Although August may seem like the end of the growing season, it’s actually the perfect time to plant a variety of cool-weather vegetables that will bring a bountiful fall harvest to your table.
Autumn gardening can be very rewarding because it gives you fresh produce right through to autumn. Here are some of the best garden vegetables to plant in August, with brief descriptions and preferred growing conditions.
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spinach
spinach It’s a fast-growing leafy vegetable that loves cool weather, so it’s best planted in August and will keep producing into autumn.
- soil: Well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0.
- sunlight: Direct sunlight to partial shade.
lettuce
Lettuce varieties Romaine, butterhead and leaf lettuce are great for a fall harvest. They grow quickly and are relatively easy to care for.
- soil: Loose, well-drained, fertile soil, ideally with a pH of 6.0 to 6.8.
- sunlight: Direct sunlight to partial shade.
radish
radish One of the quickest maturing vegetables, they are often ready to harvest in just 3-4 weeks. They add a delightful crunch to salads and are great as a snack.
- soil: Loose, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0.
- sunlight: Lots of sunshine.
Kale
Kale This hardy leafy vegetable is perfect for harvesting in the fall as it becomes sweeter after a light frost and is highly nutritious.
- soil: Well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter and has a pH of 6.0 to 7.5.
- sunlight: Direct sunlight to partial shade.
carrot
carrot It can be planted in late summer and harvested in autumn, and as a root vegetable that keeps well, it can be used in a wide variety of garden vegetables.
- soil: Loose, sandy loam soil with good drainage, pH 6.0-6.8 is best.
- sunlight: Lots of sunshine.
Beets
Beets Another cool-weather root vegetable, it’s doubly useful because you can harvest both the root and the leaves.
- soil: Well-drained sandy loam soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5.
- sunlight: Lots of sunshine.
broccoli
broccoli Preferring cooler temperatures, they can be planted in August and harvested in the fall, and this nutritious vegetable is perfect for eating steamed, roasted, or raw.
- soil: Fertile, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0.
- sunlight: Lots of sunshine.
Swiss Chard
Swiss Chard It’s a versatile leafy vegetable that can tolerate both hot and cold weather and can be harvested continuously throughout the fall.
- soil: Fertile, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0.
- sunlight: Direct sunlight to partial shade.
Turnip
Turnip It is a dual purpose crop providing both root and leafy vegetables. It matures quickly and can tolerate cool temperatures.
- soil: Well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter and has a pH of 5.5 to 6.8.
- sunlight: Lots of sunshine.
Brussels sprouts
Brussels sprouts Although they take a while to mature, planting them in August guarantees a late fall harvest just in time for Thanksgiving, and the flavor improves after a frost.
- soil: Fertile, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.8.
- sunlight: Lots of sunshine.
Preparing for a Successful Fall Garden
The garden is a canvas on which we unleash our creativity and, if carefully prepared, can produce a bountiful harvest. For best results, use mulch to regulate soil temperature and moisture levels. In times of rapidly changing climates and expanding droughts in the west and east, water consistently. Your garden will Water at least once a week Daily drip irrigation is ideal to keep them vibrant, and also helps conserve local resources.
Fall planting brings additional challenges. Be prepared to cover your plants if early frost may threaten your crop. Check the Old Farmer’s Almanac. Frost Days Calculator Anticipate the end of the growing season. Most of the plants listed here are frost tolerant, but you may need to take steps to protect your crops during the last few weeks of growth. The Almanac recommends using garden row covers or old bed sheets to cover your crops at night, then removing them during the day to allow sunlight in.
Plant these vegetables in August and you’ll have a rich and diverse harvest come fall. Happy gardening!
