USDA Plant Hardiness Zone

8b: Radiant Fields

Fields bathed in sunlight, ideal for growing a wide array of crops and flowers.

Unlock the potential of USDA Zone 8b with expert tips on plant selection, cultivation techniques, and maximizing yields in this distinct climate.

Zone 8b Statistics

Zone 8b is conducive to growing a wide array of crops, including subtropical fruits such as oranges and avocados, alongside a vast selection of vegetables and ornamental plants.

First Frost Date
Late December
Last Frost Date
Late February
Growing Season Days
230
Average Annual Rainfall
47 inches
Average Summer Temperature
97°F
Average Winter Temperature
45°F
Zone Min Temperature
20°F to 25°F
Annual Sunshine Hours
2250

Recommended Crops

Tomato

Everything You Need to Know About Tomatoes: Growing, Cooking, and Enjoying

Discover the joy of growing tomatoes with our guide. Learn about planting, care, and three popular ways to enjoy tomatoes fresh from the garden.

  • Hardiness Zones: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
  • Companion Plants: basil, marigold, carrot

Basil

Grow Lush Basil Easily: Tips for Planting, Care, and Culinary Use

Basil, the king of herbs, is easy to grow with our comprehensive guide. Learn how to plant, care for, and use basil in your kitchen for delicious dishes.

  • Hardiness Zones: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
  • Companion Plants: tomato, pepper

Marigold

Marigold Magic: Enhance Your Garden with Vibrant Color and Pest Control

Not just pretty faces, marigolds help repel pests and improve tomato health. Discover how to grow marigolds alongside your veggies for a thriving garden.

  • Hardiness Zones: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11
  • Companion Plants: tomato, cucumber, pepper

Carrot

Crisp and Sweet Carrots: Ultimate Guide to Growing Your Own

Master the art of growing carrots with our expert guide. Learn everything from seed selection to harvest to enjoy fresh, sweet carrots from your garden.

  • Hardiness Zones: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
  • Companion Plants: tomato, lettuce, radish

Lettuce

Grow Crunchy Lettuce All Year Round: Your Complete Guide

Lettuce is a garden staple, and our guide makes it easy to grow. From butterhead to romaine, discover tips for planting, care, and continuous harvest.

  • Hardiness Zones: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
  • Companion Plants: carrot, strawberry, cucumber

Cucumber

Fresh and Crisp Cucumbers: Easy Steps to Grow at Home

Enjoy refreshing cucumbers from your own garden with our growing guide. Perfect for beginners, learn how to plant, care for, and harvest cucumbers.

  • Hardiness Zones: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
  • Companion Plants: marigold, lettuce, sunflower

Strawberry

Juicy Strawberries Awaiting in Your Garden: Grow Them Easily

Strawberries are a delight to grow, and our guide covers all you need to know. From planting to picking, learn how to have a bountiful strawberry harvest.

  • Hardiness Zones: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
  • Companion Plants: lettuce, spinach, borage

Pepper

Spice Up Your Garden: Pepper Growing Tips for Every Gardener

From sweet to spicy, peppers are a must-have in the garden. Learn the secrets to growing a wide variety of peppers, from bell to jalapeño, with ease.

  • Hardiness Zones: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
  • Companion Plants: basil, onion, spinach

Spinach

Grow Lush Spinach Even in Small Spaces: A Comprehensive Guide

Spinach is easy to grow and perfect for health-conscious gardeners. Our guide shows you how to cultivate this leafy green for a continuous supply.

  • Hardiness Zones: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
  • Companion Plants: strawberry, fava bean, pepper

Radish

Quick and Easy Radishes: From Seed to Harvest in 30 Days

Radishes are one of the quickest growing vegetables. Learn how to plant, care for, and harvest radishes to add a crisp, peppery flavor to your meals.

  • Hardiness Zones: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
  • Companion Plants: carrot, lettuce, peas

Peas

Sweet Peas: The Secret to Growing Plump, Juicy Pods

Whether you love snap, snow, or shell peas, our guide will help you grow a plentiful harvest. Discover tips for planting, care, and picking your peas.

  • Hardiness Zones: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
  • Companion Plants: carrot, radish, cucumber

Onion

Robust Onions: Grow Your Own for Cooking and Storage

Onions are a garden staple with a variety of uses in the kitchen. Our guide will show you how to grow, care for, and harvest onions for year-round use.

