21 Herbs & Vegetables to Plant This August: Your Ultimate Late-Summer Garden Guide

Transition your beds to hardy greens and roots that thrive as temperatures cool down.

By Medha deb

Created on Sep 10, 2025

Transition your beds to hardy greens and roots that thrive as temperatures cool down.

21 Herbs & Vegetables to Plant This August

August brings a crucial opportunity for gardeners to extend the harvest into fall and winter, even as summerâs heat lingers. While many assume itâs too late, this month is ideal for sowing a diverse array of herbs and vegetables. Strategic planning, proper selection, and attentive care will reward you with fresh produce when cooler months arrive. This guide details 21 of the best plants to sow, key growing advice for each, and expert pro tips for thriving autumn crops.

Why Plant in August?

Mid to late summer planting is all about succession croppingâreplacing harvested summer crops with varieties that mature in cooler conditions. August gardeners have an edge: warm soil promotes rapid germination, while lengthening nights and cooler weather boost leafy growth and root development. This period is perfect for starting brassicas, root crops, tender greens, and certain resilient herbs that can thrive as days shorten.

Vegetables for August Plantings

Broccoli
Cauliflower
Cabbage
Purple Daikon Radish
Swiss Chard
Carrots
Spinach
Collard Greens
Beets
Kale
Turnips
Onions (bunching/scallions)
Lettuce
Radishes
Pak Choi (Bok Choy)

Timing & Zone Considerations

Always factor your local frost date: the time from sowing to first hard frost determines what you can plant. Most crops require a window of 40 to 70 days before frostâshade-loving, cold-tolerant varieties are best for late summer plantings.

Vegetable Crop Details & Tips

Broccoli

Broccoli excels as a fall crop, developing sweeter, more tender heads as autumn chills set in. Start seeds in the garden in early August, or transplant seedlings by mid-month in cold zones. Regular moisture and light shade protect young plants from heat stress. Harvest central heads promptly to encourage side shoots.

Cauliflower

Fall cauliflower grown from August plantings develops tight, mild-flavored curds. Direct-sow seeds or transplant starts, ensuring steady moisture and protection from sun in southern regions. Mulch helps stabilize temperature and conserve water. Tie leaves around developing heads to prevent yellowing.

Cabbage

August-sown cabbage produces compact, crisp heads in cool fall weather. Choose early-maturing types and maintain consistent soil moisture. Dense plantings provide mutual shade, helping prevent bolting (premature flowering). Harvest before hard frosts for best storage quality.

Purple Daikon Radish

Daikon radishes are fast-growing, colorful, and thrive as days shorten. Direct-sow now for long, mild-tasting roots by late fall. Thin seedlings for proper spacing and water regularly for crisp, tender radishes.

Swiss Chard

Swiss chard is highly resilient, tolerates remaining summer heat, and grows throughout fall. Sow seeds directly; harvest outer leaves regularly for continuous production. Colorful varieties add vibrancy to fall dishes.

Carrots

Cooler conditions lead to extra-sweet carrots. Sow seeds Â¼ inch deep, keep soil evenly moist, and thin seedlings for proper root development. âDanversâ and âNantesâ types are especially adaptable for late summer planting.

Spinach

Spinach is quick-growing and thrives in autumnâs cool, moist soil. Sow successively in shaded beds or under taller companions. Provide ample irrigation in dry spells. Harvest young leaves for salads and let plants mature for sautÃ©ing.

Collard Greens

Collards withstand light frosts and yield abundantly when started this month. Direct-sow seeds deeply and thin for healthy airflow. Mature leaves can be harvested from frost onwardâcold weather actually improves flavor.

Beets

Beets provide dual harvests: roots and tender greens. Sow seeds Â½ inch deep, 2-3 inches apart, and keep soil moist. Varieties like âDetroit Dark Redâ and golden beets are well-suited for August sowings. Timely thinning is crucial for uniform roots.

Kale

August-sown kale gets the benefit of fast germination in warm soil and sweetens in chilly weather. Curly, lacinato, and red Russian types all thrive now. Pick outer leaves as needed for salads, soups, and sautÃ©s.

Turnips

Turnips grow rapidly and top their flavor charts under autumn chill. Opt for salad or traditional turnip varieties, and thin early for plump, juicy bulbs. Young greens are edible and nutritious as well.

