10 of the best plants to grow in North Alabama

Do you know what plants to grow and which hardiness zone the USDA classifies your area in? Do you know what attributes make a successful, growing plant in your garden and what fruits and vegetables to look for in your home garden?

I’ll get into all of this and more below for you to cultivate a thriving garden to North Alabama specifically.

What is a USDA hardiness zone?

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) classifies the country into 13 zones based on the minimum winter temperature and weather trends based on data averages.

North Alabama is classified into zone 7 for its mild winters, hot summers and unreliable rain forecasts. Sound familiar? Plants that do well in zone 7 are ones that can last through droughts, cool winters and hot summers.

What plants to grow

Finally, let’s get into what specifically thrives in your zone 7 garden. This is by no means a comprehensive list, just a starting point for those interested in what can grow well here.

Flowers

Lady tulip

These flowers do well in zone 7 and are one of the best plants to grow recommended to start in November. They are fragrant and showy, and grow 10 – 12 inches high.

Coneflower

Coneflowers do great in North Alabama, attract butterflies and are resistant to deer. They come in blue, white or pink varieties and like other zone 7 plants, are drought resistant. They’re also showy and make a great addition to your front yard.

Violas

Violas are known for their beauty, scent and variety. They are usually planted as annuals and are better suited to cooler months, tending to stop blooming in hot weather.

Other flowers that do well here are daffodils, peonies and chrysanthemums.

Fruit

Blackberries

Blackberries are great for zone 7 gardens and are easy plants to grow. They take approximately 1-2 years to harvest, and should be planted in early August. So if these sound interesting to you, you should plant them in a couple weeks.

Reliance peaches

This variety of peach can survive in colder temperatures (not really applicable for Huntsville), and can grow up to 20 feet tall. They have a good balance of sweet and tart flavor, and are self-pollinating making them especially convenient.

Celeste figs

This variety of figs are cold-hardy and grow into a rich purple-brown color. They are known for their sweet taste, and can grow up to about 15 feet tall and 15 feet wide.

Other fruits that grow well here are cucumbers, peppers, squash, tomatoes, blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries.

Vegetables

Broccoli

This cool season crop should be planted in mid to late August taking 70 – 100 days to harvest. It matures best in 40-70 degree weather and is a great option if you’re looking for a vegetable to plant that will be ready in the Fall season.

Cabbage

Cabbages should be planted in early to mid August, and are popular for growing during the winter. They take around 70-95 days to harvest and make a great addition to any North Alabamian’s vegetable garden.

Spinach

This leafy vegetable is one of the many plants to grow in August and can only take 20-45 days to harvest depending on the variety you buy. Cut them when they’re young and tender, and new leaves will grow in just a few days.

Radishes

These root vegetables are cold-hardy and another vegetable that takes only a couple weeks to harvest. They’re ready when they grow to be around 1 inch in diameter, and should be planted in full sun and well-draining areas.

Vegetables that do well here include carrots, onions, potatoes, kale, lettuce and more.

Why you should garden

Growing your own garden can be a fun hobby that is known to improve your physical and mental health while also providing a way to save money and eat better.

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