  • Hardiness Zones: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
  • Companion Plants: pepper, carrot, lettuce

Borage

Borage: The Starflower with Edible and Medicinal Benefits

Borage, with its striking blue flowers, is not only beautiful but also beneficial for the garden. Learn how to grow borage for its edible flowers and leaves.

  • Hardiness Zones: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
  • Companion Plants: strawberry, tomato, spinach

Fava Bean

Fava Beans: A Guide to Growing This Nutritious Cool-Season Crop

Fava beans are not only delicious but also enrich the soil with nitrogen. Discover how to grow fava beans and enjoy their benefits in your garden.

  • Hardiness Zones: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
  • Companion Plants: spinach, dill, strawberry

Dill

Dill: An Herb That Elevates Dishes and Supports Your Garden

Dill is not just for pickles! Learn how to grow dill in your garden for culinary uses and its benefits as a companion plant to attract beneficial insects.

  • Hardiness Zones: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
  • Companion Plants: cabbage, onion, fava bean

Sunflower

Sunflowers: Towering Beauties of the Garden

Learn how to grow sunflowers, the giants of the garden. Our guide covers everything from seed selection to care, ensuring a spectacular display.

  • Hardiness Zones: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
  • Companion Plants: cucumber, lettuce, peas

Cabbage

Cabbage: A Staple for the Winter Garden

Cabbage is versatile and hearty. Discover how to grow, care for, and harvest cabbage, making it a staple in your garden and kitchen.

  • Hardiness Zones: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
  • Companion Plants: dill, onion, marigold

Beet

Beets: Growing Your Own for Health and Flavor

Beets are not only nutritious but also versatile in the kitchen. Our guide will help you grow beets easily, with tips on care, harvesting, and storage.

  • Hardiness Zones: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
  • Companion Plants: onion, lettuce, cabbage

Garlic

Garlic: The Essential Guide to Growing Your Own

Garlic is a kitchen staple with many health benefits. Learn how to grow garlic in your garden with our easy-to-follow guide.

  • Hardiness Zones: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
  • Companion Plants: tomato, beet, strawberry

Zucchini

Zucchini: A Prolific Summer Squash

Zucchini is easy to grow and yields a bountiful harvest. Discover the secrets to successful zucchini planting, care, and harvesting.

  • Hardiness Zones: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
  • Companion Plants: peas, bean, garlic

Bean

Beans: From Planting to Plate

Beans are a garden favorite, providing a rich source of protein. Learn how to grow beans, with tips on planting, care, and harvesting.

  • Hardiness Zones: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
  • Companion Plants: corn, strawberry, cucumber

Corn

Corn: Grow Your Own Sweet Summer Treat

Corn is a staple of summer gardens. Our comprehensive guide shows you how to grow corn, from planting seeds to harvesting your sweet cobs.

  • Hardiness Zones: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
  • Companion Plants: bean, peas, cucumber

Potato

Potatoes: The Ultimate Guide to Growing Your Own

Potatoes are a garden classic. Learn how to grow your own potatoes with our step-by-step guide, from planting to harvest.

  • Hardiness Zones: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
  • Companion Plants: marigold, cabbage, corn

Pumpkin

Pumpkin Growing Secrets for a Bountiful Harvest

Pumpkins are not just for Halloween; they're a versatile garden vegetable. Learn how to grow pumpkins successfully, with tips on care and varieties.

  • Hardiness Zones: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
  • Companion Plants: corn, marigold, bean

Squash

Squash: A Versatile Garden Favorite

Learn to grow squash in your garden, from zucchini to winter varieties, with our expert tips on planting, care, and harvesting.

  • Hardiness Zones: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
  • Companion Plants: corn, beans, marigold

Kale

Kale: The Superfood You Can Grow at Home

Kale is a nutrient-packed green that's as easy to grow as it is to enjoy. Discover the secrets to growing kale at home, from soil prep to harvest.

  • Hardiness Zones: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
  • Companion Plants: beet, onion, marigold

Broccoli

Broccoli: Grow Your Own Superfood

Broccoli is a cool-weather crop that's both delicious and nutritious. Learn everything you need to grow broccoli successfully in your garden.

  • Hardiness Zones: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
  • Companion Plants: dill, celery, potato

Celery

Celery: Crunchy, Fresh, and Full of Flavor

Growing celery at home is easier than you think. Our guide covers all you need to know from planting seeds to harvesting crisp stalks.

