa Jan 18 Mar 15 Mar 22 Jun 21 – Sep 6 90–150
Mache Feb 1 Feb 22 Mar 8 Apr 19 – May 24 40–60
Malabar Spinach Jan 18 Mar 15 Mar 22 May 17 – Jun 14 55–70
Melon Feb 8 Mar 15 Mar 22 May 31 – Jul 19 70–100
Microgreens Feb 1 Feb 22 Mar 8 Mar 15 – Apr 12 7–21
Mitsuba Feb 1 Feb 22 Mar 1 Apr 26 – Jun 21 50–70
Mizuna Feb 1 Feb 22 Mar 8 Apr 12 – May 10 30–45
Mustard Greens Feb 1 Feb 22 Mar 8 Apr 12 – Jun 14 30–50
Napa Cabbage Feb 1 Feb 22 Mar 8 May 3 – Jun 7 55–75
New Zealand Spinach Jan 18 Mar 15 Mar 22 May 17 – Jun 14 55–70
Okra Jan 18 Mar 15 Mar 22 May 17 – Jul 12 50–65
Onion Feb 1 Feb 22 Mar 8 Jun 7 – Jul 26 90–120
Pac Choi Feb 1 Feb 22 Mar 8 Apr 19 – May 17 40–55
Parsnip Feb 22 Jun 7 – Jul 19 100–130
Patty Pan Squash Feb 8 Mar 15 Mar 22 May 10 – Jun 7 45–60
Peas Feb 1 Feb 22 Mar 8 May 3 – Jun 28 55–70
Peppers Jan 4 Mar 15 Mar 22 May 24 – Aug 2 60–90
Pole Beans Jan 18 Mar 15 Mar 22 May 17 – Jul 12 55–70
Potatoes Jan 18 Mar 15 Mar 22 May 31 – Aug 9 70–120
Pumpkin Feb 8 Mar 15 Mar 22 Jun 21 – Aug 9 85–120
Purslane Feb 1 Feb 22 Mar 8 Apr 19 – May 24 40–60
Radicchio Feb 1 Feb 22 Mar 8 May 10 – Jun 14 60–80
Radish Feb 22 Mar 22 – Apr 12 22–35
Rhubarb Mar 29 365–730
Romanesco Feb 1 Feb 22 Mar 8 May 24 – Jul 5 75–100
Rutabaga Feb 22 May 17 – Jun 21 80–100
Salsify Feb 22 Jun 7 – Jul 19 100–130
Savoy Cabbage Feb 1 Feb 22 Mar 8 May 17 – Jul 12 70–110
Scallions Feb 1 Feb 22 Mar 8 May 3 – May 31 50–70
Scarlet Runner Beans Jan 18 Mar 15 Mar 22 May 24 – Jun 28 60–80
Shallot Feb 1 Feb 22 Mar 8 Jun 7 – Jul 26 90–120
Shiso Jan 18 Mar 15 Mar 22 May 17 – Jul 12 50–70
Snap Peas Jan 18 Mar 15 Mar 22 May 17 – Jul 12 55–70
Snow Peas Feb 1 Feb 22 Mar 8 May 3 – Jun 28 50–65
Soybeans Mar 15 Jun 7 – Aug 2 80–120
Spaghetti Squash Feb 8 Mar 15 Mar 22 Jun 21 – Jul 19 85–100
Spinach Feb 1 Feb 22 Mar 8 Apr 12 – Jun 14 35–50
Squash (Summer) Feb 8 Mar 15 Mar 22 May 10 – Jul 12 45–65
Squash (Winter) Feb 8 Mar 15 Mar 22 Jun 14 – Aug 9 80–120
Sunchoke Mar 22 Jul 12 – Sep 6 110–150
Sweet Corn Mar 15 May 17 – Jun 28 60–90
Sweet Potatoes Jan 18 Mar 15 Mar 22 Jun 21 – Aug 9 90–120
Tatsoi Feb 1 Feb 22 Mar 8 Apr 12 – May 17 35–50
Tomatillo Jan 18 Mar 15 Mar 22 May 24 – Aug 2 60–85
Tomatoes Jan 18 Mar 15 Mar 22 May 24 – Aug 2 60–85
Turmeric Jan 18 Mar 15 Mar 22 Nov 22 – Dec 6 240–300
Turnip Feb 22 Apr 5 – May 10 40–60
Watercress Feb 1 Feb 22 Mar 8 Apr 19 – May 24 40–60
Watermelon Feb 8 Mar 15 Mar 22 May 31 – Jul 19 70–100
Wax Beans Mar 15 May 10 – Jul 5 50–65
Winter Melon Jan 18 Mar 15 Mar 22 Jun 21 – Aug 9 90–120
Yard Long Beans Jan 18 Mar 15 Mar 22 May 17 – Jun 28 55–80
Zucchini Feb 8 Mar 15 Mar 22 May 10 – Jul 5 45–60

