How to Plant Vegetables in August

Overview

For successful August vegetable planting, be sure you know your USDA plant hardiness zone. In mild winter climate zones, the growing season extends year round. In cooler winter zones, August is the time to plant for fall harvest. Radishes, lettuce, peas, spinach, cabbage, kale, carrots, beets, Swiss chard and turnips are all traditionally planted in August. These vegetables will be ready for harvest before the first frost. Turnips, beets and cabbage continue to grow beyond the first frost dates. Turnips have a sweeter taste after a frost. Radishes, lettuce and carrots can be planted every few weeks throughout the summer to ensure a successive harvest. Think of August as the time to grow more salad.

Step 1

Add two shovels full of compost per square foot to increase the soil's organic matter content. Mix well with the garden soil or simply layer it as mulch.

Step 2

Plant the vegetable seeds according the soil depth listed on each seed package.

Step 3

Water twice a day until the seeds germinate. When plants reach 3 inches in height, reduce watering to once a day. Increase water again if the plants show signs of wilt.