August may seem like the tail end of the growing season, but it’s actually an ideal time to plant a variety of vegetables that thrive in cooler weather. Planting now sets the stage for a bountiful Autumn at the dinner table.
Fall gardening can be incredibly rewarding, providing fresh produce well into the autumn months. Here are some garden vegetables that are perfect for planting in August, along with brief descriptions and their preferred growing conditions.
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Spinach
Spinach is a fast-growing leafy green that loves cool weather. It’s perfect for an August planting and will continue to produce well into the fall.
- Soil: Rich, well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
- Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade.
Lettuce
Lettuce varieties such as Romaine, Butterhead, and leaf lettuce are excellent choices for a fall harvest. They grow quickly and are relatively easy to manage.
- Soil: Loose, fertile soil with good drainage. A pH of 6.0 to 6.8 is ideal.
- Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade.
Radishes
Radishes are one of the quickest vegetables to mature, often ready for harvest in just three to four weeks. They add a nice crunch to salads and are great for snacking.
- Soil: Loose, well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0.
- Sunlight: Full sun.
Kale
Kale is a hardy leafy green that becomes sweeter after a light frost, making it perfect for a fall harvest. It’s also incredibly nutritious.
- Soil: Well-draining soil rich in organic matter, with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5.
- Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade.
Carrots
Carrots can be planted in late summer for a fall harvest. They are a root vegetable that stores well, making them a versatile addition to your garden.
- Soil: Loose, sandy loam soil with good drainage. A pH of 6.0 to 6.8 is best.
- Sunlight: Full sun.
Beets
Beets are another root vegetable that thrive in cooler weather. They can be harvested for both their roots and greens, making them doubly useful.
- Soil: Well-drained, sandy loam soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5.
- Sunlight: Full sun.
Broccoli
Broccoli prefers cooler temperatures and can be planted in August for a fall harvest. This nutrient-packed vegetable is great for steaming, roasting, or eating raw.
- Soil: Fertile, well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
- Sunlight: Full sun.
Swiss Chard
Swiss chard is a versatile leafy green that tolerates both heat and cold. It can be continuously harvested throughout the fall.
- Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0.
- Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade.
Turnips
Turnips are a dual-purpose crop, providing both roots and greens. They mature quickly and can withstand cooler temperatures.
- Soil: Well-draining soil rich in organic matter, with a pH between 5.5 and 6.8.
- Sunlight: Full sun.
Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts take longer to mature, but planting them in August will ensure a late fall harvest, just in time for Thanksgiving. They improve in flavor after a frost.
- Soil: Well-draining, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.8.
- Sunlight: Full sun.
Prepping a Successful Fall Garden
The garden is a canvas for our planting creativity, one that produces a bountiful harvest when prepared with care. For the best results, use mulch to regulate soil temperature and moisture levels. In the era of rapidly changing climate and widening drought in the West and East, ensure that you water consistently. Your garden should be watered at least once a week to keep it vibrant. A daily dose of drip irrigation is ideal and contributes to saving resources in your region.
Fall planting comes with an additional challenge: Be prepared to cover plants if an early frost threatens your crops. Check The Old Farmer’s Almanac Frost Dates Calculator to estimate the end of your growing season. While most of the plants listed here are frost tolerant, you may need to take steps to protect crops during the last few weeks of their growth. The Almanac recommends using garden row covers or old bed sheets to shield your harvest overnight, removing them during the day to let the sunshine in.
Planting these vegetables in August can bring a bountiful and diverse fall harvest. Happy gardening!
