Vegetables and Herbs to Plant in August
As summer starts winding down, August is the perfect time to plan your fall harvest. Whether you’re extending your garden’s productivity or starting fresh, there are plenty of vegetables and herbs that thrive when planted this month. Here’s a guide to what you should be sowing in August to enjoy a bountiful harvest in the months to come.
Vegetables to Plant in August
  1. Leafy Greens
    • Lettuce: Varieties like romaine, butterhead, and leaf lettuce grow quickly and are perfect for fall salads. They thrive in cooler temperatures, making August an ideal time to plant them.
    • Spinach: Spinach is another cool-season crop that grows well when planted in late summer. Choose fast-growing varieties to ensure a full harvest before the first frost.
  1. Root Vegetables
    • Carrots: Planting carrots in August gives you a chance to harvest sweet and tender roots in the fall. Look for quick-maturing varieties to beat the frost.
    • Beets: Beets are hardy and can be sown in August for a fall harvest. Both the roots and the greens are edible, adding versatility to your garden.
  1. Brassicas
    • Broccoli: Broccoli is a cool-weather crop that does well when planted in late summer. It will mature in the cooler days of fall, producing tender heads.
    • Kale: Kale thrives in cooler weather and even becomes sweeter after a light frost. It’s an excellent choice for August planting.
  1. Legumes
    • Bush Beans: If your region has a longer growing season, you can still plant bush beans in early August. They grow quickly and can produce a harvest before the first frost.
    • Peas: Certain varieties of peas, like snow peas or sugar snap peas, can be planted in August for a fall harvest.
Herbs to Plant in August
  1. Cilantro
    • Cilantro loves cooler weather, making August a great time to plant it. It grows quickly and can be harvested for fresh leaves or allowed to go to seed for coriander.
  1. Parsley
    • Parsley is a biennial herb that can be planted in August for a fall harvest. It’s hardy enough to survive the first frosts, providing fresh greens well into the season.
  1. Chives
    • Chives are a perennial herb that can be sown in August. They grow well in cooler temperatures and will be ready to harvest before winter sets in.
  1. Dill
    • Dill is another herb that prefers cooler temperatures. Planting in August allows for a late-season harvest of both its leaves and seeds.
Tips for Successful August Planting
  • Soil Preparation: Enrich your soil with compost to give your new plants the nutrients they need. Ensure the soil is well-drained to prevent root rot.
  • Watering: August can be hot, so keep an eye on moisture levels. Water deeply and consistently to help your plants establish strong roots.
  • Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around your plants to retain moisture and keep the soil cool. This will also help reduce weed growth.
  • Pest Control: As the growing season progresses, pests can become more active. Keep an eye out for common garden pests like aphids and caterpillars, and take action to control them.
  • Succession Planting: For crops like lettuce and spinach, consider succession planting every two weeks to ensure a continuous harvest throughout the fall.
By planting the right vegetables and herbs in August, you can extend your gardening season and enjoy fresh, homegrown produce well into the cooler months. Happy gardening!