What To Plant In Your Garden In August

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As you step into your garden in August, you’re probably wondering what to plant to make the most of the remaining summer days.

You’ll want to take advantage of the warm weather to sow vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants, which thrive in high temperatures.

But don’t forget to think ahead to the cooler months, too – planting cool-season crops like broccoli and kale now will give them a head start on the fall harvest.

And that’s just the beginning – there are many more options to explore, from herbs and flowers to microgreens and root vegetables.

Table of Contents

Vegetables You Can Plant In August To Get A Harvest Before Frost

1. Leafy Greens

Spinach: Fast-growing and frost-tolerant, spinach can be planted in August for a fall harvest.

Lettuce: Many varieties of lettuce mature quickly, making them a great choice for late summer planting.
Arugula: This leafy green grows quickly and can be harvested in as little as 4 weeks.

2. Radishes

Radishes: These root vegetables grow quickly, often maturing in 3-4 weeks, making them perfect for a late summer planting.

3. Beets

Beets: Beets can be harvested for their roots or their greens, and they typically mature in about 50-60 days.

4. Carrots

Carrots: Many carrot varieties can be planted in August and will mature in time for a fall harvest, particularly if the weather stays mild.

5. Turnips

Turnips: Another fast-growing root vegetable, turnips can be ready to harvest in about 50-60 days.

6. Kale

Kale: Kale is a hardy green that thrives in cooler weather, making it a great choice for late summer planting.

7. Bok Choy

Bok Choy: This Asian green grows quickly and prefers cooler weather, making it an ideal candidate for planting in August.

8. Bush Beans

Bush Beans: These beans mature faster than pole beans and can still produce a harvest if planted in August.

9. Swiss Chard

Swiss Chard: A versatile green that grows well in cooler weather, chard can be harvested multiple times throughout the fall.

10. Peas

Peas: Certain varieties of peas, particularly snap and snow peas, can be planted in late summer for a fall harvest.

11. Scallions (Green Onions)

Scallions: These onions grow quickly and can be harvested in about 30-60 days.

12. Mustard Greens

Mustard Greens: These greens are fast-growing and can be harvested in as little as 30 days.

13. Summer Squash

Summer Squash: Varieties like zucchini grow quickly and can still produce a harvest if planted in August, maturing in about 50-60 days.

14. Cherry Tomatoes (Short Days to Maturity Varieties)

Cherry Tomatoes: Certain varieties of cherry tomatoes with a short maturity period (around 40-60 days) can still be planted in August for a fall harvest, especially if you live in a region with a later frost date.

15. Cucumbers

Cucumbers: Fast-growing cucumber varieties, particularly bush types, can mature in as little as 50-60 days, making them suitable for late summer planting.

This list now includes a broader range of vegetables, including summer squash, cherry tomatoes with short days to maturity, and cucumbers, all of which can still produce a harvest before the first frost if planted in August.

Warm Season Vegetables to Plant

As the last frost date approaches, you can start planting warm season vegetables that thrive in temperatures above 65°F (18°C) and full sun.

This marks the beginning of the summer crops season, and guaranteeing the right vegetable varieties for ideal growth is vital.

Focus on plants that require minimal days to maturity, typically between 50 to 70 days, to secure a bountiful harvest before the first frost.

Cool Season Crops to Sow

While warm season vegetables bask in the heat, you’ll want to sow cool season crops that thrive in the cooler temperatures of early spring or late summer, typically requiring 40 to 70 days to maturity.

These Early Starters will give you a head start on the next growing season, and some can even be harvested before the first frost.

Broccoli, cauliflower, and kale are excellent choices for August sowing, as they’ll have time to mature before winter sets in.

For a Fall Shift, consider planting Brussels sprouts, cabbage, and carrots, which will be ready to harvest in the cooler months.

Make sure to check the specific days to maturity for each variety, as some may need more time than others.

By sowing cool season crops now, you’ll be enjoying a bounty of fresh produce well into the fall and early winter.

With a little planning, you can extend your growing season and make the most of your garden’s potential.

Herbs for Late Summer Harvest

Your late summer garden can still yield a flavorful bounty with herbs that thrive in the warmer months, such as basil, mint, and lemongrass, which require minimal care and can be harvested in as little as 20 days.

These herbs are perfect for adding fresh flavor to your summer dishes and can be used in a variety of ways. You can incorporate them into herb infused oils, which make great dressings or marinades, or use them to brew invigorating herbal teas.

Basil, in particular, is a great choice for late summer harvest, as it’s heat-tolerant and can be harvested continuously. Simply pinch off flower buds to encourage leaf growth, and you’ll have a steady supply of fresh basil all summer long.

Mint is another low-maintenance option that can be used in teas, cocktails, or as a garnish for desserts. Lemongrass, with its citrusy flavor, is perfect for adding a twist to your summer soups or sauces.

Flowers for a Vibrant Garden

When designing a vibrant garden, you’ll want to select flowers that provide a burst of color throughout the growing season.

You’ll need to ponder blooms that thrive in the heat of summer, as well as varieties that will still be blooming when the days start to cool down.

