Alabama growing guide: zones, planting dates and where to start
How Alabama zones change planting dates, with spring dates for its main growing region.
Not yet expert-reviewed. Written by BAU Farm Intelligence from public extension and agency sources. Check dates and program details with your local extension office.
Zones across Alabama
Alabama covers USDA Zones 7b–9a on our calendar. A date that works in one part of the state can be weeks off in another, so plant by your zone, not the state.
- Zone 7b — Huntsville and the Tennessee Valley. Average last frost 04/08, first frost 10/22 (about 197 frost-free days).
- Zone 8a — Birmingham and central Alabama. Average last frost 03/28, first frost 11/05 (about 222 frost-free days).
- Zone 8b — Montgomery, Mobile and the coastal plain. Average last frost 03/15, first frost 11/15 (about 245 frost-free days).
- Zone 9a — Gulf Shores and the Gulf coast. Average last frost 02/25, first frost 12/01 (about 279 frost-free days).
Spring dates for Birmingham and central Alabama (Zone 8a)
- Tomatoes: set out April 4 – April 25; fall July 23 – August 13
- Peppers: set out April 11 – May 2; fall August 6 – August 27
- Sweet corn: seed March 28 – April 18; fall August 6 – August 27
- Cucumbers: set out April 4 – April 25; fall August 20 – September 10
- Summer squash: seed April 4 – April 25; fall August 27 – September 17
- Green beans (bush): seed March 28 – April 18; fall August 20 – September 10
- Watermelon: set out April 11 – May 2
- Sweet potatoes: set out April 11 – May 2
These are averages worked out from frost dates, not a state extension schedule. Adjust for your field and the season.
Where to sell in Alabama
- State buy-local program: the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries runs Sweet Grown Alabama. Members can be listed for grocery, restaurant and school buyers looking for in-state product — ask about joining and any marketing directories.
- Established market: Montgomery State Farmers Market. Visit on a market morning and talk to the produce dealers before you plant, not after harvest.
- Farmers markets, CSAs and on-farm stands: the USDA Local Food Directories list them by state, so you can see who already sells near you and which markets still need your crop.
- Schools and institutions: ask your state's farm-to-school contact (usually through the agriculture or education department) what they buy and when.
- Buyers on BAU: buyers post what they need on the marketplace, and you can list your crop window there for free.
Call before you count on any buyer: programs and market hours change, and a price talked through in winter is worth more than one found at harvest.
Farm taxes in Alabama
- Income tax: Graduated state income tax with a low top rate.
- Sales tax on inputs: Seed, fertilizer and feed are exempt and farm machinery is taxed at a reduced rate; ask the Department of Revenue about the agricultural exemption.
- Farmland property tax: Current Use valuation: farmland is assessed on use value; apply through the county tax assessor.
Rates and forms change. Confirm with the state revenue department or a farm tax preparer before you file — this is a plain-language guide, not tax advice. Our farm tax estimator covers the federal deductions every state shares.
Grants and cost-share in Alabama
- Specialty Crop Block Grant (Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries)
- Alabama Agricultural Cost-Share program through county soil and water districts
- Sweet Grown Alabama marketing program
- USDA NRCS EQIP cost-share and FSA microloans through your county USDA service center
- Southern SARE farmer and rancher grants for on-farm trials
See the grant tracker for deadlines we follow.
Who to call
- Alabama Cooperative Extension System — county offices for soil tests, varieties and pest help
- Your county USDA service center (FSA and NRCS) for loans, cost-share and farm numbers