This time of year we think about what plants will grow best in our gardens. This guide provides information on how to choose and care for plants, from flowers or vegetables all the way down through fruit trees like apples.
The Vegetable Garden In August
The end of summer is in sight, and this can be a tricky time for gardeners as plants start to wane while some are still going strong.
August is the month of transition in your vegetable garden. Some plants, like tomatoes and summer squash, will still produce fruit while other plants are slowing down or starting to grow less. You can plant crops that need more sunlight in the fall, which is a great opportunity if you want something late in the season. [1]
What to Plant in Garden in August?
If you’re like most gardeners, you’re probably wondering what to plant in your garden during the month of August. While there are many different factors that will affect what you can grow during this time, we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to help you make the best choices for your garden.
In general, August is a great time to plant tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, and other warm-weather crops. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind when selecting what to grow during this month.
- First of all, August is typically one of the hottest months of the year. This means that your plants will need to be able to withstand high temperatures and plenty of sun. If you live in an area with very hot summers, you may want to consider planting tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants that can tolerate the heat.
- Many plants will be nearing the end of their growing season in August. This means that they won’t produce as much fruit or vegetables as they would earlier in the season. If you want to harvest a lot of produce, you may want to plant crops that are known for their high yields. For example, tomatoes or peppers.
- Finally, August is typically a dry month, so you’ll need to make sure your plants have enough water. If possible, try to water your plants in the morning so they have time to absorb the moisture before the heat of the day.
With these things in mind, here are a few of our favorite crops to plant in August:
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Eggplants
- Cucumbers
- Squash
- Beans
- Corn
- Planting Dates
What’s the Best Time of Year to Plant?
August is the best month to plant cool-weather crops like broccoli, kale and cabbage. These vegetables are able to thrive in the lower temperatures in August. This means they will continue to produce vegetables throughout fall.
You can also plant carrots early by planting them now before it gets too hot or rainy. This will give you an earlier yield than usual. When winter comes, you will need to choose different vegetables that grow well in the colder weather.
This August, plant some fresh herbs to keep your recipes and dishes tasting great through the winter. Herbs like parsley or rosemary are a great way to add flavor all year round.
If you want colorful flowers in your garden this month try pansies as they flower best when it is cooler outside; violas will also add color well into fall months before fading away. August is a great time of year to get your garden in shape so that it will be beautiful and productive all year round!
So don’t despair if your gardening season is coming to an end. There are still plenty of plants that will thrive in your garden in August. With a little planning, you can have a beautiful and bountiful garden all year long. [2]
Brassica or Cole Vegetables
The veggies in this family are good for fall crops. Plant them early August to get a nutritious, cool-weather meal on your plate! Cauliflower tastes the best when it is harvested at its peak. The peak happens when the cauliflower has turned purple and is crispy. You will know it is crispy when you see and taste the beautiful colors.
There are so many cool weather vegetables to plant in August! Peas and spinach will be ready by the time it starts getting hot, while other good choices like beets or carrots can wait until later.
Kale
Kale is a nutrient-rich leafy green that can be planted in August. This cool weather crop thrives on the stove and does well both full sun or partial shade! Kale is resistant to pests and diseases, so you won’t have any problems when harvesting your leaves. You can either pick them individually at their stems (or cut entire plants).
This plant does well in both full sun and partial shade, which makes it a great choice for your August garden! Kales are resistant to pests (though they can be attacked by aphids) and diseases, except when it is hot or wet. This makes them one of the few “resistant” crops. You can buy seeds today so that you can enjoy fresh leaves throughout September. [2]
Lettuce
Lettuce is a great crop for summer! It can be planted in most parts of the country right now, and it prefers full sun. But you might also get away with some shade or poorly drained soil (although they don’t like that).
Planting your seeds is easy if you do it right. Make sure that the soil depth is at least ¼ inch deep before you sow the seeds. Space each seedling about 12 inches apart, and when they are ready to be on their own, they will be able to handle it without any help from us humans!
If you’re transplanting starts, space them 12 inches apart in the garden bed. Water them well and mulch around the plants to help retain moisture.
Lettuce is a fast-growing crop that you can expect to harvest about 40 days after planting. To prolong the harvests, sow seeds every two weeks until mid August and don’t forget your later plantings!
It prefers hot weather and short days. If it gets too much heat or has long daylight hours, it will bolt.
If you want to try something a little different, look for heirloom varieties of lettuce. They come in a range of colors and shapes, and some have interesting textures.
Chinese Greens
Chinese greens are the perfect August plant – they’re fast-growing and packed with vitamins! You can enjoy fresh vegetables all month long if you grow these leafy veggies in your garden this summer.
