Preferring delectable homegrown produce during winter and spring? Consider planting these 7 straightforward vegetables in August for a bountiful yield.
August is a perfect time to prepare your vegetable garden for the cooler months ahead, as many crops thrive in the milder temperatures and shorter daylight hours. Here are some of the best vegetables to plant in August for a continuous homegrown harvest through late fall, winter, and spring.
Leafy Greens
Fast-growing cool-weather crops like spinach, kale, lettuce, Swiss chard, and arugula are ideal for August planting. These crops grow quickly and tolerate cooler temperatures, providing fresh leaves for harvesting in fall and early winter. Varieties such as ‘Amazon’ and ‘Mikado’ spinach, Lacinato kale, and Mizuna are particularly suitable for August sowing.
Root Vegetables
Carrots, beets, radishes, and turnips can be sown in August and harvested in mid- to late-fall. Many root vegetables, like carrots, become sweeter after cooler weather, making them a delicious addition to your winter meals.
Brassicas for Fall/Winter
Broccoli can be started in August for a fall harvest in cooler climates. For those living in warmer regions, consider planting hardy cucumbers and 'Purple Top' turnips, which can be harvested in October.
Other Easy-to-Grow Options
String beans, which mature quickly (around 50 days), can be planted in early August for a September harvest. Bok choy can also be sown in August for a fall harvest of sweet, peppery leaves.
Continuous Harvest
For a continuous supply of fresh vegetables, succession planting—seeding small batches every couple of weeks—is recommended, especially for leafy greens like lettuce, radishes, and spinach. This practice helps maintain a steady supply of fresh produce.
August Planting Tips
To ensure success planting in August during hot weather, it is helpful to sow seeds in shaded or cooler soil and keep the soil moist for better germination, especially for carrots and spinach. Choosing heat-tolerant varieties, such as New Zealand spinach for hot, humid weather, can also increase your chances of a successful harvest.
Additional Considerations
Slug control methods like beer traps, diatomaceous earth, or rough materials like crushed eggshells or small gravel can be used to prevent slugs from eating mizuna seedlings. Sowing kale seeds in August allows for harvests throughout winter and early spring.
August is also a good time to propagate certain plants and order bulbs for future growing seasons. Swiss Chard 'Rainbow Mixture' seeds provide a vivid display of stems and leaves, making them a great addition to your winter garden.
August is the perfect time to prepare your vegetable garden for the cooler months ahead, ensuring a bountiful harvest well into the colder months and transitioning into spring harvests if crops overwinter or are sown early next year. Happy gardening!
[1] RHS Vegetable Plants for August (https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?pid=336) [2] Almanac Vegetables to Plant in August (https://www.almanac.com/content/vegetables-plant-august) [3] Gardener's World Vegetables to Plant in August (https://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/howto/vegetables_august) [4] Gardening Know How Vegetables to Plant in August (https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/vgen/vegetables-to-plant-in-august.htm) [5] The Spruce Eats Vegetables to Plant in August (https://www.thespruceeats.com/vegetables-to-plant-in-august-2132619)
- To expand your home-and-garden lifestyle this season, consider planting leafy greens, root vegetables, and brassicas for a continuous harvest through late fall, winter, and spring.
- As August progresses, consider succession planting various leafy greens, such as lettuce, radishes, and spinach, to maintain a constant supply of fresh produce for your lifestyle and family's meals.
