Think August is too late to start planting vegetables? Think again. Late summer offers a second chance to grow an abundant crop – if you know which vegetables to choose.
With cooler temperatures on the horizon and soil still warm from summer, many fast-maturing and cold-tolerant crops thrive when planted in August.
Whether you’re extending your harvest season, refreshing tired garden beds, or starting a new raised bed for fall, now is the time to act.
Why August Is Ideal for Fall Crops
Planting in August may seem late, but there are many advantages:
- Warm Soil: Seeds germinate faster in summer-warmed soil.
- Fewer Pests: Many pests like aphids and cabbage worms decline by late summer.
- Cooler Growth Period: Many leafy greens and root crops prefer cooler fall weather.
- Extended Harvests: With frost protection, many crops continue into late fall or even early winter.
Focus on quick-growing vegetables, cool-season crops, and varieties labeled for “fall” or “overwintering.”
1. Lettuce (Lactuca sativa)
Lettuce is a top choice for August planting because it thrives in cooler temperatures and matures quickly – some varieties in as little as 30 days.
Best Varieties for Fall:
- Buttercrunch
- Romaine (‘Parris Island Cos’)
- Leaf lettuces like ‘Red Sails’ or ‘Salad Bowl’
Growing Tips:
- Plant in partial shade to reduce heat stress.
- Use row covers to protect from early frost.
- Sow successively every 2 weeks for a continuous harvest.
2. Radishes (Raphanus sativus)
Radishes are one of the fastest-growing vegetables, ready to harvest in as little as 21 days. Perfect for filling gaps or interplanting with slower crops.
Best Varieties for Fall:
- Cherry Belle
- French Breakfast
- Daikon (longer season but great for fall)
Growing Tips:
- Direct sow in well-loosened soil.
- Water consistently for mild flavor.
- Harvest promptly to avoid woody roots.
3. Spinach (Spinacia oleracea)
Spinach thrives in cool weather and actually tastes sweeter after a light frost. It’s a nutrient-dense green that germinates quickly in August warmth.
Best Varieties for Fall:
- Bloomsdale
- Space
- Tyee (cold-hardy hybrid)
Growing Tips:
- Sow directly every 10–14 days.
- Mulch to retain moisture.
- Protect with row covers in colder zones for extended harvest.
4. Kale (Brassica oleracea var. acephala)
Kale is incredibly cold-hardy and often survives into winter with minimal protection. August planting ensures tender leaves before the deep freeze.
Best Varieties for Fall:
- Dwarf Siberian
- Lacinato (Dinosaur Kale)
- Red Russian
Growing Tips:
- Start indoors in hot climates, transplant when cooler.
- Harvest outer leaves to keep plants productive.
- Flavor improves after frost exposure.
5. Carrots (Daucus carota)
Carrots take time to mature, so choose short-season varieties for August planting. Fall-grown carrots are often sweeter than spring crops.
Best Varieties for Fall:
- Napoli
- Mokum
- Scarlet Nantes
Growing Tips:
- Sow directly in loose, rock-free soil.
- Thin seedlings for uniform roots.
- Water deeply and consistently to avoid splitting.
6. Beets (Beta vulgaris)
Beets are a dual-purpose crop – grow them for both greens and roots. August-sown beets are tender and packed with flavor.
Best Varieties for Fall:
- Detroit Dark Red
- Chioggia
- Golden Beet
Growing Tips:
- Soak seeds for better germination.
- Thin seedlings to 3–4 inches apart.
- Harvest baby beets in 40 days or let mature for full-size roots.
7. Bush Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris)
In warm zones, bush beans can still be planted in early August for a last flush before frost. Choose fast-maturing varieties.
Best Varieties for Fall:
- Provider
- Contender
- Tendergreen
Growing Tips:
- Sow directly in full sun.
- Harvest frequently to encourage more pods.
- Protect from early frost with row covers or cloches.
8. Turnips (Brassica rapa)
Turnips are underrated but perfect for fall gardens. They mature quickly and produce flavorful roots and nutritious greens.
Best Varieties for Fall:
- Purple Top White Globe
- Hakurei (sweet, salad-type turnip)
- Tokyo Cross
Growing Tips:
- Sow in rows and thin early.
