What to plant in August: best vegetables and flowers to grow

Plant these in August for a delicious fall harvest and colorful flowers

With high soil and air temperatures and abundant sunshine, August is a key time to plant. Now that spring plantings have largely been harvested, it’s the last chance to plant many herbs, vegetables and flowers to enjoy before temperatures start to drop. Prepare your garden by clearing out spent plants and restoring soil nutrients with compost, then start looking forward to an abundant and delicious harvest in fall and winter. If you’re wondering what to plant in August, we’ve got you covered with a variety of recommendations. 

In this article: Luster Leaf Rapitest Soil Test Kit, Edward Tools Garden Trowel and Rainpoint Programmable Sprinkler Timer

What to plant in August

To ensure success for your crops, direct-sow seeds as early as possible in August. If your frost date is rapidly approaching, look for fast-maturing crops or plant starts instead of sowing seeds. It also helps to choose semi-hardy vegetables that can withstand a light early frost.

Depending on what you’re planting and what U.S. Department of Agriculture growing region you live in, August plantings may be more successful in containers, which can easily be moved between shady and sunny spots as needed. Wherever you’re planting, be sure to spread a thin layer of mulch over freshly turned and watered soil to prevent it from forming a crust, which can stunt sprouting plants and lose valuable water.

Vegetables to plant in August

Warm soil temperatures in much of the country allow for lots of different vegetables to succeed in August. Cucumbers, beets, beans, and leafy greens such as lettuces, spinach and kale can all be started in August to enjoy in fall or even into winter.

If you live in a cooler northern climate, try planting a last round of spinach, carrots or sugar snap peas. Fast-growing vegetables such as radishes are also a good choice if you live in a region where the frost date could occur as early as late August.

Many parts of the country can successfully plant cilantro throughout the summer, while warmer regions can plant basil and dill in August. If you started seeds for Brussels sprouts, broccoli or cauliflower earlier in the year, August is the right time to transplant the seedlings to your vegetable garden.

Flowers to plant in August

Many summer annuals tend to go on sale in August, but that’s because the growing window is closing fast. If you don’t mind only enjoying these flowers for a short time, stock up on petunias, cosmos or geraniums and plant away.

Mums are a popular flower for fall gardening, with blooms starting in September. Marigolds are another popular addition to a home garden, especially if you routinely deadhead them to encourage flowering. Nasturtium, New England asters,  snapdragons and sunflowers are all great picks for August planting.

Cover crops to plant in August

If you’re ready to put away the gardening tools and relax for the rest of the summer, consider signing off on your growing season by planting cover crops. These plants, usually a mix of certain legumes and grasses, are great for replenishing nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen that have been depleted by the spring and summer growing seasons. They also prevent erosion and weeds.

Depending on your region and your soil needs, try cover crops such as field peas, crimson clover, buckwheat or hairy vetch. Edible cover crops can be eaten, but it’s more common to simply leave them, then mix the dead plants into the soil next spring.

Best vegetable and herb seeds

Open Seed Vault 15,000 Non-GMO Heirloom Vegetable Seeds

This kit contains 15,000 seeds and 32 varieties of vegetables, many of which are great for planting in August; this includes spinach, kale, beets, broccoli, radishes and multiple varieties of beans and lettuce. The seeds are 100% natural and were not genetically modified. 

NatureZ Edge 5,300 Seeds Non-GMO Heirloom Lettuce Mix

Grow all your salad greens in the garden with this dedicated mix. You get 5,300 non-GMO seeds and eight varieties including multiple types of kale and lettuce, as well as spinach. 

Home Grown Heirloom and Non-GMO 4,500+ Culinary Herb Seeds

This seed mix lets you cook with herbs straight from your garden. It contains over 4,500 non-GMO seeds and 18 herb varieties, including two types of basil, cilantro and dill for planting in August.

