18 Vegetables and Herbs to Plant in August, It’s Not Too Late!

Late summer is the perfect time to plant vegetables and herbs in your garden.

You may think it’s too late, but there are plenty of varieties that can thrive in the remaining months of the growing season.

With a little care, you can enjoy a fresh harvest even in the cooler months.

From kale and spinach to radishes and carrots, these vegetables grow quickly and are perfect for filling your garden.

These plants benefit from cooler weather and can even survive light frost.

Ready to make the most of your late summer garden?

Check out these 18 vegetables and herbs to plant in August and start your late-season harvest today!

Best Vegetables and Herbs to Plant in August

From cool-season crops to quick-growing herbs, August offers a chance to keep your garden productive well into the cooler months.

Let's take a look at the best vegetables and herbs to plant this month for a bountiful harvest.

Arugula

August is a great time to enrich your garden with nutritious plants. Arugula thrives in cooler conditions and benefits from some shade, making it ideal for late summer planting.

To cultivate this leafy green, place seeds in well-draining soil at a depth of about 1/4 inch, spacing them an inch apart. You can begin harvesting the leaves once they reach heights between 4 and 6 inches.

This quick-growing herb adds a peppery flavor to salads and dishes alike; I find it enhances meals beautifully while being easy to grow!

Basil

Consider planting seeds or transplanting seedlings directly into soil that drains well.

Ensuring these plants receive plenty of sunlight is crucial, as they thrive in bright conditions.

Maintaining consistent moisture in the soil will support healthy growth and flavorful leaves throughout the season.

With just a bit of care, you can enjoy fresh basil for culinary delights all summer long.

Beets

Root vegetables like beets thrive in cooler temperatures, making them an excellent choice for late summer planting.

They require regular watering and can flourish throughout the year if conditions are right.

These vibrant vegetables not only add color to your plate but also offer numerous health benefits.

Consider incorporating beets into your gardening plans this month for a rewarding harvest ahead.

Broccoli

Broccoli is an excellent choice for a late summer garden. This vegetable flourishes in cooler temperatures, making August a suitable time to plant it.

Ensuring adequate moisture will help the plants grow strong and healthy. Additionally, taking steps to guard against pests can lead to a successful harvest later on.

With care and attention, your broccoli crop can thrive into the fall season.

Cabbage

Starting this crop early in the season ensures that you can enjoy fresh harvests throughout summer.

When your cabbages feel firm and solid, they are ready for picking.

This vegetable not only adds crunch to salads but also thrives in various climates, making it a versatile choice for your garden.

Consider incorporating this nutritious plant into your late-season gardening plans for added variety on your table.

Carrots

Even in August, there's still time to cultivate a thriving garden. Carrots are an excellent choice for late-season planting; they thrive when sown from early spring through mid-summer.

Opting for baby carrots can lead to quicker results, allowing you to enjoy a harvest sooner than anticipated. Their adaptability makes them perfect for extending your gardening season into the fall months.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to enrich your vegetable patch with these versatile roots!

Cauliflower

One notable vegetable to consider is cauliflower, which thrives in cooler climates and needs regular watering for optimal development.

Timing matters; ensure you pick the heads before they begin to flower for the best flavor and texture.

This versatile plant adds nutritional value to your meals while enhancing your gardening experience through its unique cultivation requirements.

Don't overlook this opportunity; cauliflower can be a rewarding addition as summer transitions into fall.

Cilantro

Cilantro thrives in cooler temperatures, making August a great time to plant it for fall harvest. This herb not only adds flavor but also boasts both leafy greens and seeds known as coriander.

You can enjoy fresh cilantro in various recipes, enhancing everything from salsas to salads. Quick to grow, it's perfect for those looking to fill their garden before summer ends.

Don’t miss the chance to incorporate this versatile herb into your culinary creations!

Cucumber

Let's cultivate cucumbers in your garden. These plants thrive when given support, so using a trellis encourages their upward growth.

They flourish under full sunlight and require regular watering for optimal yields of juicy, sun-kissed cucumbers. With the right care, you’ll enjoy an abundant harvest as summer winds down.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to enhance your vegetable patch!

Kale

Kale thrives as a robust cool-weather crop, perfect for late summer planting. This leafy green not only enhances the nutrition of your meals but also withstands chilly temperatures and light frost when fully grown.

With its adaptability, growing kale can enrich your garden while providing fresh greens well into the colder months. Adding this nutrient-dense vegetable to your outdoor space ensures you enjoy vibrant flavors in numerous recipes throughout the season.

Why wait? Get started with cultivating kale today!

Leeks

Planting leeks in your garden during the late summer months provides a rewarding harvest that can endure into winter. These relatives of onions possess a flavor profile that's sweeter and gentler, making them an excellent addition to hearty soups and stews.

As they develop over time, you will appreciate their ability to withstand colder temperatures while adding depth to various dishes. Cultivating leeks not only enriches your meals but also enhances the variety in your vegetable patch as you prepare for fall cooking adventures.

Embrace this opportunity to grow something truly versatile right from your backyard.

Lettuce

Lettuce thrives in various climates, making it a versatile choice for your garden. With options like iceberg, butterhead, and loose leaf varieties available, you can enjoy fresh greens throughout the year.