- Keep soil moist to avoid bitter flavor.
- Harvest before hard frost for best taste.
9. Arugula (Eruca vesicaria)
Arugula thrives in cool weather and matures in just 25–30 days, making it one of the fastest fall greens.
Best Varieties for Fall:
- Astro
- Roquette
- Dragon’s Tongue
Growing Tips:
- Direct sow every 2–3 weeks.
- Prefers cooler temperatures; avoid planting in extreme heat.
- Harvest baby leaves or let mature for spicier flavor.
10. Swiss Chard (Beta vulgaris subsp. cicla)
Swiss chard is a colorful, nutrient-rich green that tolerates both heat and cold. Planting in August gives time for robust fall growth.
Best Varieties for Fall:
- Bright Lights
- Fordhook Giant
- Ruby Red
Growing Tips:
- Space plants 6–12 inches apart.
- Cut outer leaves for continual harvest.
- Tolerates light frost and may overwinter in mild climates.
11. Bok Choy (Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis)
Also known as pak choi, this Asian green is fast-growing and ideal for August sowing. It prefers cooler conditions and can be harvested young or mature.
Best Varieties for Fall:
- Joi Choi
- Mei Qing Choi
- Shanghai Green
Growing Tips:
- Sow in partial sun if temperatures remain high.
- Harvest at baby size in 30 days or full size in 45–50 days.
- Keep soil moist for tender stalks.
12. Mustard Greens (Brassica juncea)
Spicy, tender mustard greens grow quickly and perform best in cool weather. Their flavor intensifies with age but becomes milder in cold conditions.
Best Varieties for Fall:
- Southern Giant Curled
- Mizuna
- Red Giant
Growing Tips:
- Sow thickly for baby greens, thin for mature plants.
- Harvest leaves early for milder flavor.
- Provide frost protection to extend the season.
13. Kohlrabi (Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes)
Kohlrabi is a cool-weather brassica that produces a crisp, juicy bulb above ground. It matures quickly and tolerates light frost.
Best Varieties for Fall:
- Early White Vienna
- Purple Vienna
- Kossak (larger variety)
Growing Tips:
- Sow directly or transplant after 4–6 weeks.
- Harvest when bulbs are 2–3 inches wide.
- Provide consistent moisture to avoid woodiness.
14. Broccoli Raab (Brassica rapa subsp. ruvo)
Also known as rapini, broccoli raab is not true broccoli but grows rapidly and produces leafy greens and small flowering heads.
Best Varieties for Fall:
- Spring Raab
- Sessantina Grossa
- Zamboni
Growing Tips:
- Direct sow or transplant starts.
- Harvest before flowers open.
- Cut entire plant or pick side shoots continuously.
15. Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata)
Cabbage requires a longer season, but early-maturing or dwarf varieties do well when planted in August. Perfect for storing or fermenting.
Best Varieties for Fall:
- Golden Acre
- Copenhagen Market
- Fast Vantage
Growing Tips:
- Start seeds indoors and transplant after 3–4 weeks.
- Use row covers to protect from cabbage worms.
- Harvest before a hard freeze, or mulch well for extended season.
Additional Tips for a Successful Fall Harvest
1. Know Your Frost Dates
Check your local first frost date. Choose crops that will mature at least 2 weeks before frost, or use frost protection methods like row covers, cold frames, or tunnels.
2. Use Row Covers
Floating row covers protect against both cold and pests. Lightweight versions are excellent for August sun, while heavier ones extend the growing season well into fall.
3. Build Fertile Soil
After summer crops, enrich soil with compost or organic matter. Fall vegetables thrive in fertile, well-draining soil with balanced nutrients.
4. Water Consistently
Late summer can still be dry. Maintain regular moisture, especially for germinating seeds and shallow-rooted crops. Mulch helps retain moisture and cool soil.
5. Succession Planting
Take advantage of fast-growing crops by sowing every 10–14 days. This keeps harvests coming right up to frost.
August is not the end of gardening season – it’s an opportunity. By planting the right fast-maturing and cool-season vegetables now, you’ll enjoy a rich, flavorful harvest well into the fall and possibly beyond.
With warm soil, manageable pests, and less garden competition, late summer planting might become your new favorite strategy.
