10 Things You Should Plant in Your Garden This August, According to an Expert
It’s not too late to plant in your garden!
In much of the country, summer still is full steam ahead in August. In other regions, the hint of cooler evenings mean the growing season is beginning to slow down. But regardless of where you live, there's plenty of time left in the season left for growing things! “It’s a great time to refresh your garden because many flowers and edibles, which you planted earlier in the season, are beginning to look tired,” says Kelsey Minalga, product development manager for Ball Ingenuity. “Just make sure you keep everything watered well, especially if there’s a dry spell.” If you're wondering what to plant in August, we've got you covered.
First, figure out how much time you have left in the growing season for your edible garden. Many crops can be planted from seed, but you’ll need to find the “days to maturity” on the package. Then count backwards from your area’s first expected frost date (find it through your local university coop extension service). So, if your first frost typically is around October 1, you still have roughly two months of growing time in August before a freeze. However, remember that the hours of daylight also affect growth rates, so plants will slow down as the summer comes to an end.
Late summer is a great time to plant perennials, too. The weather typically isn’t as blazing hot, and the rains of autumn can help a plant settle in and develop a strong root system before the cold arrives so it can take off next spring. Make sure to choose plants that can handle winters in your USDA Hardiness zone (find yours here), and get them in the ground at least six weeks before the ground freezes in your area. Here's what you should plant in August, from vegetables to beautiful blooms.
Kale
This sturdy green is incredibly easy to grow from seed. Some types will last well into fall and may even survive winter to return again next spring.
Sedum
Sedum is a great perennial because it blooms in late summer all the way until a freeze. Its thick, fleshy leaves also retain water so it’s drought-hardy once established. It also provides late season food for pollinators. Sedum comes in upright and creeping varieties; make sure to choose a type that can withstand winters in your hardiness zone.
Lettuce
Lettuce is another great choice because it grows quickly from seed with some types ready in less than 30 days. “It’s one of those edibles that has probably gone to seed in summer’s heat, so plant again now,” says Minalga.
Pansies and Violas
Pansies are a great way to spruce up beds, containers and planters for fall. They prefer cooler temperatures, so they’ll do well until a hard freeze. Some varieties will come back next spring, and some types reseed themselves.
Garlic
It may be early for the south, but in northern climates, it’s okay to plant garlic toward the end of August, says Minalga. Hardneck varieties are hardier in cold climates, and you can harvest the garlic scapes (the top of curling stems) in late spring. Softneck varieties have a flexible stem and keep well, plus you can braid them together. Make sure to order now, and most growers will ship when it's time to plant in your area.
Nemesia
This pretty annual loves cool weather. Its tiny flowers resemble snapdragons and come in many colors, and they’ll bloom well all the way until a frost, says Minalga.
Spinach
Spinach is anther green that doesn’t mind cooler weather. You can plant now for an autumn harvest. Some types may survive and rebound next spring.
Celosia
Celosia is a gorgeous, feathery annual that doesn’t mind cooler days ahead. Refresh pots and containers with this handsome plant.
Swiss Chard
Swiss chard is one of those edibles that’s not only delicious and versatile, it’s just plain beautiful! The plants have creamy white, yellow, or pink stems set in the deep green leaves. Seed in your garden, in containers, or raised beds. This edible looks smashing alongside colorful annual.
Aster
These beautiful perennials start to bloom in late August to late September. Available in shades of purples and blues, they make a great contrast to autumn décor such as bright orange pumpkins and gourds. They're also a great late season treat for pollinators.
Arricca Elin SanSone writes for CountryLiving.com, WomansDay.com, Family Circle, MarthaStewart.com, Cooking Light, Parents.com, and many others. She’s passionate about gardening, baking, reading, Polish pottery, vintage cookbooks, and spending time with the people and dogs she loves.
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