Some of our favorite Chinese greens to plant in August include:
- Bok choy
- Gai lan
- Napa cabbage
All of these greens can be planted directly in the ground or in containers. Just make sure they have plenty of space to grow, as they can get fairly large. [2]
Carrots
Carrots are a great way to add some color and nutrients into your garden during the cooler months. They grow quickly in warm soil, so you’ll have fresh carrots ready for harvest before long!
Make sure that you plant your sweet potatoes in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. The soil should be prepared ahead of time by adding organic matter, like leaves or straw. Just make sure that you don’t add too much else to the soil, or you will have trouble getting rid of any weeds that might grow there.
Carrots are a great way to get ahead of the game when it comes to season. You can start tomatoes indoors four weeks before the last frost date. Once they are ready, you can transplant them into soil that is six inches deep.
Carrots are a nutrient-dense addition to any meal, and can be enjoyed raw or cooked. They’re perfect for adding some color during the week when you need belly settling goodness. [2]
Spinach
Spinach is a great crop to plant in August. It’s a cool weather crop that can withstand frost, so you’ll be able to enjoy it well into the fall. Plus, it’s packed with nutrients like iron and vitamin A.
There are several different types of spinach, so you’ll want to choose the one that best suits your needs. If you’re looking for a spinach that’s easy to grow, try baby spinach. It’s a fast-growing crop that doesn’t require much maintenance.
If you’re looking for a spinach that has a little more flavor, try savoy spinach. It has a slightly bitter taste that some people find enjoyable.
Swiss Chard
Swiss chard is a leafy green vegetable that has beets and spinach in its family lineage. It’s got plenty of vitamins A, C & K along with magnesium potassium iron! You can eat this food cooked or raw, depending on your taste preference. Just don’t spit out the leaves because they are also full of nutritious snacks for animals.
Swiss chard seeds can be sown directly into the ground or started indoors and then transplanted. Swiss chard prefers full sun but will tolerate partial shade.
Swiss chard is a versatile vegetable that can be used in a variety of dishes. Try it in a salad, sautéed with garlic and olive oil, or added to a soup or stew. Swiss chard is also a great way to add some extra nutrition to your favorite recipes.
Other Veggies to Plant in August
If you’re in a warm climate, you can also try your hand at planting some other veggies in August. These include:
- Cucumbers
- Eggplant
- Melons
- Okra
- Peppers
- Squash (summer and winter)
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also plant tomatoes, but be sure to keep an eye on them as they can be susceptible to heat stress. [2]
FAQ
What Can I Plant Outdoors in August UK?
In the UK, some of the best plants to grow in August include:
- Sunflowers
- Zinnias
- Marigolds
- Snapdragon
- Nasturtiums
- Impatiens
- Geraniums
Some other great choices are petunias, hibiscus, and cosmos. August is also a great time to plant trees and shrubs.
What Veg Can I Plant in August UK?
The British summer is in full swing and August is the perfect time to start planting some fresh veg. Here are a few ideas of what you could plant this month:
- Cucumbers
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Beans
- Lettuce
- Spinach
- Carrots
- Radishes
If you’re looking to add some color to your garden, you could also try planting some flowers such as:
- Marigolds
- Zinnias
- Cosmos
- Sunflowers
Whatever you decide to plant, make sure you give your plants plenty of water and sunshine! August is typically a warm month so your plants should have no problem getting the sun they need.
Can I Plant Anything in August?
The answer is yes! August is the month to plant many different types of vegetables, herbs, and flowers. However, it is important to take into account your location’s climate when selecting what to plant.
For example, if you live in an area with a lot of heat and humidity, you’ll want to steer clear of plants that don’t do well in those conditions. Conversely, if you live in a cooler climate, you’ll want to focus on plants that can tolerate or even thrive in cooler temperatures.
Here is a list of some vegetables, herbs, and flowers that you can plant in August:
- Vegetables: beans, beets, carrots, corn, cucumbers, eggplant, garlic, lettuce, okra, onions, peas, peppers, potatoes, summer squash, tomatoes
- Herbs: basil, chives, cilantro, dill, mint, oregano, parsley, rosemary
- Flowers: asters. black-eyed susans. cosmos. marigolds. zinnias
Can I Start a Garden in August?
Yes, you can start a garden in August. In fact, starting a garden in August is a great way to get a jump start on the growing season. August is typically a warm month, which means that plants will be able to establish themselves before the cooler temperatures of Autumn set in.
Useful Video: 6 Crops to Plant in August for Late Summer Harvest 🌿🍅🥒
Conclusion
While there are many plants that can be planted in the garden during the month of August, these five plants are a great place to start. Not only do they provide beautiful blooms and foliage, but they also require minimal care and maintenance.
Have you planted any of these plants in your garden this year? What other plants would you add to this list?
References:
- https://piedmontmastergardeners.org/article/
- https://ourstoneyacres.com/9-crops-you-can-plant-in-august