Zone group
Zones 7 and 8
Mild winters with occasional cold snaps and a long growing season. The gardening year stretches into winter and starts early in spring.
Winter minimum
0 to 20 (average annual extreme minimum winter temperature, per the USDA definition of each zone)
In plain language
Zones 7 and 8 allow a long gardening season with a much shorter winter break. You can plant trees and shrubs through the cool months, grow cool-season vegetables in winter in many areas, and start warm-season crops early. Summers can be hot and humid, so water management, disease prevention and mulch matter. Occasional hard freezes can still surprise you.
Typical challenges
["Hot, humid summers that favor fungal disease", "Late frosts after an early spring warm-up", "Transition-zone lawns that struggle with both cold and heat", "Active pest seasons that run long", "Periodic drought and local watering restrictions"]
Planting
Fall through early spring is a strong planting window for trees, shrubs and perennials. Set out warm-season vegetables after the last frost, and use fall for a second round of cool-season crops.
Lawns
Warm-season grasses such as Bermuda and zoysia are common in the southern parts of this band, while cool-season grasses are common in the northern parts. Transition-zone lawns often need extra care. Time aeration and overseeding to your grass type.
Season notes
Mulch to cut summer water use, monitor for disease in humid weather, and protect tender plants when a cold snap is forecast.
Worth knowing
Rainfall and humidity vary widely across these zones, from humid east to drier west. Check regional extension guidance for plant lists and timing.
Zone temperature bands follow the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map definition. Look up an exact zone by ZIP code on the official USDA map.
