As August approaches, your vegetable garden may already be in full swing with several crops ready for harvest. This month is a great time to enjoy the fruits (or veggies) of your labor and continue planting for a bountiful fall harvest.

In many parts of the Northern hemisphere, August was the hottest month of 2023. Whenever the temperatures are consistently hot (above 86 degrees F/30 degrees C), it's important to stay on top of watering and weeding your garden beds and containers to ensure that your plants remain healthy and productive. Be sure to check for pests and diseases regularly and treat them promptly to prevent any damage to your crops.

August can also be a great month to succession plant a new crop of vegetables and herbs, or to start switching out warm season crops for cool season crops. This article focuses on the herbs and vegetables that can be planted now and harvested in August, so read on to get some ideas for your late summer garden.

Why You Should Plant in late July (or early August)

Planting in late July or early August can be beneficial for a number of reasons. Firstly, the soil is often still warm from the summer sun, which can help seeds germinate more quickly and plants establish themselves faster. This can lead to a quicker harvest time compared to planting later in the season.

Also, by planting in late July or early August, you are taking advantage of the last few months of warm weather before the cooler fall temperatures set in. This means that your plants will have plenty of time to grow and produce before the first frost hits.

But what if you don't want to wait until fall to start enjoying your home-grown vegetables?

There are a number of vegetables to choose from, but it's important to keep a few things in mind first.

Before you plant

Before jumping into deciding which vegetables to plant in August, it's important to prepare your garden properly. One crucial step is amending your soil with fresh compost before planting a new crop. Depending on what you have been growing, the soil will have become depleted of some nutrients, so adding a layer of compost or other organic matter (such as worm castings or aged manure) will help replenish those nutrients for new plants.

You may also want to add in perlite (or crushed eggshells) to help with drainage. Additionally, be sure to read the seed packet carefully for each vegetable you plan on planting. If the plant is a cool season variety that can't tolerate heat, save your planting for later in August or September so the plant will mature when the temperatures have cooled.

Another important factor to consider when choosing which vegetables to plant in August is day length. As the days grow shorter and darker in September and October, plant growth naturally slows down. Be aware of this natural cycle when selecting which vegetables to plant, as some may not thrive or produce as well into the fall months with limited daylight hours.

By understanding the needs of each vegetable you plan on growing, you can make informed decisions about what will fare best in your garden during the late summer and early fall months. Proper planning and care will help ensure a successful harvest of fresh, homegrown veggies for the next few months.

As for the coming month, you can plant these 10 vegetables now for a bountiful August harvest:

1. Beans

Beans are a great vegetable to plant in August for a bountiful harvest. They thrive in warm weather and can be planted directly into your garden soil or containers. Choose from bush beans, which are compact and don't require support, or pole beans, which will need a trellis or stakes to climb on.

When planting beans, make sure to sow the seeds about 1 inch deep and space them out about 4-6 inches apart. Keep the soil consistently moist and provide support for pole beans as they grow. When the plant begins to flower, you'll know that bean pods will begin to grow shortly thereafter. Harvest your beans when they are young and tender for the best flavor.

2. Chijimisai

Chijimisai, a Japanese green that was developed from crossing the Japanese mustard green Komatsuna with the Asian cabbage variety Tatsoi, is an excellent choice for planting in August because of its rapid growth and adaptability to varying temperatures. This plant, with its spoon-shaped leaves and high vitamin A content, thrives in warm weather but can also tolerate cooler conditions. This makes it a great spinach substitute and a versatile addition to your late summer garden.

When planting chijimisai, start by preparing the soil with compost to ensure it is nutrient-rich. Sow the seeds about ¼ inch deep and thin them to a spacing of 6-8 inches apart once they have germinated. You can harvest the baby leaves of Chijimisai within 30 days; in addition to this, you can harvest the outer leaves of the plant continuously, allowing the inner ones to grow for a longer season of production.

3. Swiss Chard

Swiss chard is a leafy green vegetable that is perfect for planting in August. It thrives in cooler weather but can also tolerate heat, making it a great option for late summer and early fall harvests. Swiss chard is easy to grow and can be planted directly into your garden beds or in containers.

When planting Swiss chard, sow the seeds about 1/2 inch deep and space them from 3-6 inches apart. The seeds will sprout within as little as 5 days if the soil temperature is warm. Harvest the outer leaves as needed, allowing the inner leaves to grow larger for a continuous harvest.

4. Kale

Kale is another excellent vegetable to plant in August for a quick harvest. Like chard, this nutrient-dense leafy green thrives in cooler temperatures (many gardeners, including myself, notice that the taste is sweeter after a light frost). Kale can also be grown in warm weather (particularly lacinato or dino kale varieties), making it an apealing choice for the August garden. It can be grown directly in the ground or in containers, and it is relatively easy to care for.

When planting kale, sow the seeds about 1/4 inch deep and space them about 8-12 inches apart for curly kale, or 4 inches apart for lacinato kale. Keep the soil consistently moist and provide some shade on hot days to prevent the leaves from becoming bitter. This is another cut-and-come-again vegetable whose outer leaves can be harvested as needed so that the inner leaves can keep growing for a continuous harvest well into the fall season.

5. Radishes

Radishes are typically a cool weather vegetable, but some varieties are heat tolerant, including sora, essaouira, and rover. If August is a very hot month in your area, these varieties make great options for for a quick and easy harvest. They are fast-growing and can be ready to harvest in as little as 3-4 weeks after planting.

