USDA Hardiness Zone 8A encompasses much of the Southeast — including Georgia, coastal South Carolina, Alabama, Mississippi, and parts of Texas — with average annual minimum temperatures between 10°F and 15°F. The growing season averages 235 frost-free days, from a last spring frost around Mar 20 to a first fall frost near Nov 10. Zone 8A is a warm zone with mild winters suitable for near-year-round gardening. Summer heat requires careful timing — many cool-season crops perform best as fall and winter plantings rather than spring ones. For a personalized forecast based on your specific zip code, use our free planting calendar. Browse individual plant guides for detailed growing instructions, or explore how USDA zones work to better understand your growing conditions.