26 Veggies and Flowers to Plant in August for Fall Color and Flavor

Come August, most gardens are buzzing — tomatoes ripening, herbs reaching their peak, and flowers putting on one last show. You’re likely busy picking, weeding, and keeping everything watered.

But if your garden’s starting to look a little tired, you might be wondering, “It’s August… am I too late to plant anything?”

Short answer: Nope!

Long answer: It’s not too late to plant, even in late summer.

In fact, August is a perfectly practical time to get a second wind going in the garden.

Yes, really. There’s plenty of time left to grow short-season veggies, herbs, and flowers — whether you’re starting from seed or using transplants.

Now, let’s be honest — August does bring some challenges. The heat can be tough on young seedlings, and you’ll need to water regularly to help them settle in. And don’t forget to check your local average first frost date to time your plantings just right.

With the right choices and a little care, you can set yourself up for a beautiful fall harvest. And fall crops are nutritious, delicious, and super easy to grow.

In this article, I’m going to share how to plan your fall garden some of my favorite herbs, leafy greens, root crops, and even some cheerful companion flowers you can start from seed in August.

Why Should You Plant Vegetables in August?

Put simply, while many of your vegetables are ripening now, they will also be reaching the end of their season. This depends on where you live, but soon you will have lots of empty space in your beds and backyard.

Fast crops, like lettuce and other leafy greens will soon have “done their time”, and you’ll need to replace them. Summer veggies will start yielding less soon, but you will still need to fill your pantry and bring some fresh vegetables to your dinner table.

If you manage your vegetable garden well, you can literally harvest all year round. But if you skip August (or early to mid-September) as planting season, you’ll find yourself buying veggies from the stores again in fall.

So, don’t waste this window!

In fact, August can have quite a few advantages for planting vegetables in your garden – you’ll be surprised!

What Are the Advantages of Planting Vegetables in August?

Of course, every region has its climate, but especially in mild, temperate and cool areas, August planting has quite a few advantages – and some in super hot and tropical climates too! Shall we go through them?

• August is usually cooler that July; yes, it’s hot, but days are getting shorter and temperatures decreasing.
• Planting in August gives you fall crops, of course.
• Once established, the seedlings will have great growing conditions, as rains start, but the climate is still mild!
• There are fewer pests around in August, so, they won’t bother your vegetable seedlings too much.
• Of course, you cannot skip August for stagger planting.
• The soil is warm in August, and this is good for some vegetable seedlings to establish themselves (not all though).

But of course, planting in August can give you some tricky problems, especially in hot countries. So, let’s see them, and how to solve them, one by one…

August Planting Problem 1 – The Heat!

In temperate countries, by mid-August summer is over… But in others, hot temperatures will keep warming up the soil (and drying it) well into fall. It can be a problem, even if this month is cooler than July, especially in the evenings…

This is not good for some vegetable seedlings, especially leafy greens like spinach and lettuce, which don’t tolerate soil temperatures above 80°F, or 27°C.

But there are solutions to this problem.

• Wait till temperatures drop, if you live in a mild or temperate region; it will get cooler soon, usually by mid-August.
• Shade your seedlings; this is enough to lower soil temperatures so they don’t suffer too much.
• Mulch around the seedlings, this will definitely lower the soil temperatures, by at least 5°C!
• Start your seedlings indoors, under grow lights if you can, in a cool place, like a shed or garage.
• Water your seedlings often; while the evenings are best, don’t worry about refreshing them early in the mornings too.

But there can be another problem in August, which is the lack of rains…

August Planting Problem 2 – Drought

In most climates, by mid-August you get the first summer thunderstorms, but not everywhere… In drier regions, drought and lack of rainfall can still cause your vegetable seedlings some problems. But the solutions are here, as usual…

• Stock up on water, so you don’t run out!
• Absolutely mulch around your seedlings, it will keep the soil moist, and it will save you water too.
• Use sunken beds, so water collects there; this is very common in very dry regions.
• Of course, water your vegetable seedlings regularly.
• Deep water your seedlings; if you allow the water to soak deep into the soil, it will encourage their roots to go down deeper in the ground – this way, they will always have a way to quench their thirst!

And now, on to a key issue to help you grow your vegetable seedlings well in hot August’s climate.

How to Plan Your Best Fall Garden Yet

August may feel like the garden’s peak, but it’s also the gateway to a whole new season. If you want fresh carrots, kale, or broccoli in the cooler months ahead, now’s the time to plan and plant. Fall gardening is all about timing — and August is your golden window.

Here’s how to get everything in order for a productive fall harvest:

1. Know Your First Frost Date

Everything starts here. Your first frost date is the average day your area dips to 32°F or lower. Once that happens, tender plants are done growing, and even the hardier ones will slow down.

To find it, just search:
“What is the first frost date in [your town, state]”
You can also check the Farmer’s Almanac, a longtime favorite among gardeners.

