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August is a great time to plant for a fall harvest. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just beginning, knowing what plants to plant in August is key to keeping your garden flourishing. Many vegetables, such as broccoli and garlic, can be planted this month to ensure a hearty fall yield.

In Zones 4-6, starting broccoli indoors and transplanting it outdoors in early August is ideal. If you’re in warmer zones like Zones 9-11, you can plant broccoli in late August and even into September. In the hotter parts of Zone 10, you can start planting garlic, which can be continued through the winter months, offering you fresh produce well into the next season.
If you’re looking to add some color to your garden, dahlias and salvias are perfect for planting in August. They provide vibrant blooms that last until the first frost, ensuring your garden stays lively and beautiful as the summer winds down.
Understanding Your Growing Zone

Knowing your growing zone and the first frost date is crucial to successful planting. These factors help you choose the right plants and ensure they have enough time to mature before cold weather arrives.
Determining Your USDA Zone
Your USDA zone is determined by the average annual minimum winter temperature. Zones range from 1 (coldest) to 13 (warmest). Identifying your zone helps you understand which plants will thrive in your climate.
To find your USDA zone, you can use online maps provided by the USDA. Simply enter your zip code, and the map will display your zone. For example, Zone 8 includes areas with mild winters, making it suitable for a variety of fall crops.
Understanding your zone helps you make informed decisions about which plants to choose. It can mean the difference between a thriving garden and one that struggles.
First Frost Date and Its Importance
The first frost date is the first expected occurrence of freezing temperatures in fall. Knowing this date is essential for planning your garden. It tells you how much growing time you have before cold weather affects your plants.
You can find the first frost date for your area from local agricultural extension services or various online tools. For instance, in Zone 8, the first frost typically occurs around December 1st.
This date helps you determine when to plant fall crops to ensure they have enough time to mature. If you plant too late, your crops might not have enough time to grow before the frost hits.
Preparing Your Garden

Making sure your garden is ready for planting in August requires some specific steps. You’ll need to check your soil’s quality, choose the right spot for your plants, and plan your watering and mulching.
Assessing Soil Quality and Nutrients
Start by checking your soil’s condition. Use a soil test kit to measure pH and nutrient levels. Most plants do best in soil with a neutral pH, around 6 to 7.
Ensure the soil has enough nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. These nutrients promote healthy plant growth. If needed, add compost or well-rotted manure to boost organic matter and nutrients.
Tip: For raised beds, consider adding a mix of garden soil and compost to improve drainage and nutrient availability.
Choosing the Right Location
Identify a spot in your garden that gets the amount of sunlight your plants need. Most August vegetables and flowers prefer full sun, meaning at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day.
Key Points:
- Ensure the location has good air circulation.
- Avoid areas prone to standing water.
- Consider the proximity to a water source for easy irrigation.
Use shading strategies if you live in very hot regions to prevent sunburn on plants.
Mulching and Watering Strategies
Mulching helps to retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Apply organic mulch, like straw or wood chips, around your plants. A 2-3 inch layer should suffice.
For watering, keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Early morning watering is best as it allows leaves to dry off, reducing the risk of diseases.
Watering tips:
- Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation for efficient water use.
- In raised beds, make sure the bed has good drainage to prevent root rot.
By following these steps, you’ll be well-prepared to plant your August garden successfully.
Selecting Vegetables to Plant in August
August is a great month to start planting vegetables for a fall harvest. In this section, you’ll learn about cool-season crops, root vegetables, leafy greens, and fast-growing plants you can sow now.
Cool-Season Crops for Late Summer Planting
Cool-season crops thrive in the cooler temperatures of fall. Broccoli and spinach are excellent choices for August planting. Zones 4-6 should transplant broccoli started indoors early, while zones 7 and warmer can start seedlings outdoors in late August. Spinach prefers cooler soil and will germinate faster, making it perfect for a late summer planting.
Broccoli varieties for fall: ‘Belstar,’ ‘Marathon,’ ‘Sweet Stem,’ and ‘BC1611.’
Spinach tip: Ensure consistent moisture to encourage healthy growth.
Root Vegetables and Their Care
Root vegetables like carrots, radishes, and turnips get a head start in August. Sow carrots in well-drained soil to prevent deformities and ensure even growth. Radishes grow quickly, maturing in about a month, which makes them perfect for successive planting. Turnips also do well when planted now and can be harvested in the fall.
Carrot variety to try: ‘Danvers 126.’
Radish care: Thin seedlings to allow space for bulb development.
Turnip spacing: Space seeds about 2-4 inches apart.
Leafy Greens Suited for August Sowing
Leafy greens like kale, lettuce, and mesclun are ideal for August planting. Kale is hardy and can tolerate cooler temperatures. Lettuce varieties like Romaine and Butterhead can be sown now; choose heat-tolerant varieties if you live in a warmer climate. Mesclun mixes offer a variety of greens that can be harvested just a few weeks after planting.
Lettuce growing tip: Provide partial shade to protect from intense sunlight.
Mesclun harvest: Pick leaves when young and tender for the best flavor.
Kale tip: Mulch around plants to keep the soil cool and retain moisture.
Fast-Growing Vegetables for a Quick Harvest
Fast-growing vegetables like cucumbers, radishes, and spinach can still be planted in August for a quick turnaround. Cucumbers prefer warm soil and can mature in about 50 days. Radishes will be ready to harvest in just a few weeks, and spinach can be harvested as baby greens within 30 days.
Cucumber variety: ‘Marketmore 76’ for a reliable late summer crop.
Spinach germination: Keep the soil moist and cool for optimal sprouting.
Radish planting: Sow seeds every two weeks for a continuous harvest.
Herbs and Perennials
August is a great time to plant a variety of herbs and perennials that will thrive in the cooler months. Focus on both perennial herbs and annuals that provide beauty and practicality for fall harvests.
Perennial Herbs and Flowers for Continual Harvest
Certain perennial herbs and flowers can be planted in August for continual harvest and beauty. Herbs like mint and cilantro are ideal because they can be harvested fresh over a long period. Mint spreads quickly and enjoys shady spots, making it perfect for areas with limited sun.
Chrysanthemums and asters are lovely perennials to consider for fall. Asters come in shades of purple, pink, and white, and they bloom until frost. Chrysanthemums, on the other hand, are hardy and provide bright colors late into the season. These flowers not only add aesthetic value but also serve as excellent companion plants.
Annuals That Thrive in Fall
Some annual herbs and flowers thrive when planted in August, offering vibrant colors and fresh flavors for the fall. Basil is a fast-growing annual herb that can adapt well if planted now. It brings fresh flavors to your dishes and can be harvested well into the cooler months.
For vibrant annual flowers, consider marigolds and sunflowers. Marigolds are especially beneficial because they repel pests, boosting the growth of vegetables like cucumbers, squash, and tomatoes. Sunflowers add cheerful blooms and can withstand the hot August days.
Celosia and pansies are other great options for this time of year. Celosia has striking plume-like flowers, while pansies offer a splash of color that remains through the fall.
Pest and Disease Management

