August may seem like the end of the gardening season, but it’s actually one of the most important months for planning a fall harvest! With the right timing and choices, it’s possible to enjoy fresh vegetables well into late fall and even into early winter!
It’s hot ya’ll. Like it’s not even August, but it’s hot. Right now there is a heat dome over parts of the country that is making it just plain hot. Which makes it feel sort of strange to be planning a fall garden, yet here we are.
We listen and we don’t judge so if you have put off planning (or even planting), it’s okay. August is a great month to plant seeds, but you will need to plant carefully. In other words, you will need to know what to plant in August before you ever touch the dirt in your vegetable garden.
Is August too Late to Plant?
Not at all! August is actually a great month to sow seeds since there are plenty of yummy veggies that mature under cooler temperatures. These plants lead to a fall harvest. Or in some cases, even an early winter harvest.
What this really means is that you can keep eating freshly picked produce much later in the year if you plant in August!
What is the best thing to plant in August?
The real key to having a successful fall planting is to focus on crops that mature fast and those that thrive in cool weather. This means lots of leafy greens, root crops and yes, even plants like tomatoes! As long as your plant can survive colder temperatures and mature fast, you’re good to go!
Root Vegetables for Fast Growth and Cold Tolerance
Most of the time root crops thrive in cooler temperatures making them the perfect fall crop. Depending on your gardening zone, you may even be able to plant them well into September. Most root crops mature in 50-70 days making them perfect for planting in August since they will harvest before temperatures get truly cold.
Radishes
Radishes are one of the quickest vegetables to grow. Many varieties mature in just 25 to 30 days, which makes them ideal for short-season fall gardening. They prefer cooler soil and become spicier in warmer weather, so fall is actually their best growing season in many plant hardiness zones.
Carrots
Carrots take a bit longer to mature than radishes but they thrive in cooler temperatures and develop better flavor when grown in fall. Quick-growing varieties like ‘Little Finger’ or ‘Paris Market’ are best suited for August planting. If you’re worried about them getting too cold, add a layer of mulch over them to help insulate them, but carrots actually develop a much better flavor when they are harvested after a light frost.
Beets
Beets grow well in fall and can be harvested for both their roots and leafy greens. Most varieties are ready in 55 to 70 days. Like carrots, beets tend to be sweeter when harvested after a light frost.
Turnips and Rutabagas
Turnips are fast growers, often maturing in just 50 to 60 days. Rutabagas take a little longer (around 90 days), so they should be planted early in August to ensure a harvest before the ground freezes. Both improve in flavor with cooler weather and are hardy enough to stay in the ground after the first frost.
Potatoes
In warmer zones, potatoes can easily be planted in August, especially if you are planting in containers versus planting in-ground or in raised garden beds. Potatoes do take longer to reach maturity than most cold weather crops so you’ll want to be sure to plant them in early August. Onions, like potatoes, can be planted around the same time as well.
Cool-Weather Leafy Greens
Many leafy greens such as spinach, arugula, swiss chard, mustard greens and cabbage, thrive in the cooler days and chilly nights of fall. Some even taste better after a light frost. In other words, if you like salads, a fall garden is perfect for you!
Spinach
Spinach prefers cooler temperatures and shorter days. It’s best planted in mid-to-late August, especially in areas with hot summers. Heat-tolerant varieties like ‘Bloomsdale’ work well for early fall, while more cold-hardy types can even survive into winter with protection.
Lettuce
Loose-leaf lettuces grow quickly and can be harvested in as little as 30 days. Butterhead and romaine varieties also perform well in fall gardens. August plantings can produce multiple harvests before the first frost with proper care and regular watering.
Kale
Kale is one of the hardiest greens available. It not only tolerates frost but actually becomes sweeter after exposure to cold weather. Planting kale in August allows plenty of time for it to mature before the first frost and continue producing through much of the fall.
Swiss Chard
Swiss chard is less cold-tolerant than kale but still performs well in early fall. It grows best when planted in early August and can produce until the first hard frost. The colorful stems and tender leaves make it a standout in any fall garden.
Cold-Loving Brassicas and Cole Crops
Brassicas are cool-weather crops that often do better in fall than in spring. August is the perfect time to get them started for a fall harvest. If you plant enough, you can freeze your harvest so you are still eating your garden bounty next year.
Broccoli
Broccoli prefers cooler growing conditions and can struggle in summer heat. Transplants are ideal for August planting, especially in areas with shorter fall seasons. Quick-maturing varieties like ‘Packman’ or ‘Green Magic’ can produce a full head before cold weather sets in.
Cabbage
Cabbage grows well in the fall and is surprisingly frost-tolerant. Smaller varieties like ‘Golden Acre’ or ‘Early Jersey Wakefield’ are ideal for late-season gardening, maturing in around 65 to 75 days.
Cauliflower
Cauliflower can be a bit more sensitive than broccoli or cabbage, but it still grows well in fall if started early enough. Transplant cauliflower in your August planting and ensure it is consistently watered. Doing so is the key to preventing premature buttoning (when the head stays small and doesn’t form properly).
Warm-Season Crops That Still Have Time
In warmer zones (Zone 7 and above), certain quick-growing warm-season vegetables can still be planted in early August.
Bush Beans
Bush beans mature quickly; usually in 50 to 60 days and don’t require staking. If planted in the first half of August, they’ll produce a late crop before the first frost. Pole beans take longer to mature and are better suited for earlier summer planting.
Peas
Fall peas are a gamble in colder zones but can do well in areas with a longer fall season. Snow peas and snap peas are the best bets for August planting, especially when using varieties that mature quickly (around 60 days). Mulching helps keep the soil cool during warm days.
Cilantro and Parsley
Many herbs bolt quickly in summer heat, but fall offers ideal growing conditions. Cilantro, in particular, thrives in cool temperatures and can be planted multiple times through August and early September. Parsley is a bit slower to grow but holds up well once established.
Tips for a Successful Fall Garden
- Know the First Frost Date
Count backward from the average first frost date in your area to figure out when to plant each crop. Add a buffer of about 7–10 days to account for slower growth as the days shorten. - Use Shade and Water Wisely
August can still bring high temperatures. Use shade cloth or plant fall crops where they’ll receive some afternoon shade. Consistent watering is important to help seeds germinate and young plants get established. - Add Mulch Early
Mulching right after planting helps keep soil temperatures even, holds in moisture, and reduces weed growth. As fall sets in, mulch also provides insulation against early frosts. Mulch color matters too. Darker mulch will hold more heat than lighter mulch. - Consider Row Covers
Lightweight row covers can extend the growing season by a few weeks and protect tender plants from early frosts. They’re especially helpful for leafy greens and brassicas.
Planting in August doesn’t have to mean the end of the gardening season. With the right selections and a little planning, it can be the start of a productive and flavorful fall garden. Many vegetables grow better in cooler temperatures and often require less maintenance than summer crops, making fall the perfect time to enjoy a second wave of fresh, homegrown produce.
What are you planting this August?
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