Guide for August Planting
As the summer heat begins to cool and the days inch their way to growing shorter, it's the perfect time to start planning and planting your fall vegetable garden. Planting vegetables in August ensures that you'll have a rich harvest of fresh produce to enjoy during the cooler months. There are a variety of vegetables that will aid in you extending your growing season and making the most of your garden space!
Leafy Greens:
Kale
Lettuce: Choose quick-maturing varieties and consider planting in succession for a continuous supply of tender, crisp leaves.
Spinach: Cooler temperatures enhance the flavor of spinach, making it an ideal choice for your fall garden. You can almost hear the crunch of a nice mixed greens salad.
Kale: This nutrient-packed green thrives in cooler weather, offering abundant harvests well into winter.
Radishes
Root Vegetables:
Carrots: Plant in August for a sweet fall harvest. Consider using row covers to protect them from pests and extend the growing season. Plus they’ll be perfect for fall recipes, like roasted carrots or even carrot cake!
Radishes: Quick-growing and versatile, radishes are perfect for late summer planting. They add a pop of color and crunch to your salads.
Beets: With their earthy flavor and vibrant hues, beets are an excellent addition to your fall garden.
Cabbage
Cruciferous Vegetables:
Broccoli: August is a great time to start broccoli from seedlings. Be sure to provide consistent moisture for optimal crown and floret formation.
Cauliflower: Plant now for harvest before the hardest frosts set in. Choose a variety with a shorter maturation period. Have an endless supply of buffalo cauliflower bites!
Cabbage: Both green and red cabbage can be planted in August for a delicious addition to your fall meals.
Cilantro
Herbs:
Cilantro: Cooler temperatures prevent cilantro from bolting quickly, allowing you to enjoy its fresh flavor for longer.
Parsley: Plant parsley in late summer for a steady supply of this versatile herb well into the fall months.
Snap Peas
Peas:
Snap Peas: These peas thrive in cooler weather, making August a prime time to plant them. Provide support for their climbing habit. Let them soar by giving them a stick to grow up or a small trellis.
Garlic
Garlic:
Hardneck and Softneck Varieties: Plant garlic cloves in late summer for a robust harvest the following year. Ensure well-drained soil and mulch for protection. Have to start early to enjoy homegrown vegetables sometimes.
Onion
Onions:
Bulb Onions: August is the right time to plant onion sets or young plants for a spring harvest. Consider varieties suited to your climate.
Swiss Chard
Swiss Chard:
Rainbow Swiss Chard: This visually stunning green can be sown in August for a continuous harvest of tender leaves throughout the fall.
With a bit of planning and effort, your August planting endeavors can yield a fantastic fall harvest, providing you with a bounty of fresh and nutritious vegetables to enjoy. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a beginner, these vegetable options are sure to thrive in the cooling temperatures of late summer and early fall. Happy Planting!