Onions (Bunching/Scallions)

Bunching onions, also called scallions, sprout quickly and resist early autumn cold. Sow seeds thickly and harvest as soon as leaves are pencil-thick. Many varieties are winter hardy with light protection.

Lettuce

Lettuce germinates fast and grows vigorously in August, yielding tender leaves for fall salads. Prefer heat-tolerant, slow-to-bolt varieties. Continually sow every 2-3 weeks to keep harvest fresh through frost.

Radishes

Radishes are ideal for filling gaps in August gardensâthey mature in as little as 3 weeks. Sow every 7-10 days for a steady stream. French Breakfast, Cherry Belle, and specialty winter varieties work well.

Pak Choi (Bok Choy)

Pak choi matures quickly and loves cooler nights. Direct-sow and protect from late summer sun with taller crops or shade cloth. Harvest individual leaves or allow whole heads to mature for crisp, sweet stems.

Herbs for August Plantings

Basil
Chives
Cilantro
Dill
Parsley
Oregano
Thyme

August can be a challenging month for young herb seedlings due to heat and sun, but careful selection and technique make success possible.

Basil

Basil is a sun-loving, heat-tolerant annual that takes off quickly from seed in August. Plant directly in well-drained beds, water consistently, and harvest tips frequently to encourage bushiness and prevent flowering. Opt for slow-to-bolt types like Genovese, Prospera, or Everleaf. Before frost, cut entire plants and hang to dry for winter seasoning.

Chives

This perennial allium can be sown in partial shade with moist, fertile soil. August is perfect for establishing new clumps, which return year after year in zones 3â9. Trim at ground level for 3â4 harvests per season. Chives also deter some pests and pair well as companion plants among vegetables.

Cilantro

Cooler late-summer nights favor cilantro, which bolts in high heat but thrives as temperatures gradually drop. Sow successively and harvest leaves before seed stalks form. Allow a few plants to flower if coriander seed is desired for spice jars.

Dill

Dill is quick to germinate and enjoys loose, well-drained soil. Succession sow through August for foliage or let later blooms go to seed to use as a seasoning or in pickling. Dill pairs well with cucumbers, carrots, and brassicas in the garden.

Parsley

Parsley is slow to start but loves the declining heat of late summer. Keep seeds moist and provide partial shade. Flat-leaf Italian and curly types both offer extended harvests well into fall and winter when covered.

Oregano

Start oregano from cuttings or transplants in August. It adapts to sun or dappled shade and will overwinter in mild regions. Pinch tips to keep plants low and bushy. Harvest sprigs for kitchen use or drying.

Thyme

Thyme is drought-tolerant and best started from divisions or small nursery plants late in the season. Plant in full sun, allow soil to dry between waterings, and snip leaves as needed for cooking. Perennial in most climates.

Companion Planting Combos

Strategic companion planting in August helps shield tender seedlings from harsh sunlight and optimize space:

Grow heat-sensitive herbs (cilantro, parsley, dill) behind taller crops or between rows of leafy greens for natural dappled shade.
Plant fast-growing radishes alongside carrots and beets to break up crusty soil.
Basil pairs well with tomatoes and peppers, repelling pests.
Chives near brassicas can deter cabbage worms and enhance flavor.

Watering, Irrigation & Heat Protection

Augustâs relentless sun and risk of drought require attentive watering. Tips for success:

Water early in the day to avoid fungal diseases and loss to evaporation.
Mulch bed surfaces with straw, compost, or shredded leaves to stabilize soil temperature and retain moisture.
Install drip lines or soaker hoses for even hydration.
Provide temporary shade cloth over young seedlings during heatwaves.
Expect to increase irrigation frequency for quick-germinating seeds and newly transplanted starts.

Pro Tips for Successful August Plantings

Choose âslow-to-boltâ or heat-tolerant varieties for any greens or herbs sown this month.
Sow seeds a little deeper than spring plantings to compensate for warm, dry soil.
Space crops generously for air circulation as humidity rises late in summer.
Keep a close eye on weather forecasts and harvest immediately before the first frost.
Plan for succession sowing: Every 7-14 days, direct sow new seedlings of short-maturing crops (lettuce, radish, spinach).
Start overwintering crops (kale, chard, parsley) now in mild regions for continued picking into winter.