When planting radishes, sow the seeds about 1/2 inch deep and space them about 1-2 inches apart. Keep the soil consistently moist and thin out seedlings if they become overcrowded. Harvest radishes when they are young and tender for the best flavor, as they can become woody if left in the ground for too long. You can also harvest and eat radish leaves! Saute them in olive oil, garlic, and a bit of salt and pepper for a quick and easy accompaniment to any meal.

6. Green onions (scallions)

Green onions, also known as scallions, are hardy plants that are usually grown as annuals or overwintered for harvesting in the early spring season, although they are, in fact, perennials. They can be planted in August for a quick and continuous harvest throughout the late summer months and into the fall. Seeds can take up to 20 days to germinate (depending on the variety), so for a quick harvest in August, start from seedlings. Varieties like Warrior and Evergreen Long White can be harvested within 30 days after transplanting; otherwise, plants can take 60-70 days to mature from seed.

If growing from seed, sow seeds directly into the soil about 1/4 inch deep, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Green onions are relatively low-maintenance; just keep the soil moist and ensure they receive plenty of sunlight. Hill the stalks to encourage them to grow long. You can begin harvesting green onions when they reach about 6-8 inches in height, pulling them up as needed while allowing the remaining plants to continue growing for a steady supply.

7. Mustard greens

Mustard greens are a versatile leafy green that can be planted in August for a quick and nutritious harvest. Known for their peppery flavor, these greens thrive in cooler temperatures and can also tolerate some heat, making them an ideal choice for late summer planting. They grow rapidly and you can harvest the baby leaves as in as little as 20 days after sowing. Young leaves have a milder flavor than adult leaves, which are ready to pick aftr 40-45 days after sowing.

When planting mustard greens, sow the seeds about 1/4 inch deep and space them approximately 2-4 inches apart. Similar to kale, mustard greens benefit from consistent moisture and some shade during extremely hot days. Rather than pulling the whole plant at once, harvest the large leaves and leave the smaller ones to continue growing.

8. Mizuna

Mizuna is a delicious and nutritious leafy green that belongs to the mustard family, known for its mild, peppery flavor and tender texture. This versatile vegetable is perfect for planting in August as it thrives in cooler temperatures while also being resilient enough to withstand some heat. Mizuna grows quickly, allowing you to begin harvesting baby leaves within just 21-30 days after sowing. For a continuous harvest, you can stagger your plantings every couple of weeks.

To plant mizuna, sow the seeds about 1/4 inch deep and space them 6-8 inches apart. Mizuna thrives in well-drained soil that is kept consistently moist, so be sure to water regularly, especially during dry spells. The leaves can be harvested at any size, but for the best flavor and tenderness, pick them when they are young and 4-6 inches tall. You can cut the outer leaves while allowing the inner leaves to continue growing for an abundant supply throughout the season.

9. Lettuce

You might be wondering why lettuce is on this list, since it's well known that lettuce is a cold season vegetable. Here, variety makes all the difference: while most lettuce varieties will bolt (go straight to seed) in the heat, some varieties are heat tolerant and baby leaves can be harvested from them within 30 days of planting seeds. These varieties include Freckles, an heirloom variety with splashes of crimson color on upright leaves, Winter Density, a heat and frost tolerant variety with a texture that is like a cross between Romaine and Butterhead, and Jericho, which is resistant to heat stress and powdery mildew alike.

To plant lettuce, sow seeds about 1/4 inch deep and space them approximately 6-12 inches apart, depending on the variety. Lettuce prefers consistently moist soil, so regular watering is important for maintaining its crisp texture and flavor. For a continuous harvest, consider succession sowing seeds every couple of weeks.

10. Bok choy/Pak choi

Bok choy, also known as pak choi, is a popular Asian green that is easy to grow and perfect for planting in August. This leafy vegetable has a mild flavor and crunchy texture, making it a versatile addition to stir-fries, soups, and salads. Bok choy thrives in cooler temperatures but can also withstand some hot weather, making it an excellent choice for late summer planting. You can begin harvesting baby bok choy in as little as 30 days after sowing, while full-sized plants typically take around 50-60 days to mature.

To plant bok choy, sow the seeds about 1/4 inch deep and space them 6-12 inches apart, depending on whether you want to grow baby or full-sized plants. Bok choy prefers well-drained soil that retains moisture, so be diligent about watering, especially during dry spells. Like other leafy greens, you can harvest the outer leaves while allowing the inner leaves to continue growing for a sustained harvest throughout the season.

Conclusion

Planting a variety of vegetables at the end of July can set you up for a bountiful harvest in August. When you choose heat-tolerant crops, or varieties of coool-weather crops that can tolerate heat, you can enjoy fresh produce right from your garden for an end-of-summer treat. Be sure to follow proper planting and care techniques, such as ensuring adequate moisture and spacing, and as with any other plant, be sure that your soil is adequately replenished with nutrients in order to maximize your yield and flavor.

Finally, remember to stagger your plantings for continuous yields and keep an eye on soil moisture levels. With a little planning and care, you can enjoy a harvest through the fall months and up to the first frost.

When you use one of our gardener's guides, such as our garden journal, or any of the downloadable garden journal pages that are available in our store, you'll be able to achieve even better results in your garden, year after year!