Managing pests and diseases in your garden is crucial for healthy plant growth. Identifying common pests and using natural predators, along with preventive disease control, can make a big difference.
Common Pests and Natural Predators
Aphids are tiny insects that suck the sap from plants, weakening them. You can control aphids by introducing ladybugs, which feed on them. Slugs are another common pest that damage leaves, especially on young plants. Setting up beer traps or using copper tape can help keep slugs away.
Squirrels can chew on flowers and dig up bulbs. To deter them, you can use mesh or netting around your plants. For a more natural approach, plant marigolds or peppermint, as squirrels dislike their scent.
Key strategies:
- Introduce predatory insects like ladybugs and lacewings.
- Use beer traps or copper tape to control slugs.
- Set up physical barriers to deter squirrels.
Disease Prevention and Control
Preventing diseases involves proper care and monitoring. One important practice is to space your plants correctly to allow air circulation, reducing the risk of fungal diseases. Watering the base of plants instead of the leaves also helps prevent moisture-related diseases.
Scouting your garden regularly for signs of disease can allow you to take action early. Using compost in your soil can improve plant health, making them more resistant to illnesses.
Key tips:
- Ensure good air circulation around plants.
- Water at the base of plants to keep leaves dry.
- Regularly scout for signs of disease.
Extending the Growing Season
To extend your garden’s productivity, make use of helpful tools like row covers and greenhouses. Succession planting is another key strategy to ensure continuous yields despite changing weather.
Using Row Covers and Greenhouses
Row covers and greenhouses protect your plants from cold weather and fall frosts. Row covers are lightweight fabrics that trap heat, keeping your plants warm on chilly nights. They also shield crops from pests.
Greenhouses offer more substantial protection and create a controlled environment for your plants. You can adjust temperature, humidity, and light conditions. This is especially useful for plants like tomatoes and peppers, which need a longer growing season.
In hot climates, shade cloth can prevent overheating. This helps maintain ideal conditions, preventing your plants from wilting. If you use these tools effectively, you will see a significant extension in your growing season, allowing you to harvest garden goodies much later in the year.
Succession Planting for Steady Yield
Succession planting involves planting new crops as others finish. This method ensures you have a steady supply of fresh produce.
For example, plant lettuce every few weeks. This way, as one batch is harvested, another is ready to grow. Carrots and radishes are also great choices for succession planting. Keep in mind the average first frost date in your area to plan accordingly.
In warmer regions, you can plant broccoli, beans, and kale for fall harvests. By staggering your planting times, you’ll avoid gaps in your harvest and keep your garden productive.
Use these strategies to maximize your garden’s output and enjoy fresh produce longer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Planting in August gives you a chance to grow many vegetables, flowers, and herbs that will thrive until the first frost. Get useful tips on the best plants for August, especially for different climate zones like California.
What vegetables are ideal for planting in late summer, such as August and September?
You can plant vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and spinach in late summer. These vegetables grow well when the weather starts to cool, and they can often be harvested in the fall. Mulching can help keep the soil cool and moist.
Are there any flowers that can be successfully planted in August?
Yes, many flowers can be planted in August. For instance, dahlias can bloom until the first frost. Bearded irises are another great option to consider for late summer planting.
Which plants are recommended for starting in August within California’s climate zone?
In California, you can plant vegetables like beets, kale, and turnips. Herbs such as thyme and sage also do well. These plants are suited to the mild and variable climate of California, allowing for successful growth even in late summer.
Is August a suitable time to begin planting for a fall harvest?
August is a good time to plant many vegetables and herbs for a fall harvest. Plants like lettuce, radishes, and arugula can be planted now. They will mature quickly and provide fresh produce throughout the fall.
Can potted plants thrive when started in August, and if so, which types?
Yes, potted plants can thrive when started in August. Herbs like cilantro, dill, and parsley are good choices. You can also plant potted flowers like marigolds and petunias, which will brighten up your garden or patio.
What gardening activities should be prioritized in October, following late-summer planting?
In October, you should focus on tasks like mulching, weeding, and protecting your plants from the first frost. This is also a good time to plant perennials that will bloom next year. Preparing your garden for the colder months ensures its health and productivity.