Hey there, green thumbs! I know summer’s in full swing and the tomatoes are just starting to blush, but have you given a thought to your fall garden yet? If you’re new to gardening, you might not realize that August is a golden opportunity for planting. You can sow seeds now that will feed you well into the cooler months. Let’s dive into this garden goodness together and see what you can plant in August.
Understanding Your Patch on the Map
First off, let’s chat about the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. If you’re scratching your head, let me explain. The map splits the country into 13 zones based on the average minimum winter temperature. Zone 1 is super chilly (think Alaska), and Zone 13 is hot, hot, hot (hello, Puerto Rico!).
Why does this matter? Well, it’s all about giving your plants the best chance to thrive. Knowing your zone means you can pick the right plants for your climate and get the timing just right. Check out the map on the USDA’s website to find your zone.
August Planting – Not Too Hot, Not Too Cold, Just Right
Now that you’re zone-savvy, let’s get into the good stuff – what to plant in August. Even though the sun is still strong, many plants love the chance to get started before the cooler weather kicks in. You’d be surprised at how much you can plant in August for a lovely fall harvest.
Here’s a little tip from my garden to yours – summer soil is warm, sometimes too warm. Your tender little seedlings might appreciate a bit of shade, and they’ll definitely need plenty of water. I often plant my fall crops where they’ll be shaded by the taller summer ones. They seem to appreciate the neighborly love!
Your Personalized August Planting Guide by Zone
So now we’re getting to the heart of the matter. Let’s walk through the best things to plant in August, zone by zone.
Zones 1 – The Cold Never Bothered You Anyway
- Artichokes (globe)
- Chinese Cabbage
- Kohlrabi
- Lettuce (leaf only)
- Peas
- Spinach
- Turnips
WHAT TO PLANT IN AUGUST Zones 2
- Artichokes (globe)
- Broccoli
- Chinese Cabbage
- Endive
- Kohlrabi
- Lettuce (leaf only)
WHAT TO PLANT IN AUGUST Zones 3 and 4 – Chilly but Charming
- Kohlrabi
- Lettuce (head only)
- Radishes – I love growing radishes because they only take 30 days to maturity!
- Spinach
- Turnips (early August)
WHAT TO PLANT IN AUGUST Zones 5 and 6 – Where the Greens Get Going
- Beets
- Broccoli
- Brussels Sprouts
- Carrots
- Kale
- Peas
- Peppers (early in August)
- Radishes
- Snap Peas
- Spinach
- Squash
- Turnips
Zones 7 and 8 – The Land of Plenty
- Beans
- How to grow beans
- Beets (after the 15th)
- Brussels Sprouts
- Cabbage
- Carrots
- Cauliflower
- Corn (early)
- Cucumber (early)
- Kale
- Lettuce
- Onions (early)
- Peppers (early)
- How to Grow peppers
- Spinach
- Squash
- Tomatoes (early)
Zones 9 and 10 – The Warm Hearts of Gardening
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Celery
- Cucumbers (Zone 9 only)
- Eggplant (Zone 10 only)
- Okra (10 only)
- Peas (9 only)
- Peppers (early)
- Pumpkins
- Squash (summer and winter)
- Swiss Chard
- Tomatoes (9 only)
- Turnips (9 only)
- Watermelon (early)
Caring for Your Fall Garden
Now, planting your crops is just the first step. Fall gardens need love too! Here are my top tips from years in the garden.
- Keep your soil moist, especially while your plants are young.
- If a sudden frost threatens, don’t hesitate to throw a sheet over your tender plants.
- When those beautiful leaves start falling, don’t waste them! Leaf mulch is like a warm blanket for your soil. My compost pile is my garden’s best friend.
And remember, every garden is a learning garden. You’ll have some flops and some triumphs. Heck, one year my cabbages were so holey they looked like lace! But that’s how we learn and grow, in the garden and in life.
That’s the low-down on what to plant in August. Whether you’re starting from scratch or you’re a seasoned pro, I hope you’ve learned something new. Now, go get your hands dirty and remember, gardening is about more than the harvest. It’s about connecting with the earth, understanding the rhythms of nature, and growing not just plants, but also patience, appreciation, and joy. Happy gardening!
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