Colorful Summer Blooms

Five vibrant flower varieties can transform your outdoor space into a kaleidoscope of colors this summer.

You can create a visually stunning garden by incorporating Summer Sunflowers, Vibrant Zinnias, and other bold blooms. Summer Sunflowers, with their towering stalks and bright yellow petals, are a classic choice for adding warmth and energy to your garden.

Vibrant Zinnias, on the other hand, come in a range of colors and are perfect for adding a pop of color to your borders or containers.

When planting these flowers, make sure to choose a location that receives full sun and has well-draining soil.

Summer Sunflowers require a bit more space, so plant them about 6 inches apart. Vibrant Zinnias can be planted closer together, about 3-4 inches apart.

Water them regularly and fertilize once a month to promote healthy growth and blooming.

With proper care, these flowers will thrive and provide a vibrant display of color throughout the summer months.

Heat-Tolerant Varieties

In regions prone to scorching summers, incorporating heat-tolerant flowers into your garden design is essential to maintaining a vibrant display of colors throughout the season.

You’ll want to choose varieties that can thrive in high temperatures and withstand dry spells. Drought-resistant flowers like Lantana, Zinnia, and Marigold are perfect for hot climates.

These sun-loving blooms can tolerate temperatures above 90°F (32°C) and require minimal watering.

When selecting heat-tolerant flowers, look for those with thick, waxy leaves or stems that can store water.

Succulents like Echeveria and Sedum are great options, as they can survive with infrequent watering.

You can also consider flowers with small leaves or those that have a grey or silvery color, which helps reflect the sun’s rays.

Some heat-tolerant flowers, like Hibiscus and Mandevilla, require full sun to produce an abundance of blooms.

Late Season Bloomers

As you’ve curated your garden with heat-tolerant varieties, now it’s time to extend the blooming season by incorporating flowers that will burst into color later in the summer, ensuring your garden remains vibrant well into fall.

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Late-season bloomers are essential for maintaining a dynamic and thriving garden during the warmest months.

One excellent option is Summer Salvias, which come in a range of colors and bloom sizes. These flowers are perfect for attracting pollinators and adding a pop of color to your garden beds.

Another great choice is Perennial Poppies, which produce delicate, papery flowers in shades of pink, red, and white. These flowers are low maintenance and require minimal care, making them an excellent addition to busy gardeners’ plots.

When planting Perennial Poppies, be sure to provide them with well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade.

Vegetables for Fall Harvest

You’ll want to prioritize planting vegetables that mature quickly, like broccoli, cauliflower, and kale, which can be harvested in as little as 50 to 60 days.

These cool-season crops thrive in the cooler temperatures of late summer and early fall, making them ideal for a fall harvest.

By planting them in August, you’ll be able to extend the growing season and enjoy a bountiful harvest well into the fall.

When planning your fall harvest, consider the specific growing requirements for each vegetable.

For example, broccoli and cauliflower prefer full sun and well-draining soil, while kale prefers partial shade and consistent moisture.

Make sure to space them correctly to allow for proper air circulation and sunlight penetration.

Root Vegetables to Plant Now

Planting root vegetables like carrots, beets, and turnips now will give them a head start on the cooler weather, allowing them to mature before the ground freezes.

You’ll want to choose varieties that mature quickly, typically within 60-70 days. Root depth exploration is vital, as it determines how deep to sow your seeds. For example, carrots need to be sown about ¼ inch deep, while beets require about 1-2 inches.

Soil preparation tips are also essential for ideal growth. Make sure your soil is loose and free of debris, as compacted soil can hinder root development.

Add organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil structure and fertility. If your soil is heavy clay or sandy, mix in some perlite or vermiculite to enhance drainage and aeration.

Sow your seeds in blocks or rows, about 1-2 inches apart, depending on the variety. Water gently but thoroughly after sowing, and keep the soil consistently moist during the germination period.

With proper planning and care, you’ll be enjoying a bountiful harvest of delicious root vegetables in no time!

Brassicas for a Cool Finish

As you plan your garden’s cool-season finale, you’ll want to focus on brassicas, which thrive in the cooler temperatures of fall.

You’ll need to prep your soil and beds now to guarantee a successful harvest later.

Cool Weather Champions

You’ll want to capitalize on the cooler temperatures of fall by sowing brassicas, a diverse group of vegetables that thrive in the crisp, cool air.

As the weather cools, these cool-season crops will excel, providing a bountiful harvest well into the fall season. Brassicas, including broccoli, cauliflower, kale, and cabbage, possess exceptional frost tolerance, making them ideal for late-summer planting.

Before sowing, confirm your garden prep is complete.

Till the soil to a depth of 8-10 inches, incorporating organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil structure and fertility. Remove any debris or weeds that may compete with your brassicas for resources.

Sow seeds 1-2 inches deep and 2-3 inches apart, depending on the specific variety. Water thoroughly, and keep the soil consistently moist during the germination period.

With proper garden prep and care, your brassicas will thrive, providing a delicious and nutritious harvest as the seasons change.

Fall Harvest Prep

With your brassicas thriving in the cooler temperatures, now’s the time to focus on preparing them for a bountiful fall harvest.