This leafy vegetable flourishes well even during winter months when given some protection from harsh weather conditions. You’ll appreciate how easy it is to grow lettuce at home; just ensure consistent moisture and adequate sunlight for optimal growth.

Cultivating this nutritious addition not only enhances meals but also promotes healthy eating habits effortlessly.

Peas

Growing peas in your garden during late summer can lead to a rewarding fall harvest. These legumes, including snow, snap, and soup varieties, flourish when temperatures drop.

Consistent watering is essential for their development; make sure the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. Harvesting should occur once the pods appear full and vibrant in color for the best taste and texture.

With careful attention to cooler weather conditions, you can enjoy delicious homegrown peas later this year.

Potatoes

Planting potatoes offers a rewarding experience, even in late summer. Begin by selecting quality seed potatoes and ensuring your soil drains well to promote healthy growth.

As the plants emerge, be diligent about adding more soil around their stems; this encourages stronger root systems and enhances yields. With proper care, you'll enjoy a bountiful harvest as fall approaches.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to cultivate your own fresh produce right from home!

Radishes

Don’t miss out on growing radishes in your garden this August. These vegetables offer an exciting range of shapes and flavors, from round red varieties to long white types.

Some are perfect for cooler weather, while others flourish during the warmer months. Take advantage of their quick growth cycle; you can enjoy a harvest sooner than expected!

Whether you prefer mild sweetness or a hint of bitterness, there's a radish variety that will suit your taste buds perfectly.

Spinach

Gardening in August offers a chance to plant spinach, a nutritious leafy green that flourishes in cooler weather. This vegetable prefers well-drained soil and struggles with extreme temperatures, making it essential to provide the right conditions for growth.

Planting spinach now can yield a bountiful harvest this fall if frost stays away. Its rich flavor and versatility make it an excellent addition to any garden.

With care, you can enjoy fresh spinach just as summer winds down.

Summer squash

Planting summer squash is a fantastic choice for your garden in August. These plants thrive under the warmth of direct sunlight, making them perfect for this time of year.

With proper care, including regular watering and fertilization, you can enjoy a bountiful yield before the season ends. Opting to grow summer squash allows you to savor fresh produce straight from your backyard while adding vibrant colors to your garden space.

Don't miss out on this opportunity; it’s a rewarding endeavor that brings both flavor and joy!

Tomato

Tomato is an essential addition that brims with vitamins and enhances various dishes such as soups and salads.

If you choose indeterminate varieties, remember to set up supports like trellises for optimal growth.

With warm air and soil combined with longer daylight hours, your plants will thrive before autumn arrives.

For more insights into vegetable gardening techniques and maintenance advice, staying tuned to our website ensures you never miss out on valuable information.

Tips for Thriving Late Summer Planting

Late summer planting can help you extend your growing season and get fresh produce well into the fall.

With proper soil preparation, smart watering, and a little protection, your late summer garden can flourish despite the changing weather.

Here's how to make the most of your late-season planting.

Soil Prep for a Successful Late Season Harvest

To give your late summer plants the best chance, begin with proper soil preparation.

Start by incorporating compost or organic matter into your soil to improve its fertility and drainage.

Well-amended soil supports healthy plant growth, even as temperatures fluctuate.

Also, test the soil's pH and make any necessary adjustments.

Many vegetables and herbs, such as tomatoes and lettuce, thrive in slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH of 6.0 to 7.0).

Tailoring your soil to your plant's needs will set them up for success as they grow through the cooler months.

Watering & Mulching: The Secret to Healthy Plants

Even though late summer can still bring warm temperatures, maintaining a consistent watering routine is crucial.

Aim for deep watering that encourages roots to grow deeply, which will help your plants withstand the coming cooler nights.

Make sure the soil remains moist but not waterlogged to avoid root rot.

To retain moisture and regulate soil temperature, mulch around your plants.

This helps suppress weeds and maintain stable temperatures, providing your plants with the perfect environment to establish roots before the cooler weather arrives.

Shade & Protection: Shield Your Plants from Summer’s Last Blast

If you live in a hot region, offering shade protection is key to your plants’ success.

Use shade cloth or row covers to protect your crops from intense sun and heat, especially during their initial growth stages.

These coverings will help prevent stress and sunburn while the plants establish themselves.

As the weather cools in late August or early September, remove the shade protection, as the plants will better tolerate the dropping temperatures, making the transition smoother for them.

Extending Your Harvest: Keep the Fresh Produce Coming

If you want to extend your harvest and enjoy fresh produce into the fall and winter months, there are a few methods you can use to keep your plants going.

Cold Frames and Hoop Houses: Protect Your Crops in Cold Weather

Cold frames and hoop houses are simple but effective structures that trap heat and protect plants from frost.

These mini-greenhouses allow you to keep growing cold-hardy vegetables like kale, spinach, and lettuce well into fall and even early winter.

These tools offer an affordable way to extend your harvest season, providing warmth and shelter from the elements.

Indoor Herb Gardening: Fresh Flavor All Year

Don’t want to stop harvesting your favorite herbs?

Many herbs like basil, parsley, and cilantro can be grown indoors during the colder months.

Using containers and ensuring they receive ample light - either from a sunny windowsill or grow lights - can provide you with fresh herbs all year long.

Indoor herb gardening is an excellent option for small spaces and can ensure that your kitchen is always stocked with vibrant, homegrown flavors.