  • Hardiness Zones: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
  • Companion Plants: leek, tomato, cauliflower

Cauliflower

Cauliflower: A Guide to Growing This Classic Vegetable

Cauliflower requires a bit more care to grow than its relatives, but the reward is worth it. Learn how to grow, care for, and harvest cauliflower.

  • Hardiness Zones: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
  • Companion Plants: spinach, sage, peas

Leek

Leek: Easy to Grow, Delicious to Eat

Leeks add a subtle, sweet flavor to dishes. Growing them is easy with our comprehensive guide, from planting to harvest.

  • Hardiness Zones: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
  • Companion Plants: celery, onion, carrot

Sage

Sage: A Must-Have Herb for Every Garden

Sage is not just an herb for cooking; it's a beautiful addition to your garden that's easy to grow. Discover tips for planting, care, and harvesting sage.

  • Hardiness Zones: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
  • Companion Plants: rosemary, cabbage, carrot

Rosemary

Rosemary: Fragrant, Flavorful, and Evergreen

Rosemary is a versatile herb that's easy to grow and adds flavor to various dishes. Learn how to plant, care for, and harvest rosemary.

  • Hardiness Zones: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
  • Companion Plants: sage, cabbage, beans

Parsley

Parsley: More Than Just a Garnish

Parsley is a versatile herb that enhances the flavor of many dishes. Our guide will help you grow lush parsley to use in your kitchen.

  • Hardiness Zones: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
  • Companion Plants: tomato, corn, asparagus

Asparagus

Asparagus: A Perennial Vegetable Garden Staple

Asparagus takes patience to grow but offers years of harvests. Learn how to plant, care for, and harvest asparagus with our detailed guide.

  • Hardiness Zones: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
  • Companion Plants: parsley, basil, tomato

Mint

Mint: The Refreshing Herb for Your Garden

Mint is a versatile and easy-to-grow herb that adds a fresh flavor to dishes and drinks. Learn how to plant, care for, and harvest mint in your garden.

  • Hardiness Zones: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
  • Companion Plants: cabbage, tomato, peas

Thyme

Thyme: A Fragrant Herb for Culinary and Ornamental Use

Thyme is a drought-tolerant herb that thrives in sunny locations. Our guide covers everything you need to know about growing thyme, from planting to harvest.

  • Hardiness Zones: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
  • Companion Plants: strawberry, cabbage, rosemary

Oregano

Oregano: A Must-Have Herb in the Kitchen Garden

Oregano is a perennial herb with a robust flavor, perfect for cooking. Discover tips for growing oregano in your garden, ensuring a bountiful harvest.

  • Hardiness Zones: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
  • Companion Plants: pepper, tomato, cabbage

Chive

Chives: Easy to Grow for a Touch of Onion Flavor

Chives are a low-maintenance herb that adds a mild onion flavor to dishes. Learn how to grow chives with our simple guide, from planting to harvesting.

  • Hardiness Zones: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
  • Companion Plants: tomato, carrot, rosemary

Cilantro

Cilantro: Growing Your Own Flavorful Herb

Cilantro, also known as coriander, is a popular herb with fresh, tangy leaves. Our guide will help you grow cilantro successfully, from seed to harvest.

  • Hardiness Zones: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
  • Companion Plants: tomato, peas, lettuce

Sweet Potato

Sweet Potato: A Nutritious and Delicious Crop

Sweet potatoes are a warm-weather crop that's easy to grow. Discover the secrets to planting, caring for, and harvesting sweet potatoes in your garden.

  • Hardiness Zones: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
  • Companion Plants: dill, beet, spinach

Eggplant

Eggplant: Growing the Versatile Aubergine

Eggplant, or aubergine, is a warm-weather vegetable with a rich, complex flavor. Learn how to grow eggplant in your garden, from seed to harvest.

  • Hardiness Zones: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
  • Companion Plants: bean, pepper, thyme

Artichoke

Artichoke: A Perennial Vegetable for Artistic Gardens

Artichokes are not only delicious but also strikingly ornamental. Our guide shows you how to grow artichokes, adding beauty and taste to your garden.

  • Hardiness Zones: 7, 8, 9, 10
  • Companion Plants: tarragon, peas, sunflower

Tarragon

Tarragon: An Essential Herb for Culinary Excellence

Tarragon, with its unique flavor, is a key herb in many cuisines. Discover how to grow tarragon in your garden, enhancing your cooking with its aromatic leaves.

