So you think gardening season is winding down? Think again. August might feel like the tail end of summer, but it’s actually prime time for planting certain vegetables.
Whether you’re looking to extend your harvest into fall or just getting a late start on your garden, plenty of vegetables thrive when planted in late summer.
Why Plant in August?
Here’s the thing about August planting – it works because many vegetables actually prefer cooler weather.
As temperatures begin to drop in September and October, these plants reach their peak. Plus, you’ll deal with fewer pests, and many vegetables taste better after a light frost.
The key is choosing the right varieties and understanding your first frost date. Most of these vegetables need 60-90 days to mature, which gives them just enough time before winter arrives.
Here are 10 vegetables you can plant in August for a fall harvest:
1. Lettuce
Lettuce loves cool weather. In fact, it grows better in fall than in spring because you don’t have to worry about it bolting (going to seed) in the heat.
What to plant: Look for varieties like romaine, butterhead, or leaf lettuce. Skip the Iceberg variety – it takes too long.
Growing tips:
- Plant seeds directly in the garden
- Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged
- Harvest outer leaves as needed
- Can handle light frosts
Time to harvest: 45-60 days
2. Spinach
Spinach is another cool-weather champion. August-planted spinach often tastes sweeter than spring crops because the cool nights increase sugar content in the leaves.
What to plant: Try varieties like ‘Bloomsdale Long Standing’ or ‘Space’ for quick growth.
Growing tips:
- Direct seed about ½ inch deep
- Thin seedlings to 3-4 inches apart
- Mulch to keep soil cool
- Water regularly
Time to harvest: 40-50 days
3. Radishes
If you want quick results, radishes are your best bet. Some varieties are ready in just three weeks.
What to plant: ‘Cherry Belle’ and ‘French Breakfast’ are reliable choices. For something different, try daikon radishes.
Growing tips:
- Plant seeds ½ inch deep
- Keep soil consistently moist
- Thin to 2 inches apart
- Pull them as soon as they’re ready
Time to harvest: 20-30 days
4. Kale
Kale actually tastes better after a frost. The cold converts starches to sugars, making the leaves sweeter and less bitter.
What to plant: ‘Winterbor’ and ‘Lacinato’ (also called dinosaur kale) are solid choices.
Growing tips:
- Start from transplants if available
- Space plants 12-18 inches apart
- Keep well-watered
- Harvest lower leaves first
Time to harvest: 55-75 days
5. Carrots
Fall carrots are often sweeter than spring ones. Just make sure you choose shorter varieties that mature quickly.
What to plant: Look for varieties like ‘Paris Market’ or ‘Romeo’ that mature in 60-70 days.
Growing tips:
- Plant seeds ¼ inch deep
- Keep soil moist until germination
- Thin to 2-3 inches apart
- Can leave in ground after frost
Time to harvest: 60-80 days
6. Beets
Beets handle cold weather like champs and can stay in the ground well into winter in many areas.
What to plant: ‘Detroit Dark Red’ and ‘Early Wonder’ are good August choices.
Growing tips:
- Soak seeds overnight before planting
- Plant ½ inch deep
- Thin to 3-4 inches apart
- Both roots and leaves are edible
Time to harvest: 50-70 days
7. Broccoli
August is perfect for planting broccoli if you use transplants. The plants will mature just as temperatures cool down.
What to plant: Look for quick-maturing varieties like ‘De Cicco’ or ‘Calabrese.’
Growing tips:
- Use transplants, not seeds
- Space 18-24 inches apart
- Keep soil moist
- Harvest main head, then side shoots
Time to harvest: 60-80 days from transplant
8. Swiss Chard
Swiss chard is practically indestructible. It handles heat, cold, and keeps producing until hard freezes arrive.
What to plant: ‘Bright Lights’ adds color to your garden, while ‘Fordhook Giant’ is extra hardy.
Growing tips:
- Direct seed or transplant
- Space 6-12 inches apart
- Harvest outer leaves
- Cut stalks at soil level
Time to harvest: 55-65 days
9. Green Beans
But wait – beans in August? Bush beans mature quickly enough to give you a fall harvest, especially in warmer zones.
What to plant: Stick with bush varieties like ‘Provider’ or ‘Contender.’
Growing tips:
- Plant seeds 1 inch deep
- Space 4-6 inches apart
- No need for support
- Pick beans regularly
Time to harvest: 50-60 days
10. Turnips
Turnips are another vegetable that tastes better after frost. Plus, you can eat both the roots and the greens.
What to plant: ‘Tokyo Cross’ and ‘Hakurei’ are quick-growing varieties.
Growing tips:
- Direct seed ½ inch deep
- Thin to 4-6 inches apart
- Harvest greens anytime
- Roots ready when 2-3 inches wide
Time to harvest: 40-60 days
Making August Planting Work
- Know your frost date. Count backwards from your average first frost to make sure vegetables have time to mature.
- Keep things moist. August can be hot and dry. Water regularly and consider using mulch to retain moisture.
- Use shade cloth. If temperatures are still scorching, protect young plants with shade cloth until they establish.
- Start with transplants when possible. This gives you a head start, especially for slower-growing vegetables like broccoli.
- Succession plant. Plant lettuce, spinach, and radishes every two weeks for continuous harvest.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Planting too deep – Most seeds need light to germinate. Follow packet directions.
- Forgetting to water – August soil dries out fast. Check daily.
- Crowding plants – Give vegetables room to grow. Thin seedlings even if it feels wasteful.
- Giving up too early – Many vegetables survive light frosts. Don’t pull them at the first cold snap.
The Bottom Line
August planting extends your growing season and often produces better-tasting vegetables than spring planting. Cool-season crops thrive as temperatures drop, pests decrease, and frost sweetens their flavor.
Start with easy wins like lettuce and radishes, then branch out to longer-season crops like carrots and kale. With proper planning and regular watering, you’ll harvest fresh vegetables well into fall – maybe even winter.
The garden doesn’t end when summer does. In many ways, it’s just getting started.
