Zone 8a Planting Schedule
Action Plan: October in Zone 8a
Expert Note
In October, keep soil evenly moist but avoid waterlogged beds as nights cool. Watch for late-season pests like aphids and caterpillars, and remove diseased leaves promptly. Use row cover on cold nights to protect tender plants.
The Harvest
Harvest Carolina Reaper and Kettle River Giant as fruits fully color and firm up; taste-test a few for heat and maturity. Nootka Rose can be collected when hips are fully developed—use them promptly or store in a cool, dry place.
Planting Schedule
Add crops from the list below to build your planting schedule.| Crop | Indoor Start | Transplant / Sow | Harvest Window | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cynara scolymus 'Italian' | Dec 24th | Apr 1st | Aug 29th – Nov 5th | |
| Artichoke | Jan 7th | Mar 18th | Aug 15th – Nov 5th | |
| Giant Red Celery | Jan 7th | May 13th | Aug 11th – Nov 5th | |
| Green Sleeves | Jan 7th | May 13th | Aug 11th – Nov 5th | |
| Gros Vert de Laon | Jan 7th | Mar 25th | Jun 23rd – Nov 5th | |
| Kojak | Jan 7th | Mar 18th | Jul 16th – Nov 5th | |
| Verina | Jan 7th | Feb 18th | May 29th – Nov 5th | |
| African Sunset | Jan 21st | Apr 1st | Jun 30th – Nov 5th | |
| Alabaster | Jan 21st | Mar 25th | Jul 23rd – Nov 5th | |
| Albin | Jan 21st | Mar 25th | Jul 23rd – Nov 5th | |
| Amsterdam | Jan 21st | Mar 25th | Jun 18th – Nov 5th | |
| Amsterdam Cutting | Jan 21st | Apr 1st | Jun 10th – Nov 5th | |
| Amsterdam Seasoning | Jan 21st | Mar 25th | Jun 3rd – Nov 5th | |
| Apollo | Jan 21st | Mar 25th | Jul 23rd – Nov 5th | |
| Artichaut de Nice | Jan 21st | Mar 25th | Jul 23rd – Nov 5th | |
| Artichoke de Marseille | Jan 21st | May 13th | Aug 11th – Nov 5th | |
| Atlas Angel | Jan 21st | Mar 25th | Jun 3rd – Nov 5th | |
| Baby Artichoke | Jan 21st | Mar 25th | Jun 18th – Nov 5th | |
| Balder | Jan 21st | Apr 1st | Jul 15th – Nov 5th | |
| Bandit | Jan 21st | Mar 25th | Jul 23rd – Nov 5th | |
| Beijing White | Jan 21st | Mar 25th | Jun 13th – Nov 5th | |
| Bing Select | Jan 21st | Mar 18th | May 27th – Nov 5th | |
| Blue Solaise | Jan 21st | Mar 25th | Jul 13th – Nov 5th | |
| Bordeaux | Jan 21st | Apr 1st | Jun 15th – Nov 5th | |
| Bullseye Salmon | Jan 21st | Mar 25th | Jun 3rd – Nov 5th | |
| Cabernet | Jan 21st | Mar 25th | Jul 13th – Nov 5th | |
| Carmen F1 | Jan 21st | Mar 25th | Jul 8th – Nov 5th | |
| Cascade Blue | Jan 21st | Apr 1st | Jun 10th – Nov 5th | |
| Catanese | Jan 21st | May 27th | Sep 24th – Nov 5th | |
| Celebration | Jan 21st | Mar 18th | Jun 6th – Nov 5th |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the frost dates for Zone Zone 8a?
In Zone Zone 8a, the average last spring frost is Apr 1st and the average first fall frost is Nov 5th.
When is the best time to start seeds indoors in Zone Zone 8a?
The best time to start most seeds indoors is 6 to 8 weeks before your last spring frost date of Apr 1st.
How long is the growing season in Zone Zone 8a?
Zone Zone 8a has a growing season of approximately 218 days.