What I’m Planting in My Garden This August (And Why You Should Too)

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August might feel like the tail end of the gardening season, but I’ve found it’s actually one of the best months to get planting again. While summer crops are still hanging on, I’m already thinking ahead—planting for a late fall harvest and even setting the stage for early spring blooms.

I’ve learned that with just a bit of planning now, I can keep my garden going well into the cooler months. The soil is still warm, which means seeds germinate quickly and young plants settle in with less fuss. Some of the crops I plant even handle a light frost better than you’d think—and they end up stronger because of it.

So, while it might be tempting to wind things down, I’m out in the garden making the most of these last warm weeks. Here’s what I’m planting this August to keep the harvest going and get a head start on next season.

Beans

Beans are notoriously fast growers, and the warm conditions of August mean they’ll rocket out of the soil! Bush beans are the safest bet – sow them directly into the ground now and pick fresh beans throughout the cooler fall months. Beans are not frost-hardy but can be protected from the cold with horticultural fleece.

Beets

Now is a great time to sow beets directly into spaces vacated by early summer crops. Water well until the heat of summer subsides, and you’ll be harvesting beets from late fall onwards. 

Broccoli

Start broccoli seeds in modules now, transplanting seedlings during fall while soil temperatures remain warm. This will allow the plants to become well established before winter, ready to produce a bountiful yield next spring.

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Cauliflower

Like broccoli, start cauliflower seeds in modules now and transplant the seedlings in the fall while the soil is still warm. This gives the plants time to establish themselves before winter arrives, ensuring they are ready to produce a plentiful harvest next spring.

Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts are one of the few mid-winter vegetable crops. Aim to get seedlings planted out by mid-fall for a seasonal holiday harvest.

Cabbages

Cabbages are a great all-year-round crop. Start fast-growing varieties now for fall harvests and slower-growing cabbages that will be ready to pick in winter and early spring.

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Carrots

Warm soil provides the ideal conditions for optimum carrot germination. Make sure to water well to prevent bolting in the heat of late summer.

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Cilantro

Cilantro is a frustrating herb to grow, bolting into its flowering glory seemingly right before our eyes. The trick to a good harvest of cilantro leaves is to directly sow seeds now, taking advantage of the cooler nights of fall.

Cucumbers

Although the thought of summer crops is far behind us, fast-growing cucumbers can be sown now for a final harvest before winter sets in. For the best chance of success, directly sow seeds in their final growing position. 

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Lettuce

Although we often think of lettuce as a summer salad crop, it is actually easier to grow in the cooler temperatures of fall. Seeds can be sown directly or started in modules for transplanting. In milder climates, lettuce can be harvested throughout winter.

Kale

Kale thrives in colder weather, producing a steady yield of nutritious green leaves throughout the winter. Start seeds in modules now and transplant seedlings into their final growing position once the first true leaves appear.

Parsley 

Parsley is another herb that appreciates cooler weather. Summer-sown parsley will produce lush, flavorsome leaves throughout fall and winter. Sow parsley seeds in modules now, but be patient; they can take several weeks to germinate.

Peas

Peas are one of my favorite fall harvests, producing sweet, juicy pods packed with the taste of sunshine! Sow seeds in clumps of two or three in their final growing position, providing support such as canes or twigs for them to cling onto as they grow upward.

Radishes

If you get frustrated by radishes that bolt before they reach a decent size, try sowing a row or two now. The cooler night temperatures will encourage these fast-growing plants to produce a crisp, delicious bulb within just a few weeks, ideal for late summer salads.

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Spinach

Direct-sown spinach will mature rapidly in the mild fall temperatures, quickly producing leafy greens for your dinner table.

Swiss Chard

Much like spinach, Swiss chard grows quickly when direct-sown in the mild fall temperatures, providing fresh leafy greens for your meals in no time. This frost-hardy vegetable can be harvested late into winter, making it a reliable addition to your garden.

Turnips

Turnips are a simple winter root crop that matures quickly with minimal fuss when sown directly into the garden.

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