Seasonal Planting Guide: What to Grow from August to September for a Thriving Garden

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As summer begins to wane and autumn edges closer, gardeners have a valuable opportunity to extend their growing season. By planning carefully and planting at the right time, you can ensure a continuous harvest well into the cooler months. This seasonal planting guide will walk you through what to sow and transplant from early August through early September, maximizing both your garden’s productivity and your time outdoors.

Early August Planting Schedule

In the first weeks of August, the soil is still warm, which makes it an excellent time to begin direct seeding and transplanting certain cool-season crops.

Sow Directly Outdoors:

  • Beans – Fast-growing and ideal for warm soil conditions.
  • Beets – Thrive in late summer and provide both roots and edible greens.
  • Carrots – A perfect time to start them for sweet, fall-harvested roots.

Transplant Seedlings:

  • Broccoli – Start indoors a few weeks earlier or use nursery plants.
  • Cabbage – Strong fall crop that benefits from cooler nights.
  • Cauliflower – Sensitive to heat, but early August transplants can succeed with regular watering.

Mid to Late August Planting Schedule

As temperatures begin to dip, it’s time to focus on leafy greens and hardy vegetables that tolerate or prefer the cool.

Sow Directly Outdoors:

  • Kale – Becomes sweeter after a touch of frost.
  • Turnips – Fast-growing and ideal for fall harvest.
  • Spinach – Prefers the cooling soil and short daylight hours.

Transplant Seedlings:

  • Brussels Sprouts – Slow maturing, best started earlier and transplanted now.
  • Kale – Can be transplanted if not seeded directly.
  • Swiss Chard – Handles summer heat and transitions well into fall.

Early September Planting Schedule

Early September is ideal for a final round of seeding and transplanting quick-growing crops and herbs.

Sow Directly Outdoors:

  • Lettuce – Choose loose-leaf and romaine varieties for quick harvests.
  • Arugula – Grows rapidly and adds peppery flavor to fall salads.
  • Cilantro – Thrives in cooler weather and bolts slower than in summer.

Transplant Seedlings:

  • Broccoli – Can be transplanted again if you missed early August.
  • Kale – Versatile and cold-hardy, it’s ideal for succession planting.
  • Cauliflower – Final window for fall harvests in moderate climates.

Helpful Tip for Hot Climates

If you’re gardening in a region where late summer temperatures are still high, start your seeds indoors under grow lights or in a shaded greenhouse. Once outdoor temperatures become more moderate, you can harden off the seedlings and transplant them into your garden beds.

Benefits of Seasonal Planting

Planting according to the changing seasons allows gardeners to:

  • Extend the harvest well into late fall.
  • Make the most of garden space by rotating crops.
  • Reduce pest pressure, which often declines after midsummer.
  • Grow nutrient-rich, cool-weather crops with better flavor.

Tools and Materials You’ll Need

  • Seed trays or starter pots
  • Quality potting soil
  • Watering can or hose with fine spray
  • Compost or organic fertilizer
  • Row covers or shade cloth (optional for late heat protection)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What vegetables grow best in late summer?

Cool-weather crops like kale, spinach, lettuce, carrots, and broccoli are ideal for late summer planting. They thrive as temperatures begin to drop and often taste better after a light frost.

Can I plant directly into the soil in August?

Yes, as long as the soil is kept consistently moist and temperatures are not excessively high. Beans, carrots, and beets are good options for direct sowing.

How do I know when to transplant seedlings?

Transplant when the seedlings have developed at least two sets of true leaves and the outdoor temperatures are within a safe range for the plant variety.

How late can I plant for a fall harvest?

Depending on your USDA hardiness zone, planting can continue into early to mid-September, especially for fast-growing greens and herbs.

Should I fertilize fall crops differently?

Use balanced organic compost or a low-nitrogen fertilizer to support healthy growth without excessive foliage production, which can slow root development in crops like beets or carrots.

Internal Link Suggestions (from secretsofthegreengarden.com)

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Final Summary

  • Main keyword: seasonal planting guide
  • LSI/NLP keywords used: fall garden, sow in August, transplant vegetables, fall harvest crops, late summer planting, growing zone, cool-season vegetables, frost-tolerant plants
  • Internal links from secretsofthegreengarden.com:
    • How to Build a Cold Frame for Fall Gardening
    • Composting 101
    • Protecting Your Garden from Early Frost
  • External links:
    • USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map
    • Old Farmer’s Almanac Planting Calendar
    • UC Master Gardener Seasonal Guide

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