Regional Planting Considerations

Climate Zone	Suggested August Crops	Frost Prep
Zones 3â5 (Cold/Warm Summer)	Broccoli, cabbage, kale, carrots, spinach, beets	Cover row covers as nights get cold
Zones 6â8 (Mild/Transitional)	Swiss chard, collards, lettuce, radish, onions, herbs	Mulch heavily; extend harvest with cold frames
Zones 9â11 (Long Summer)	Basil, chives, chard, eggplant, late summer tomatoes	Plant in shade, maintain irrigation

What NOT to Plant in August

Skip heat-loving annuals (summer squash, corn, most beans, cucumbers) unless you are gardening in frost-free regions; these will not mature before cool weather halts growth or kills them. Instead, focus on cold-tolerant, quick-growing options.

Harvest & Storage Strategies

Harvest leafy greens, herbs, and young roots promptly to encourage further production.
Dry or freeze herbal bunches for winter use.
Use row covers, cold frames, or cloches to protect crops and extend harvest well into late autumn.
Store root vegetables (carrots, beets, turnips) in damp sand, sawdust, or a cool cellar for winter eating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I still plant vegetables in August if summer has been extremely hot?

A: Yes, as long as you select heat-resilient crops and provide consistent watering. Use mulch and temporary shade cloth to protect seedlings from excess heat.

Q: How soon will I be able to harvest from August plantings?

A: Some crops, like radishes and baby greens, mature in as little as 3â4 weeks. Others, like broccoli or carrots, may take 50â70 days, so check your local frost dates for proper timing.

Q: Can I grow herbs from seed or should I use starts?

A: Both methods work, but many perennial and slow-sprouting herbs (like oregano or thyme) establish faster from nursery starts or rooted cuttings late in the season. Quick sprouters (basil, cilantro, dill) can be direct-sown.

Q: Whatâs the best way to protect my crops if an early frost is expected?

A: Cover tender plants with floating row cover, blankets, or plastic sheeting overnight. Remove covers during the day to avoid overheating.

Q: Which plants can I continually harvest through fall and winter?

A: Perennial herbs (chives, oregano, thyme), leafy greens (kale, chard, spinach), and root vegetables (carrots, beets) can all be harvested in stages with the right protection and conditions.

Summary Table: 21 August Planting All-Star Crops

Crop	Plant Type	Harvest Window	Key Tips
Broccoli	Vegetable	50-75 days	Start seeds early, mulch, protect young plants from heat.
Cauliflower	Vegetable	50-75 days	Water consistently, tie leaves to blanch heads.
Cabbage	Vegetable	60-80 days	Compact varieties; water deeply.
Purple Daikon Radish	Root	40-60 days	Sow thinly; water well.
Swiss Chard	Leafy green	30-45 days	Harvest outer leaves continuously.
Carrots	Root	60-75 days	Thin for big roots; steady moisture.
Spinach	Leafy green	30-45 days	Succession sowing; shade in heat.
Collard Greens	Leafy green	50-70 days	Harvest after first frost for best flavor.
Beets	Root	55-70 days	Thin seedlings; dual harvest greens/roots.
Kale	Leafy green	55-75 days	Cold improves flavor; protect from pests.
Turnips	Root	35-60 days	Harvest roots young for salads, old for storage.
Onions (Bunching)	Allium	30-60 days	Thick planting for scallions.
Lettuce	Leafy green	30-45 days	Shade and moist soil extend harvest.
Radishes	Root	20-40 days	Fast maturing; sow in open spaces.
Pak Choi	Leafy green	30-50 days	Shade, consistent moisture.
Basil	Herb	30-60 days	Pinch often; harvest before frost.
Chives	Herb	30-45 days	Partial shade; cut at ground level.
Cilantro	Herb	30-45 days	Sow as temps cool; harvest leaf and seed.
Dill	Herb	30-60 days	Succession sow; use for pickling.
Parsley	Herb	45-70 days	Partial shade; slow but worth it.
Oregano & Thyme	Herb	60+ days	Best from cuttings; perennial in mild zones.

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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