I recently published two articles showing the best vegetables to plant in zone 5 and zone 7. Today I’m going to continue this series of articles and show you some vegetables that you can (and should!) grow in zone 8!
As incredible as it may seem, there is still time to grow several delicious vegetables in zone 8! All you need to do is get your hands dirty and start browsing our list.
As a farmer (I’m not a professional, but I’ll get there!), I don’t like to let any opportunity pass me by, so I recommend that you don’t do that either.
So, don’t waste any more time!!! Start seeing the vegetables you still have time to grow now!
Zone 8: Fall Vegetables You Can Plant This Season
7 – Fennel
I love Fennel soup… I love it, I love it! So, I decided to start with this suggestion!
Fennel is primarily known for its aromatic bulbs that are often used in soups to enhance the flavor and smell. It can also be eaten on its own or used as a garnish for bigger dishes.
Fennel seeds can be sown directly into the ground around late summer and the bulbs can be harvested when they reach the size of an average tennis ball. The vegetable prefers nutrient-dense soil for the best growth, so don’t be hesitant to add compost when needed.
6 – Garlic
I think EVERYONE likes growing garlic! In fact, every time I post something on Facebook about growing garlic, people start interacting right away!
Garlic can be grown using cloves provided they’re given enough space in the soil and watered regularly. Since Zone 8 fall can be a little frosty, use mulch to protect your garlic from frost.
Harvest when the lower leaves start to turn brown but the top few leaves are still green and vibrant.
5 – Winter Squash
Winter squash varieties like butternut and acorn are perfect for fall harvesting in Zone 8. They have a mildly sweet and nutty flavor almost like a mix between sweet potato and pumpkin.
Pick your favorite winter squash variety, start seeds indoors, and transplant the seedlings to the garden early in summer.
It may be a good idea to water frequently since squashes thrive in consistently moist soil. When the outer skin develops full color and appears tough, it’s time to harvest.
4 – Sorrel
Sorrel is an excellent source of fiber and important vitamins. It has a tangy acidic flavor that can be a great addition to your stews and healthy smoothies.
Sow sorrel seeds in the ground somewhere around early fall and provide them with consistent moisture for optimal growth. Because sorrel is frost tolerant, it can handle Zone 8 cool very well.
3 – Mizuna
Mizuna is a Japanese mustard green that has quite an intense, peppery flavor. It’s frost-tolerant and ideal for Zone 8 planting.
You can sow mizuna seeds in the garden in late summer and harvest the young, tender leaves throughout fall.
2 – Horseradish
Horseradishes have a very spicy and pungent flavor. They thrive in cooler environments and the temperature conditions of Zone 8 can support horseradish growth really well.
The vegetable is rather resilient and can handle frost.
You can grow horseradish from root cuttings by planting them directly in the ground around late summer.
The harvesting period is in mid to late fall.
1 – Celery Root
Celery root, also known as celeriac, is the bulb of a celery plant. It has a distinct sharp flavor that’s not similar to celery in any way.
It’s generally a good idea to start celeriac seeds indoors and transplant seedlings outdoors when they’ve grown a little. Late summer planting is ideal because its flavor can improve throughout the cooler transition period.
Harvest when they are about 3-5 inches in diameter.
Final Words
If you don’t like to read, just watch this amazing video!
Many people consider gardening in a certain USDA Hardiness Zone to be a challenge or some kind of limitation.
But, if you look at it with positive eyes, embracing fall planting in Zone 8 is truly an opportunity to grow the best fall vegetables you can as they would benefit from the longer growing season and milder winters.