  • Hardiness Zones: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
  • Companion Plants: eggplant, artichoke, peas

Lavender

Lavender: Grow a Fragrance Haven in Your Garden

Lavender, known for its fragrant flowers and medicinal properties, is easy to grow. Our guide will teach you the essentials of cultivating lavender for a serene garden space.

  • Hardiness Zones: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
  • Companion Plants: rose, sage, oregano

Rose

Roses: Cultivating Beauty in Your Garden

Roses offer a stunning variety of colors and fragrances. Learn how to plant, care for, and harvest roses to enhance your garden's beauty and allure.

  • Hardiness Zones: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
  • Companion Plants: lavender, chive, garlic

Blueberry

Blueberries: A Berry Lover's Guide to Growing

Blueberries, rich in antioxidants, thrive in acidic soil. Our comprehensive guide covers everything from soil preparation to harvesting these delicious berries.

  • Hardiness Zones: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
  • Companion Plants: strawberry, thyme, sage

Raspberry

Raspberry: Easy Tips for a Bountiful Harvest

Raspberries offer a rewarding harvest with proper care. Learn how to grow, maintain, and harvest raspberries for a sweet, fruitful bounty.

  • Hardiness Zones: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
  • Companion Plants: garlic, oregano, thyme

Blackberry

Blackberries: Juicy Rewards for Your Garden Efforts

Blackberries, with their robust flavor, are surprisingly easy to grow. This guide will help you cultivate a bountiful blackberry patch.

  • Hardiness Zones: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
  • Companion Plants: rosemary, sage, mint

Watermelon

Watermelon: Grow the Summer's Ultimate Fruit

Watermelon, a summer favorite, requires space and sunshine. Discover the secrets to growing juicy, sweet watermelons in your own backyard.

  • Hardiness Zones: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
  • Companion Plants: corn, radish, marigold

Melon

Melons: From Sweet Cantaloupes to Juicy Honeydews

Growing melons, including cantaloupes and honeydews, is rewarding. Our guide covers the essentials from planting to picking.

  • Hardiness Zones: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
  • Companion Plants: sunflower, lettuce, corn

Fig

Fig Trees: Bountiful Harvests of Sweet Fruits

Figs are ancient fruits with sweet, luscious flavors. Learn how to grow fig trees in your garden for delicious harvests.

  • Hardiness Zones: 7, 8, 9, 10
  • Companion Plants: basil, lavender, rosemary

Cherry Tomato

Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet Snacks from Your Garden

Cherry tomatoes are easy to grow and delicious to eat. Learn how to cultivate cherry tomatoes in your garden for a bountiful harvest.

  • Hardiness Zones: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
  • Companion Plants: basil, marigold, lettuce

Saffron

Saffron: Cultivating the World's Most Expensive Spice

Saffron, derived from the crocus flower, is prized for its flavor and color. Learn the secrets to growing saffron in your own garden.

  • Hardiness Zones: 6, 7, 8, 9
  • Companion Plants: lavender, rose, calendula

Calendula

Calendula: Growing the Golden Medicinal Flower

Calendula, with its bright yellow and orange flowers, has medicinal properties. This guide will help you grow calendula for its beauty and health benefits.

  • Hardiness Zones: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
  • Companion Plants: kale, tomato, saffron

Kiwi

Kiwi: A Guide to Growing Kiwifruit in Your Garden

Kiwifruit vines can add a lush, tropical feel to your garden. Learn how to plant, care for, and harvest kiwi fruit in your own backyard.

  • Hardiness Zones: 7, 8, 9
  • Companion Plants: grape, rosemary, lavender

Grape

Grape Vines: Producing Your Own Wine or Table Grapes

Growing grape vines can be rewarding, offering fruit for eating or wine-making. Follow our guide to successfully cultivate grapes in your garden.

  • Hardiness Zones: 7, 8, 9, 10
  • Companion Plants: kiwi, rose, basil

Cherry Tomato

Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet Snacks from Your Garden

Cherry tomatoes are easy to grow and delicious to eat. Learn how to cultivate cherry tomatoes in your garden for a bountiful harvest.

  • Hardiness Zones: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
  • Companion Plants: basil, marigold, lettuce

Saffron

Saffron: Cultivating the World's Most Expensive Spice

Saffron, derived from the crocus flower, is prized for its flavor and color. Learn the secrets to growing saffron in your own garden.