Fruits for Zone 8a

Plant Start Indoors Direct Sow Transplant Harvest Days to Maturity
Alpine Strawberries Mar 29 Jun 28 – Oct 11 90–180
Aronia Mar 29 730–1095
Blackberries Mar 29 365–730
Blueberries Mar 29 730–1095
Boysenberries Mar 29 365–730
Cantaloupe Mar 29 Jun 7 – Jul 12 70–90
Che Fruit Mar 29 1095–1825
Elderberries Mar 29 730–1095
Figs Mar 29 730–1825
Goji Berries Mar 29 730–1095
Gooseberries Mar 29 730–1095
Grapes Mar 29 730–1095
Ground Cherry Mar 29 Jun 7 – Aug 2 65–80
Hardy Kiwi Mar 29 1095–1825
Honeydew Mar 29 Jun 21 – Aug 2 80–110
Jostaberry Mar 29 730–1095
Kiwi Mar 29 1095–1825
Loquat Mar 29 730–1825
Medlar Mar 29 1095–1825
Mulberries Mar 29 730–1825
Pawpaw Mar 29 1095–2555
Persimmon Mar 29 1095–2555
Pomegranate Mar 29 730–1095
Quince Mar 29 1095–1825
Raspberries Mar 29 365–730
Serviceberries Mar 29 730–1095
Strawberries Mar 29 Jun 28 – Dec 13 90–365

Herbs for Zone 8a

Plant Start Indoors Direct Sow Transplant Harvest Days to Maturity
Angelica Feb 1 Feb 22 Mar 1 365–730
Anise Feb 1 Feb 22 Mar 1 May 31 – Aug 16 90–120
Basil Jan 18 Mar 15 Mar 22 May 17 – Jul 19 50–75
Bee Balm Mar 15 Jun 14 – Aug 30 90–120
Borage Feb 1 Feb 22 Mar 1 Apr 26 – Jun 14 50–60
Caraway Feb 1 Feb 22 Mar 1 365–450
Catnip Mar 15 May 17 – Jul 19 60–80
Chamomile Feb 1 Feb 22 Mar 1 May 3 – Jul 12 60–90
Chervil Feb 1 Feb 22 Mar 1 Apr 12 – Jun 14 40–60
Chives Mar 15 May 17 – Jul 26 60–90
Cilantro Feb 1 Feb 22 Mar 1 Apr 12 – Jun 14 40–60
Comfrey Mar 15 May 17 – Jul 26 60–90
Cumin Feb 1 Feb 22 Mar 1 Jun 14 – Aug 16 100–120
Dill Feb 1 Feb 22 Mar 1 Apr 12 – Jun 14 40–60
Epazote Jan 18 Mar 15 Mar 22 May 10 – Jul 5 45–60
Fennel (herb) Feb 1 Feb 22 Mar 1 May 3 – Jul 12 60–90
Feverfew Mar 15 Jun 14 – Aug 30 90–120
Garlic Chives Mar 15 May 17 – Jul 26 60–90
Horehound Mar 15 May 31 – Jul 26 75–90
Hyssop Mar 15 May 24 – Jul 26 70–90
Lemon Balm Mar 15 May 17 – Jul 5 60–70
Lemon Thyme Mar 15 May 24 – Jul 26 70–90
Lemon Verbena Jan 18 Mar 15 Mar 22 May 24 – Aug 2 60–90
Lemongrass Jan 18 Mar 15 Mar 22 Jun 7 – Sep 6 75–120
Lovage Mar 15 May 24 – Jul 26 70–90
Marjoram Mar 15 May 17 – Jul 26 60–90
Mint Mar 15 May 17 – Jul 26 60–90
Oregano Mar 15 May 17 – Jul 26 60–90
Parsley Feb 1 Feb 22 Mar 1 May 3 – Jul 5 60–80
Rosemary Mar 15 Jun 7 – Oct 25 80–180
Rue Mar 15 May 24 – Jul 26 70–90
Sage Mar 15 May 31 – Jul 26 75–90
Savory Mar 15 May 10 – Jul 5 50–70
Sorrel Feb 1 Feb 22 Mar 1 Apr 12 – Jun 14 40–60
Stevia Jan 18 Mar 15 Mar 22 May 24 – Aug 2 60–90
Tarragon Mar 15 May 17 – Jul 26 60–90
Thai Basil Jan 18 Mar 15 Mar 22 May 17 – Jul 19 50–75
Thyme Mar 15 May 24 – Jul 26 70–90
Valerian Mar 15 Jul 19 – Oct 25 120–180