As you plan for the upcoming season, make sure to incorporate fall planning into your garden schedule.

Start by evaluating your brassica varieties, considering factors like maturity dates and frost tolerance.

For a continuous harvest, stagger your plantings every 1-2 weeks, ensuring a steady supply of fresh produce throughout the fall.

As the weather cools, your brassicas will require less maintenance, but crucially, keep the soil consistently moist.

Mulch around the plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Keep an eye out for pests and diseases, addressing any issues promptly to prevent their spread.

With proper care, your brassicas will reward you with a plentiful fall harvest.

Planting Summer Squash Again

Planting summer squash again in the same bed requires careful planning to avoid depleting the soil of its nutrients.

Carrots and Radishes to Sow

You can sow carrots and radishes in late summer to capitalize on the remaining warm weather, taking advantage of their quick maturation rates to add a crunchy, flavorful boost to your harvest.

Both vegetables thrive in well-draining, loose soil with full sun. Sow carrot seeds about ¼ inch deep and 1-2 inches apart, in rows spaced 12-18 inches apart. For radishes, sow seeds about 1 inch deep and 2-3 inches apart, in rows spaced 12-18 inches apart.

When selecting carrot companions, consider planting them alongside onions, sage, or rosemary, which can help repel pests and improve growth. Radish rotation is also vital to avoid depleting soil nutrients and promoting pest buildup. Rotate radishes with other Brassicas, like broccoli or kale, to maintain soil health.

As you sow, keep in mind that carrots take about 60-70 days to mature, while radishes are ready in as little as 20-30 days. With proper care, you’ll be enjoying a fresh, crunchy harvest in no time.

Beans for a Late Summer Crop

While carrots and radishes are enjoying the late summer sun, beans can also thrive in the remaining warm weather, making them an excellent addition to your garden.

As you plan your late summer crop, consider planting beans, which can mature in as little as 50 days. You have two main options: bush beans and pole beans.

Bush beans are compact, producing pods close to the ground, and require minimal support. They’re ideal for small gardens or containers.

Pole beans, on the other hand, need a trellis or cage to climb, but they’re more productive and can be harvested over a longer period.

When planting beans, make sure the soil is warm, with a temperature of at least 60°F (15°C).

Sow seeds 1-2 inches deep and 2-3 inches apart. Water them consistently, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged.

Beans are relatively low-maintenance, but they do appreciate a balanced fertilizer to promote healthy growth.

With proper care, you’ll be enjoying a bountiful harvest of delicious, crunchy beans in no time.

Microgreens for a Quick Harvest

Microgreens, young, nutrient-dense versions of leafy greens and other vegetables, can be harvested in as little as 7-10 days, making them an ideal crop for gardeners seeking a quick turnaround. You can choose from a variety of Microgreen varieties, including salad mix, pea shoots, and radish greens, each with its unique flavor and texture.

Microgreen nutrition is unparalleled, boasting higher levels of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants compared to their mature counterparts.

When planting Microgreens, you’ll want to guarantee perfect growing conditions. Sow seeds densely in a shallow tray or container, and provide adequate light, water, and nutrients. Maintain a consistent temperature between 65-75°F (18-24°C) and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.

Harvesting is simple: just snip the greens at the soil line with scissors, and enjoy in salads, sandwiches, or as a garnish.

With Microgreens, you can experiment with new flavors and textures, adding a burst of freshness to your summer recipes. Plus, their rapid growth cycle means you can plant and harvest multiple batches in a short period, making them a great choice for gardeners looking to maximize their yield.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Often Should I Water My Garden in Hot August Weather?

You should water your garden when the top 2-3 inches of soil feel dry to the touch, ensuring ideal soil moisture while promoting water conservation; avoid overwatering, which can lead to wasteful runoff.

Can I Still Plant in August if I Have Poor Soil Quality?

You can still plant in August despite poor soil quality by incorporating soil amendments, like compost, which enhances structure, fertility, and water-holding capacity, ultimately improving soil health and supporting healthy plant growth.

What Are Some Natural Pest Control Methods for My Garden?

You’ll want to explore natural pest control methods to safeguard your garden. Try using neem oil, a potent insecticide, and companion planting, which strategically pairs plants to deter pests, ensuring a healthy and thriving garden ecosystem.

How Do I Protect My Plants From Extreme Heatwaves?

You’ll prevent heat stress in your plants by providing adequate shade provision, using techniques like mulching, misting, and installing shade cloth or trellises to reduce scorching temperatures and maintain ideal growth conditions.

Can I Grow Plants in August if I Have Limited Sunlight?

You can still grow plants in August with limited sunlight by choosing shadow-tolerant varieties and providing afternoon shade, which allows them to thrive in conditions with as little as 4-6 hours of direct sunlight.

Conclusion

As you finalize your August planting, remember to space warm-season vegetables correctly,

provide support for climbing plants, and water consistently.

For a successful fall harvest, guarantee cool-season crops receive adequate moisture

and protection from extreme temperatures.

With proper care, your late summer garden will thrive, providing a bountiful harvest

of fresh produce and vibrant blooms.