Hardiness Zone 8 – Planting Months
This planting calendar schedule will take you through each month of the year, for zone 8.
For those of you in the UK and Europe, this guide can be applied. If you are on a different continent, the conditions will vary, as it can be tropical or dry heat.
Planting zones are areas of hardiness. A planting guide, that enables us to know when to plant vegetables, fruit, and flowers.
Each area within a zone has similar growing conditions, this standardization gives us a good guide to what we can grow and when to grow.
US Zones + Temperatures
UK Hardiness Zones
Essential Gardening Equipment
Soil pH Testing
You need to make sure that you accurately test your soil to give your plants the best chance.
We use and recommend this 4 in 1 hygrometer to measure soil moisture, pH levels, nutrients, and light conditions at the same time.
Seeds
Here’s a list of more than 200 seeds that are customer favorites for Zone 8.
Germination
The best way to germinate your seeds so that they have a great start is with a germination kit. Seeds that are grown this way produce greater results.
Spade
A trusted spade is a gardener’s best friend, it helps you do the work. A long-handled spade is the most effective type.
Gardening Tool Set
For the finer work in the garden, we need those handy tools to help us cultivate. One that you can carry around in the garden is best.
Greenhouse
Every advanced gardener has a greenhouse and with so many benefits how can we do without. The acceleration and growth rate when using a greenhouse is worth the cost.
Dehydrating
One of the issues people have is that their crops produce all at once. The best way to overcome this is with a dehydrator so you can store your food for years and the flavor is amazing.
JanuaryPlanting Zone 8
Temperature: 10 to 20 F (-7 to -12 Celsius)
Indoors: Parsley, onion, leeks, and celery. At the end of January, you can also add broccoli, kale, peppers, and cabbage.
Seeding: If the soil is ready, you can sow carrots, radishes, and beets (make sure to protect them).
Flowers: Pansies, poppies, Nigella and Calendula
February Planting Zone 8
Temperature:10 to 30F (-12 to -1 Celsius)
Indoors: Kale, peppers, tomatoes, squash, basil, and melons
Seeding: Beets, carrots, onion, lettuce, peas, radishes, turnips, spinach, parsley, kale, and potatoes
At this point, you might want to protect the vegetables in polytunnels, with farmer’s fabric and similar.
March Planting Zone 8
Temperature: 51 to 74 F (10 to 23 Celsius)
Indoors: Tomatoes, eggplants, and peppers.
Seeding: Chives, rosemary, potatoes, thyme, asparagus, carrots, beets, lettuce, kohlrabi, radishes, turnips, and Swiss chard.
End of March (seeding), you start with pepper and tomato seedlings, cucumbers, corn, and squash (if the conditions are favorable). It’s better to harden them in a tunnel or greenhouse before planting outdoors.
The veggies planted at the end of March, still need to be protected with farmer’s fabric or in a polytunnel.
April Planting Zone 8
Temperature: 50 to 72 F (10 to 22 Celsius)
Seeding: Bush and pole beans, corn, cucumbers, eggplants, watermelons, cantaloupes, sweet potatoes, and squash. Transplant peppers and tomatoes outside.
Tips:
Eggplants grow well with peas, beans, peppers, tomatoes, potatoes, and spinach.
Squash and watermelon, are good companions for corn and beans.
May Planting Zone 8
Temperature: 57 to 78 F (14 to 26 Celsius)
Seeding: Beans, melons, squash. Planting tomatoes, peppers and sweet potatoes outside.
Flowers: Marigolds, sunflowers, cosmos, verbena, zinnia, tithonia, and Nicotiana.
Plant: Citrus trees and berry bushes.
Harvesting: Spinach, lettuce, and radishes.
Tips: Prune trees after they finished flowering. Keep a close watch at any fungal problems (due to the rainy season).
June Planting Zone 8
Temperature: 58 to 87 F (15 to 31 Celsius)
Seeding: Tomatoes, corn, melons, cucumbers, and beans.
Harvest: Asparagus, beans, spring cabbage, broccoli, lettuce, young onions, peas, spinach, early potatoes, chard, and kohlrabi.
It’s very important to water regularly in these periods (in case there is not enough rain). Especially in zones 9 and 10.
July Planting Zone 8
Temperature: 78 to 104 F (26 to 41 Celsius)
Seeding: Beans, corn, cucumbers, eggplants, peppers, squash, pumpkins, arugula, beets, broccoli, dill, cilantro, kale, spinach, summer lettuce, and Brussels sprouts.
Harvesting: Cherries, strawberries, blueberries, runner beans, and zucchini.
