What to plant this week in Huntsville, AL
Huntsville gardeners in Zone 8a are deep into the growing season, with warm nights keeping frost entirely behind us until November. This week marks a critical harvest window for early crops like bush beans and cantaloupe while establishing heat-loving staples like okra and cucumbers.
The next 7 days
Huntsville, ALGrowing in Huntsville right now
- Leverage Huntsville's sandy-loam soil by adding compost to heavy clay pockets common in the southern hills before planting squash or melons this week.
- Take advantage of the region's high humidity to support Malabar Spinach and Thai Basil, but ensure good air circulation around crowded Zinnias to prevent mildew.
- Monitor water needs closely during sudden summer thunderstorms; overwatering can rot the roots of transplanted Yellow Summer Squash or Pole Beans.
- Utilize the long daylight hours typical of North Alabama to maximize yields on Sweet Corn and Flour Corn planted directly into the ground.
Sow this week
17 crops- Basil
- Borage
- Bush Bean
- Cleome (Spider Flower)
- Cucumber
- French Marigold
- Malabar Spinach
- Nasturtium
- Okra
- Pole Bean
- Scarlet Runner Bean
- Summer Savory
- Thai Basil
- Vinca (Madagascar Periwinkle)
- Yellow Summer Squash
- Zinnia
- Zucchini
Transplant this week
Nothing is due to go out this week.
Harvest soon
36 crops- Basil
- Borage
- Bush Bean
- Cantaloupe
- Cleome (Spider Flower)
- Cosmos
- Cowpea (Black-Eyed Pea)
- Cucumber
- Edamame
- Fennel
- Flour Corn
- French Marigold
- Garden Verbena
- Garlic
- Gourd (Ornamental/Bottle)
- Honeydew Melon
- Lima Bean
- Loofah (Luffa)
- Malabar Spinach
- Nasturtium
- Okra
- Pole Bean
- Pumpkin
- Roselle (Cranberry Hibiscus)
- Scarlet Runner Bean
- Shiso (Japanese Basil)
- Summer Savory
- Sunflower
- Sweet Corn
- Thai Basil
- Vinca (Madagascar Periwinkle)
- Watermelon
- Winter Squash
- Yellow Summer Squash
- Zinnia
- Zucchini
Seasonal tips
- Succession sow bush beans every two weeks for a continuous harvest through summer.
- Apply a light layer of mulch around squash to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
- Pinch back the tips of basil plants regularly to encourage bushier growth and prevent flowering.
Pest & disease watch
- Watch for spider mites developing rapidly in the heat and humidity, especially on French Marigolds and summer vegetables like Okra.
- Check the undersides of Cowpea (Black-Eyed Pea) and Bush Bean leaves for aphid colonies that thrive in this month's warm temperatures.
- Inspect newly planted Cucumber and Zucchini vines for cucumber beetles, which can quickly destroy blooms if not caught early.
Watering this week
Water deeply at the base of plants in the early morning to reduce evaporation and fungal risks.
Harvest leafy greens like malabar spinach and nasturtiums young and tender for the best flavor.
Huntsville gardening questions
3Can I still plant Okra or Yellow Summer Squash now in Huntsville?
Yes, these heat-loving plants listed for sowing now will thrive in our current warm soil temperatures. Plant them directly into the ground rather than transplanting, as their roots establish best from seeds.
What vegetables should I be harvesting immediately this week?
Your early Bush Beans and Cantaloupe are ready to pick soon, alongside any Okra that has begun flowering. Look for beans when pods are young and tender, and harvest melons when the ground spot turns cream-colored.
How do I protect my Zinnias and Marigolds from local pests?
Inspect these flowers regularly for spider mites and aphids, which love our humid climate this time of year. A strong blast of water or an insecticidal soap spray can often knock down early infestations before they spread.
Other cities in zone 8a
11See the full zone 8a guide → · Plan your Huntsville garden in SproutGuide →