2. Count the Days You’ve Got Left

Once you know your frost date, figure out how much time you’ve got between now and then. You can count days on your calendar, but it’s quicker to ask:
“How many days until [your frost date]?”

That number tells you which crops still have time to grow. Most areas in August still have 60 to 80 frost-free days, which is perfect for many fall vegetables.

3: Check and Prepare Your Garden Beds

Next, take stock of your garden space. What summer crops are winding down? Pull those tired plants and make room for something new.

Make sure that the soil you’re planting your fall seedlings into is rich in organic matter. That alone will help regulate soil temperature, retain moisture, and create the perfect home for young roots trying to get established.

In some areas, late summer soil is still fertile from spring compost and good care. But in other gardens — especially those hit hard by drought, tilling, or heavy summer crops — the soil may be tired and depleted.

So be generous with compost. Work it into the top few inches of soil before planting. Your seedlings will settle in more quickly and grow stronger right from the start.

Once planted, don’t forget to mulch. A good layer of straw, leaves, or wood chips around your plants holds in moisture, protects the soil, and adds a touch of insulation as the nights cool down.

4: Get Your Calendar and Seed Packets Ready

Now it’s time to plan. Grab a big calendar you can write on, and gather your seed packets. Look on the back of each packet for how many days the plant needs to grow. Then count backwards from your frost date to see if you still have enough time. Since fall days are cooler and shorter, it’s smart to give your plants a few extra days just in case.

Write your planting dates on the calendar. Not sure when to plant something? The Farmer’s Almanac has easy charts to help.

Tip: Calendars are often on sale mid-year — a nice little bonus if you don’t already have one.

Fall Vegetables You Can Still Plant in August

Of course, if you choose the wrong vegetables to plant in August, no matter how much you strive, they will fail. So, here is a safe list for you…

Leafy Greens to Sow Now for a Late-Season Harvest

Come August, when the tomatoes are heavy on the vine and the sun starts to feel just a little less fierce, it’s time to think ahead — not to the end of the season, but to what comes next. That’s right, it’s fall planting season, and leafy greens are some of the easiest and most rewarding crops you can tuck into your beds right now.

These cool-weather lovers thrive when the days start shortening and the nights carry that first hint of chill. With the right timing, you’ll be harvesting crisp, flavorful greens all the way through fall — and in some cases, well into winter.

Here’s a lineup of leafy greens that do especially well when planted in late summer for a fall harvest:

• Some lettuce varieties : August is the perfect time to sow lettuce for fall. Direct sow your seeds 6–8 weeks before your first frost date. Go for cold-tolerant varieties like romaine, oakleaf, or butterhead. As the weather cools, lettuce gets sweeter and more tender. Sow in successions every couple of weeks and you’ll have a steady harvest of leaves right into late October — maybe longer with a little row cover.
• Spinach: Spinach is one of fall’s finest. Sow directly in the garden in late August or early September. It loves the cool, and a light frost will actually sweeten the leaves. If you want to get real fancy, cover it with straw in November and come spring, you might be surprised to find it already growing again.
• Arugula: Fast-growing and full of flavor, arugula is a great choice for a fall harvest. Sow it in August or early September — it only needs about 30–40 days to reach maturity. The leaves are spicy in warm weather but mellow beautifully as the nights cool down. Keep sowing every 10–14 days and you’ll have plenty to toss in salads or wilt into warm dishes as the season turns.
• Swiss Chard: Chard’s a real gem for fall planting. Sow seeds by mid-August or transplant starts if you’ve got them. The plants are frost tolerant and will keep producing into late fall, especially if you give them some protection. Bonus: the colorful stems brighten up any fall bed, and the flavor is earthy and rich — perfect for soups, sautés, or just a quick wilt with garlic and olive oil.
• Mustard Greens: If you’ve never grown mustard greens for fall, now’s the time to try. Sow seeds directly in August for an October harvest. The leaves grow fast and pick up a wonderful sweetness after the first frost. Young leaves are great raw, while mature ones shine cooked. Choose red mustards for extra color in your fall garden.
• Kale: kale thrives in fall and doesn’t flinch at frost — in fact, it gets better with it. Sow in mid-to-late August for a strong fall harvest. As long as the ground doesn’t freeze solid, kale will keep going. I’ve harvested kale in December under a bit of row cover, and one year I was still picking it in February — no joke.

Brassicas to Plant in Late Summer for a Fall Harvest

By the time August rolls around, it’s too late in the season to plant most brassicas (like broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage) from seed straight into the garden. But don’t worry — you can still grow them from starts (young plants). If you want to grow them from seed next year, the trick is to start them indoors or in a greenhouse during the heat of summer. That gives them time to grow before the cooler fall weather sets in.

Brassicas love cooler weather and are not bothered by a light frost — in fact, they often taste even better after it.