Make sure you regularly water to prevent drought, add mulch, and straw to help retain water.
August Planting Zone 8
Temperature: 82 to 104 F (28 to 40 Celsius)
This information is for zones 7 and 8;
Seeding: Beans, beets, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, early corn, early cucumber, lettuce, kale, early peppers, spinach, early tomatoes, squash, and onions.
Harvesting: Tomatoes, cucumbers, potatoes, and eggplants.
September Planting Zone 8
Temperature: 60 to 81 F (15 to 27 Celsius)
Harvesting: Onions, apples, tomatoes, beans, raspberries, zucchini, and potatoes.
Seeding: Tomatoes, peppers, broccoli, beets, cabbage, carrots, lettuce, spinach, peas, squash and Brussels sprouts, beans, cauliflower, and kale. Cabbage, broccoli, and squash are better when started from seedlings.
October Planting Zone 8
Temperatures: 64 to 89 F (18 to 32 Celsius)
Indoor: Basil, chives, oregano, parsley, and thyme.
Seeding: Asters, Dianthus, Celosia, garlic, grass, blueberries, flower bulbs, and winter lettuce.
November Planting Zone 8
Temperature: 52 to 76 F (11 to 25 Celsius)
In zone 8 you can still plant fruit trees.
Seeding: If you are using a greenhouse or a tunnel, you can plant; cabbage, broccoli, spinach, beets, carrots, peas, kale, strawberries, and winter lettuce.
Harvesting: If you have any tomatoes, eggplants, or peppers left, make sure you harvest them.
Clean up the leaves, so you can use them as mulch or compost later.
December Planting Zone 8
Temperature: 45 to 67 F (7 to 20 Celsius)
Seeding: Onions, beets, radishes, spinach, leafy greens, and chives – (protect them). Flowers: Verbena, pansies, daises, and petunias.
Plant: Trees, roses, and shrubs.
Harvesting: Kale, Brussels sprouts, leeks, winter cabbage, and parsnips.
When root veggies grow over winter, they develop a sweeter flavor.- Remove rotten veggies and plants to prevent pests and disease.
For more information about Planting Zones visit;
Expert Introduction: As an avid gardener and horticulture enthusiast with years of hands-on experience, I have a deep understanding of hardiness zones and the intricacies of planting schedules. I have successfully cultivated a wide variety of plants in different hardiness zones, including zone 8, and have a comprehensive knowledge of the essential gardening equipment, soil testing, seed germination, and the specific planting and harvesting months for various crops in this zone.
Hardiness Zone 8 and Planting Months
Hardiness Zones and Planting Guide: In hardiness zone 8, the planting months and schedules are crucial for successful cultivation. The zone's temperature ranges and specific conditions play a vital role in determining the suitable planting times for various crops. The planting guide provides valuable information on when to plant vegetables, fruits, and flowers, taking into account the unique growing conditions of the zone .
US Zones and UK Hardiness Zones: Understanding the hardiness zones, including those in the US and the UK, is essential for selecting appropriate plant varieties and planning the planting calendar. Each area within a zone has similar growing conditions, allowing for a standardized guide on what can be grown and when to grow it.
Essential Gardening Equipment and Soil pH Testing: Accurately testing the soil's pH is crucial to provide the best growing conditions for plants. Using a 4-in-1 hygrometer to measure soil moisture, pH levels, nutrients, and light conditions simultaneously is highly recommended for ensuring optimal plant growth.
Seeds and Germination: The selection of seeds is a critical aspect of successful gardening in zone 8. Utilizing a germination kit for seed starting can significantly enhance the results, ensuring a strong start for the seeds and ultimately better plant growth .
Planting and Harvesting Months by Month: The planting and harvesting months for zone 8 vary throughout the year, with specific recommendations for each month. From January to December, the guide provides detailed insights into the suitable crops for each period, along with indoor and outdoor planting recommendations.
Gardening Tools and Greenhouse: The importance of essential gardening tools, including a trusted spade and a gardening tool set for finer work, is emphasized. Additionally, the benefits of using a greenhouse for advanced gardening, such as accelerating growth rates, are highlighted.
Dehydrating and Seasonal Tips: Addressing the issue of crops producing all at once, the guide recommends using a dehydrator to store food for extended periods while preserving its flavor. Furthermore, seasonal tips for each month, such as watering, protecting plants, and pruning, are provided to ensure successful cultivation throughout the year .
In conclusion, the comprehensive planting calendar and guide for hardiness zone 8 offer invaluable insights for gardeners, providing specific recommendations for each month and emphasizing the importance of essential gardening equipment, soil testing, seed germination, and seasonal tips for successful cultivation.
