What Can I Plant In August

If you think the gardening season slows down in August, think again. Knowing what you can plant in August opens up a fantastic late-summer window. This is a prime time to sow seeds and set out transplants for a beautiful autumn harvest and a head start on next spring. The soil is warm, and there’s still plenty of time for many crops to mature before frost.

This guide will walk you through the best vegetables, herbs, and flowers to get in the ground now. We’ll cover quick-growing crops, overwintering options, and essential tips for success in the late summer heat.

August planting is all about timing and choosing the right plants. Focus on crops that mature quickly or enjoy cooler fall weather. You can also plant perennials and bulbs that will establish roots now for a show next year. The key is to check your first average fall frost date and count backwards using the “days to maturity” on seed packets.

Vegetables to Plant in August

This is the perfect month for a second (or even third) round of many fast-growing, cool-season favorites. Consistent watering is crucial for germination in the warm soil.

Leafy Greens: Lettuce, spinach, kale, Swiss chard, and arugula are top choices. For lettuce, look for heat-tolerant or “cut-and-come-again” varieties. Sow seeds every two weeks for a continous harvest.
Root Vegetables: Radishes are a must—they can be ready in as little as 25 days. Also consider turnips, beets, and carrots. For carrots, choose shorter varieties if you have heavy soil.
Brassicas: Plant broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts as transplants (not seeds) now for a fall harvest. They thrive in cooling temperatures.
Legumes: Bush beans and peas can be sown early in the month. They germinate fast in warm soil and produce before frost.
Alliums: Green onions (scallions) and bunching onions grow quickly from seed. You can also plant garlic cloves in late October for next summer, but sourcing bulbs now is a good idea.

Herbs to Plant in August

Many herbs appreciate the slightly cooler temps of fall and will keep producing until a hard freeze.

Fast-Growing Annuals: Cilantro and dill often bolt in summer heat. Planting them now means they’ll thrive in the cooler autumn weather.
Perennials from Seed: Sow seeds for perennial herbs like chives, parsley, and sage. They’ll establish this fall and return stronger in the spring.
Transplants: Nurseries often have herb plants on sale. You can plant rosemary, thyme, oregano, and mint as transplants for immediate use.

Flowers to Plant in August

Don’t forget the pollinators and your garden’s beauty! August is ideal for sowing seeds that need a cold period to germinate, and for planting spring-blooming bulbs.

Spring-Blooming Bulbs: Order daffodils, tulips, crocus, and alliums now for planting in mid-to-late fall. They need a cold winter to bloom properly.
Hardy Annuals: Sow seeds of pansies, violas, and calendula directly in the garden. They’ll bloom in the fall and often survive mild winters to bloom again in early spring.
Perennials: Planting perennial flowers like sedum, asters, and rudbeckia in August gives them time to develop strong roots before winter dormancy, ensuring a great display next year.

Essential Late Summer Gardening Tips

Success in August requires adjusting your gardening techniques to handle the heat and ensure good establishment.

1. Soil Preparation and Watering

The summer sun can bake soil hard. Before planting, loosen the soil and mix in some compost to improve moisture retention. Water newly sown seeds and transplants deeply and frequently. A light layer of mulch (straw or shredded leaves) over seeded areas helps keep the soil cool and moist.

2. Providing Shade for Seedlings

Intense sun can stress tender seedlings. Use shade cloth, an old window screen, or even a propped-up board to provide afternoon shade for newly planted areas. You can remove the shade once the plants are established and weather cools a bit.

3. Succession Planting Strategy

August is the heart of succession planting. As you pull out spent summer crops (like finished bush beans or bolted lettuce), immediately replant the space with a fall crop. This keeps your garden productive and soil covered.

4. Pest and Weed Management

Keep a close eye for pests like cabbage worms and aphids, which can be prolific in late summer. Hand-pick or use organic controls. Weeds also grow rapidly; staying on top of them prevents competition for water and nutrients.

Step-by-Step: Planting a Fall Garden in August

Clear Space: Remove any previous crops and weeds from your chosen bed.
Amend Soil: Work in 1-2 inches of compost or well-rotted manure to replenish nutrients.
Check Dates: Note your first fall frost date and select seeds with a maturity period that fits.
Plant Seeds: Sow seeds slightly deeper than spring instructions suggest, as the topsoil dries faster. Water the area thoroughly before and after planting.
Use Transplants: For slower-growing brassicas, use purchased transplants to save time.
Water & Mulch: Water daily until seeds germinate, then taper to deep watering a few times a week. Apply a thin mulch layer.
Protect: Use row covers or shade cloth if a heatwave is forecasted after planting.

Regional Considerations for August Planting

Your climate zone greatly affects your August planting list.

Cool Northern Climates: Focus on very fast-maturing crops (radishes, leafy greens) and hardy overwintering crops like kale. Your window is shorter, so speed is key.
Moderate Temperate Climates: You have the widest options. You can sucesfully grow most of the vegetables and herbs listed, with a long harvest period into fall.
Hot Southern Climates: August is often still peak summer heat. Your “fall” planting kicks into gear in September or October. Use this time to prepare beds and start seeds indoors for tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants for a second fall harvest.

FAQ: Late Summer Planting

Is it too late to plant a garden in August?
No, it’s not too late! For many regions, August is perfect for planting fall-harvest vegetables and spring-blooming bulbs.

What can I plant in late summer for fall?
Excellent choices include lettuce, spinach, radishes, beets, carrots, broccoli transplants, and kale. These all thrive in cooler autumn weather.

Can you plant perennials in August?
Yes, planting perennials in August is a great idea. The warm soil encourages root growth, and cooler air temperatures reduce stress on the plant.

What should I avoid planting in August?
Avoid planting slow-maturing warm-season crops like pumpkins, winter squash, or tomatoes from seed (in most areas), as they won’t ripen before frost. Always check days to maturity on the seed packet first.

How do I water my August plantings?
Water deeply in the early morning. New seeds and seedlings need consistently moist soil, so you may need to water lightly twice a day until they establish. Mulch is your best friend for conserving moisture.

With a little planning and these tips, your August planting can lead to a productive and vibrant garden. The effort you put in now will reward you with fresh produce and beautiful blooms for seasons to come. Grab your seeds and get planting—there’s still so much growing to be done.