  • Hardiness Zones: 6, 7, 8, 9
  • Companion Plants: lavender, rose, calendula

Calendula

Calendula: Growing the Golden Medicinal Flower

Calendula, with its bright yellow and orange flowers, has medicinal properties. This guide will help you grow calendula for its beauty and health benefits.

  • Hardiness Zones: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
  • Companion Plants: kale, tomato, saffron

Kiwi

Kiwi: A Guide to Growing Kiwifruit in Your Garden

Kiwifruit vines can add a lush, tropical feel to your garden. Learn how to plant, care for, and harvest kiwi fruit in your own backyard.

  • Hardiness Zones: 7, 8, 9
  • Companion Plants: grape, rosemary, lavender

Grape

Grape Vines: Producing Your Own Wine or Table Grapes

Growing grape vines can be rewarding, offering fruit for eating or wine-making. Follow our guide to successfully cultivate grapes in your garden.

  • Hardiness Zones: 7, 8, 9, 10
  • Companion Plants: kiwi, rose, basil

Paw Paw

Paw Paw: America's Forgotten Fruit

Learn to grow Paw Paw, the native American fruit with a tropical taste. Tips on planting, care, and harvesting this unique, custard-like fruit.

  • Hardiness Zones: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
  • Companion Plants: raspberry, blueberry, strawberry

Persimmon

Persimmon: Sweet Autumn Fruits

Persimmons offer vibrant fall colors and sweet, honey-like fruits. Discover how to grow persimmons in your garden for a delicious autumn harvest.

  • Hardiness Zones: 7, 8, 9, 10
  • Companion Plants: apple, pear, plum

Pomegranate

Pomegranate: Juicy Seeds of Health

Growing pomegranates is rewarding, yielding fruit rich in antioxidants. Learn how to plant, care for, and harvest pomegranates in your garden.

  • Hardiness Zones: 7, 8, 9, 10
  • Companion Plants: citrus, grape, fig

Pear

Pear: A Versatile Fruit for Every Gardener

Pears are a delightful addition to any garden, offering juicy fruits for fresh eating, canning, and baking. Learn the essentials of growing pears, from planting to harvest.

  • Hardiness Zones: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
  • Companion Plants: strawberry, spinach, marigold

Peach

Peach: Juicy Flavors of Summer

Enjoy the sweet, juicy flavors of summer with your own peach trees. This guide covers everything from planting peach trees to care and harvest for the juiciest fruits.

  • Hardiness Zones: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
  • Companion Plants: garlic, onion, basil

Nectarine

Nectarine: Smooth-Skinned Summer Delight

Nectarines, with their smooth skin and sweet flesh, are perfect for warm climates. Discover how to grow, care for, and harvest nectarines in your garden.

  • Hardiness Zones: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
  • Companion Plants: spinach, garlic, peas

Plum

Plum: Diverse and Delicious

Plums offer a range of flavors and uses, from fresh eating to preserves. Learn how to cultivate various plum varieties for a bountiful harvest.

  • Hardiness Zones: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
  • Companion Plants: basil, marigold, garlic

Cherry

Cherry: Sweet and Tart Treasures

Cherries are a garden treasure, whether sweet or tart. This guide provides detailed instructions on growing, caring for, and harvesting cherries.

  • Hardiness Zones: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
  • Companion Plants: garlic, leek, onion

Apricot

Apricot: Golden Gems of the Garden

Apricots are sun-loving fruits with sweet, golden flesh. Discover how to grow apricots, with tips on planting, care, and harvesting these golden gems.

  • Hardiness Zones: 5, 6, 7, 8
  • Companion Plants: basil, tarragon, sunflower

Apple

Apple: A Classic Favorite

Apples are the quintessential fruit tree for any garden. Learn the secrets to growing various apple varieties, from crisp Fuji to tart Granny Smith.

  • Hardiness Zones: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
  • Companion Plants: chive, garlic, onion

Almond

Almond: Nutty Delights for Warm Climates

Almonds require warm climates and offer delightful nutty rewards. This guide will help you grow almond trees for a healthy, nutty harvest.

  • Hardiness Zones: 7, 8, 9
  • Companion Plants: rosemary, lavender, sage

Walnut

Walnut: Mighty Trees with Nutritious Rewards

Walnut trees are majestic and provide nutritious nuts. Learn about growing walnut trees, from planting to harvest, and enjoy the fruits of your labor.

  • Hardiness Zones: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
  • Companion Plants: parsley, chive, garlic