Here’s how to grow each one for a fall harvest:

• Cabbage: Plant cabbage 6 to 8 weeks before your first frost — so, sometime in August. It grows well in cooler weather and actually tastes sweeter once the nights get chilly. Great for fall slaws and soups.
• Broccoli: Broccoli loves fall weather. It grows best when the soil is cool — between 65°F and 75°F. You can direct sow broccoli seeds in the garden 10 to 12 weeks before frost, or start seeds indoors 15 to 17 weeks before frost and transplant them in mid-to-late summer. The heads turn out sweeter and tighter than in the hot months.
• Brussels Sprouts: These take longer to grow, so start them indoors about 10 weeks before your frost date. Plant them outside in August. Here’s the cool part — they actually need a frost to taste their best. Cold weather brings out their natural sweetness.
• Kale: Kale is super hardy. Sow it directly in the garden about 6 to 8 weeks before frost — around mid-to-late August. Once it’s growing, it will keep producing even in the snow. I’ve picked kale from under three feet of snow in February! Just harvest the big leaves as they grow.

Root Vegetables to Plant in August for a Fall Harvest

If you’re still itching to plant something in August, root veggies are a great choice. These plants love the cooler weather, grow well in late summer, and are perfect for harvesting in the crisp days of fall. Here’s a list of easy and reliable ones to get in the ground now:

• Carrots: Carrots are one of the best vegetables to plant in August. They grow slowly and steadily, and cooler temperatures help make them sweet and crisp. Plant them now, and you’ll be pulling up tasty, colorful roots in the fall.
• Beets: Beets grow fast — often ready in about 6 to 8 weeks. Plant them in August, and you’ll likely get a full harvest before the first frost. You can eat both the roots and the leafy greens, so they’re a two-for-one crop.
• Radishes: Want a quick win? Plant radishes in August or even early September, and they’ll be ready in just a few weeks. They don’t mind the cooler weather and add a nice crunch and bit of spice to your fall salads.
• Turnips: Turnips love the cold. Sow them in late August or early September, and they’ll grow happily as the days get cooler. Like beets, you can eat both the roots and the greens. They’re great in soups, roasted, or mashed like potatoes.

OtherVegetables

• Peas: both snap and shelling peas can be planted in August for a fall harvest.
• Green Onions (Scallions): they are quick-growing and you can harvest them before winter.
• Cilantro – Loves cool weather, bolts in summer but grows beautifully in fall.
• Dill – Sow in late summer for fresh fronds before frost and seeds if the weather holds.
• Parsley – Slower to start, but loves cooler temps and often survives light frosts.

Flowers To Plant In August

The end of summer isn’t too late to sow your flower seeds — not at all. In fact, plenty of blooms actually prefer being planted in August, when the soil still holds the warmth of summer, but the nights have started to cool and soften. It’s a sweet spot that helps young plants settle in strong.

Whether you’re hoping for some fast fall blooms or giving your garden a head start on next season’s color, plenty of flowers do well when planted from seed this time of year.

• Sunflowers – Sow seeds 1 inch deep in early August, choosing dwarf or quick-blooming varieties. They’ll still have time to bloom before the first frost. These sunny giants attract pollinators, feed birds with their seeds, and look stunning in a fall bouquet.
• Calendula (Pot Marigold) – Direct sow or transplant in early to mid-August. Calendula thrives in cool weather and produces golden-orange blooms that can be dried for teas and skin salves. It also draws in bees and other beneficial insects.
• Marigolds (Tagetes) – Start from seed or young plants in early August. These bright, fragrant blooms grow quickly and help repel garden pests. Their bold colors and easy care make them a fall favorite for edging vegetable beds.
• Trailing Nasturtiums – Sow seeds ½ inch deep in early to mid-August. These vibrant, edible flowers will tumble beautifully over containers or trellises and love the cool-down of fall. Just keep in mind they’re frost-sensitive, so enjoy them while they last.
• Alyssum – Scatter seeds across the soil and barely cover them. You can plant alyssum throughout August. It’s low-growing, lightly scented, and perfect for filling in between garden rows. It tolerates frost and attracts late-season pollinators.
• Cosmos – Sow seeds ¼ inch deep in early August. Choose shorter varieties for a quicker bloom. Cosmos brings soft, feathery beauty to the fall garden and keeps blooming until frost. Leave a few flowers to go to seed and they’ll return on their own next year.
• Rudbeckia (Black-Eyed Susan) – Best planted as young starts in August. While you may not see full blooms this year, they’ll establish strong roots and return with brilliant golden flowers next summer. A hardy, reliable perennial that bees adore.

August, Maybe an Unusual Month to Plant, But a Great One Too!

Great, now you know what to plant, when to plant your vegetables and how to get them through the dry and hot days of August, get your seedlings ready and don’t waste time!