What to Plant Now

Fall is one of the best planting seasons in Alabama. Cooler nights and warm soil give roots a head start before winter.

USDA Zone 8aAvg. first frost: Nov 5–15Updated: Sept 2026

Plant Now

Late September – October

Kale

Vegetable
Plant
Transplant Sept – Oct
Harvest
55–65 days

A light frost sweetens the leaves. Pick the outer leaves first.

Collards

Vegetable
Plant
Transplant Sept – Oct
Harvest
60–75 days

A Southern staple that holds through most of the winter.

Lettuce

Vegetable
Plant
Sow or transplant Sept – Oct
Harvest
45–60 days

Cover plants when nights drop below 28°F.

Spinach

Vegetable
Plant
Sow Sept – Oct
Harvest
40–50 days

Sow a new row every 2 weeks for a steady supply.

Radishes

Vegetable
Plant
Sow Sept – Oct
Harvest
25–30 days

The fastest crop in the fall garden.

Turnips

Vegetable
Plant
Sow Sept – Oct
Harvest
40–60 days

Harvest the greens and the roots.

Cilantro & Parsley

Herb
Plant
Sow Sept – Oct
Harvest
45–70 days

Cilantro bolts in summer heat, so fall is its best season here.

Strawberries

Fruit
Plant
October
Harvest
April – May

Fall planting sets you up for a spring crop.

Pansies & Violas

Flower
Plant
Oct – Nov
Bloom
Fall through spring

Plant once nights cool off. They bloom right through winter.

Snapdragons

Flower
Plant
October
Bloom
Fall, then again in spring

Pinch young plants for bushier stems.

Coming Up

November

Garlic

Vegetable
Plant
Mid-Oct – Nov
Harvest
Late May – June

Plant cloves pointy side up, about 2 inches deep.

Onion Sets

Vegetable
Plant
November
Harvest
Green onions in 4–6 weeks

For bulbing onions, set out short-day transplants in Jan – Feb.

Daffodils

Bulb
Plant
November
Bloom
Feb – March

Deer and squirrels leave them alone.

Tulips

Bulb
Plant
Late Nov – Dec
Bloom
March – April

Zone 8a winters are mild, so chill bulbs in the fridge for 6–8 weeks first. Keep them away from fruit.

Blueberries

Fruit
Plant
Nov – Feb
Harvest
Starts in 2–3 years

Plant two varieties for better pollination.

Trees & Shrubs

Landscape
Plant
Nov – Feb
Why now
Roots settle in before summer

Dormant-season planting means less watering and less transplant stress.

Dates are general guides for USDA zone 8a. Weather changes year to year, so check your 10-day forecast before planting.

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