Living in Hampton Roads gives gardeners a unique edge thanks to our long growing season and mild winters. With hardiness zones 8a and 8b, we enjoy a climate that’s almost tropical, allowing for year-round planting since the ground rarely freezes.
While much of the country battles frozen soil in winter, our biggest challenge comes during peak summer heat. Late July and August can be tough on new plantings, but with consistent watering, either by hand or through irrigation, summer planting is still very doable and can deliver instant garden appeal thanks to rapid growth.
In Hampton Roads, the prime planting window runs from September through early May, thanks to our mild climate. While planting is possible year-round, some plants establish best when timed just right within this window, giving them a stronger start and a better chance of long-term success. Here are our top tips based on the type of plant you’re looking to add to your landscape:
Trees & Shrubs: Fall is Best
Fall (September – November) is the best time to plant trees and woody shrubs.
- The soil is still warm from the summer months, however the cooler nighttime temperatures help reduce the stress on the plantings.
- Rainfall also tends to increase as we head into fall, which means less watering for you!
- Planting in the fall gives trees more time to establish root growth before the heat of summer.
- Spring is your second best season (March – middle May) especially for any flowering trees like dogwoods, redbuds, etc.
- If you do plant in late summer (late July- August), just be prepared for daily watering and possible signs of stress in young plants (wilting, leaf drop, etc.)
Perennials: Early Fall/Spring
Early fall (September – early November) is the best time for perennial plants, they have more time to settle into their homes and be ready for new growth in the spring.
- Be sure to cut back watering on dormant perennials as our wet winters can lead to root rot. If the plant doesn’t have foliage through the winter months, it needs less water than an evergreen would.
- Early spring (March – April) is also a great time to plant earlier season perennials like columbine and candytuft.
Annuals: Fall & Spring
- Cool Season Annuals (pansies, violas, snapdragons, etc.)
- Plant in the fall (September – November)
- These are perfect for our mild winters and can bloom all the way through late spring.
- Warm Season Annuals (petunias, zinnias, marigolds, impatiens, etc.)
- Plant in spring (late April – May)
- Wait until after the last frost date to plant and when the nighttime temperatures consistently stay above 50 degrees.
- These plants cannot tolerate cold temperatures and a late spring frost can do some serious damage, so keep an eye on the frost date (which is around tax day for our area)!
While the focus is mainly on spring and fall for ‘optimal’ planting, don’t forget, it’s really just a window of time for pleasant gardening weather. This means you don’t have to discount summer and winter as great planting seasons, especially here in Hampton Roads. We often have very mild and wet winters, making it easy for plants to get adequate water and cool temperatures to establish.
Whatever plants you choose, our knowledgeable team is ready to help you get your garden planted year-round.
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