Flowers for Zone 8a

Plant Start Indoors Direct Sow Transplant Harvest Days to Maturity
Ageratum Jan 25 Mar 1 Mar 1 Apr 26 – Sep 13 60–75
Alliums Nov 11 – Dec 2 28–42
Anemones Oct 7 – Nov 4 90–120
Astilbe Jan 11 Mar 8 May 17 – Jul 5 70–100
Bachelor's Button Jan 25 Feb 22 Apr 26 – Aug 9 60–90
Begonias Dec 28 Mar 1 May 10 – Sep 27 70–90
Black-eyed Susan Jan 11 Mar 1 Mar 8 May 17 – Oct 4 60–80
Bleeding Hearts Jan 11 Mar 8 Apr 26 – May 24 60–90
Calendula Jan 25 Feb 22 Apr 12 – Aug 23 50–70
California Poppy Dec 2 – Mar 10 60–90
Celosia Feb 8 Mar 1 Mar 1 May 3 – Sep 27 60–90
Columbine Jan 11 Mar 8 Mar 8 Apr 26 – May 24 70–100
Coreopsis Jan 11 Mar 1 Mar 8 May 10 – Oct 4 60–80
Cosmos Feb 8 Feb 22 Feb 22 May 3 – Sep 20 60–90
Crocus Sep 23 – Oct 14 10–20
Daffodils Sep 23 – Oct 21 20–40
Dahlias Feb 15 Mar 8 Mar 8 May 17 – Oct 18 70–120
Daylily Jan 11 Mar 8 May 17 – Oct 4 60–90
Dianthus Jan 11 Jan 25 Feb 1 Mar 22 – Jun 7 60–80
Echinacea (Purple Coneflower) Jan 11 Mar 8 Mar 8 May 17 – Oct 4 70–90
Foxglove Jan 11 Mar 8 Mar 8 Apr 26 – May 24 80–120
Freesia Nov 4 – Dec 2 84–112
Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) Jan 18 Mar 1 Mar 1 May 10 – Oct 25 70–100
Geraniums Dec 28 Mar 1 May 10 – Sep 27 70–100
Gladiolus Mar 8 Mar 8 May 17 – Oct 18 70–100
Hostas Jan 4 Mar 8 May 17 – Sep 20 60–90
Hyacinths Oct 14 – Nov 4 14–28
Hydrangeas Jan 4 Mar 8 May 17 – Sep 20 90–150
Impatiens Jan 11 Mar 8 May 17 – Oct 4 60–75
Irises Mar 8 Apr 26 – May 31 60–100
Larkspur Feb 8 Apr 19 – Jul 26 60–90
Lavender Jan 4 Mar 15 May 24 – Aug 30 90–120
Lilies Mar 8 May 17 – Sep 6 70–120
Lobelia Jan 11 Feb 1 Mar 29 – May 24 70–80
Lupine Jan 11 Mar 8 Mar 8 Apr 26 – May 24 75–100
Marigolds Jan 25 Mar 1 Mar 1 Apr 26 – Aug 30 50–70
Nasturtium Feb 8 Mar 1 Mar 1 Apr 26 – Sep 27 55–65
Pansy Dec 28 Feb 22 Apr 19 – Jul 26 70–90
Peonies Mar 8 May 3 – May 31 90–120
Petunia Jan 11 Mar 8 May 17 – Sep 20 70–90
Phlox Jan 11 Mar 8 Mar 8 May 17 – Jul 26 80–110
Portulaca Feb 8 Mar 1 Mar 1 Apr 19 – Sep 13 50–70
Ranunculus Oct 7 – Nov 11 90–120
Roses Jan 4 Mar 8 May 17 – Oct 4 90–180
Salvia Jan 11 Mar 1 May 10 – Sep 27 70–90
Sedum (Stonecrop) Jan 11 Mar 8 Jun 28 – Sep 20 60–90
Snapdragon Dec 28 Feb 1 Feb 22 May 3 – Aug 23 70–100
Sunflower Feb 15 Mar 1 Mar 1 May 24 – Sep 27 70–100
Sweet Alyssum Jan 25 Feb 1 Feb 22 Apr 5 – Jul 26 45–60
Sweet Pea Nov 25 – Feb 17 65–85
Tulips Oct 7 – Nov 4 15–30
Vinca (Annual) Dec 28 Mar 1 May 10 – Sep 27 70–90
Yarrow Jan 11 Mar 1 Mar 8 May 10 – Oct 4 60–90
Zinnia Feb 8 Mar 1 Mar 1 May 10 – Sep 27 60–70
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Recommended for Your Garden

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Seed Starting Trays $8-20

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Soil Test Kit $12-25

Test your soil pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels before planting.

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Hand Trowel $8-18

Essential garden hand trowel for planting, transplanting, and weeding.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I grow in Zone 8a?

Zone 8a supports 234 plants in our database including vegetables, herbs, fruits, and flowers. With a 255-day growing season (last frost ~March 8, first frost ~November 18), you can grow most common garden crops with proper timing.

What is Zone 8a?

USDA Zone 8a has an average annual minimum temperature of 10°F to 15°F.

When is the last frost in Zone 8a?

The average last spring frost in Zone 8a is approximately March 8. The first fall frost averages around November 18, giving a growing season of about 255 days. These dates are based on 50% probability — plan for some year-to-year variation.

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Composting Guide for Homesteaders

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals, University Cooperative Extension planting guides. Planting dates are estimates based on average frost dates — local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

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Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.