Best flower seeds

Black Duck Brand Set of 50 Bulk Flower Seed Packets

This summer mix offers a ton of value with 50 non-GMO seed packets and 15 flower varieties. Designed to attract pollinators, it contains many flowers that are suitable for August planting, including petunias, cosmos, snapdragons, marigolds, asters and sunflowers. 

The Old Farmer’s Almanac 200 Non-GMO Marigold Seeds

This seed mix contains yellow, orange and red marigolds for a vibrant fall display. You get approximately 200 non-GMO seeds per packet. 

Seed Needs Specialty Blend of 1,000+ Sunflower Seeds

Sunflowers are a cheerful addition to any garden. This non-GMO mix contains 15 varieties and over 1,000 seeds. Your flowerbeds will bloom with red, yellow and orange sunflowers that are just right for fall. Plus, you’ll attract pollinators to your garden. 

Best cover crop seeds

Mountain Valley Seed Company No-Till Garden Cover Crop Mix Seeds

This seed mix contains a variety of cover crops suitable for August planting, including field peas, hairy vetch and two types of clovers. The seeds are non-GMO and come in a 5-pound bag. 

Cannaisseur  No-Till Cover Crop 13-Seed Mix 

If you want to plant more varied cover crops, this non-GMO seed mix is a great option. It contains 13 varieties, including hairy vetch, flax, buckwheat, two types of field peas and three types of clover. The mix comes in half-pound or 1-pound bags. 

Best gardening tools and accessories

Luster Leaf Rapitest Soil Test Kit

Make sure your soil is prepared for a new round of crops by testing the soil first. This easy-to-use soil test kit tells gardeners their pH levels as well as nitrogen, phosphorous and potash levels.

Bully Tools 12-Gauge Garden Hoe

Prepare your garden bed with this sturdy steel garden hoe, which has a lightweight yet durable fiberglass handle. The paddle head is made from 12-gauge steel in the United States.

Edward Tools Garden Trowel

Easily turn over soil for fresh planting with this sturdy carbon steel trowel. Its engraved depth markers help you make sure you’re planting seeds at the right depth.

Picnic at Ascot Garden Tool Tote

Transport your tools and keep them organized in this sturdy canvas tote, which includes three stainless steel gardening tools. The tote features five exterior pockets with elastic loops to keep tools in place.

Ozero Leather Work Gloves

These tough cowhide work gloves are great for everything from planting to weeding. They’re available in four sizes and feature an easy on-and-off elasticated wrist.

DuraTrel Winchester 57- by 96-Inch White Vinyl Wall Trellis

Plant peas, nasturtium, beans and even vine cucumbers on this sturdy, attractive vinyl trellis. It measures 57 by 96 inches and comes with a 20-year warranty.

Fiskars Ultralight Kneeling Cushion

Avoid stressed, sore knees by working with this foam garden kneeling pad. It resists tears and abrasion and features a carrying handle.

Flexzilla Heavy-Duty Garden Hose

Keep your garden well-watered with this sturdy, kink-resistant garden hose. It coils up easily for storage when you’re done.

G & F Soft Jersey Garden Gloves

These soft, comfortable gardening gloves are made from floral-print cotton jersey, with grippy dots on the palms, thumb and forefinger. They come in a pack of six.

Rainpoint Programmable Sprinkler Timer

Easily help your crops maintain the proper moisture level with this programmable water timer. Set three separate programs, water on specific days and set the timer for up to four hours.

Behrens 2.5-Gallon Steel Watering Can

Water lots of plants without needing a refill in this vintage-style, heavy-duty steel watering can. It’s weather-resistant and also comes in 2- and 3-gallon sizes.

Worth checking out

• Deadhead flowers and tidy up plants with the ergonomic Fiskars Steel Bybass Pruning Shears.
• The WhaleLife Watering Can comes in 12 colors and features a translucent resin body that lets you easily see the water level.
• Carry your tools and garden in comfort with the Ohuhu Garden Kneeler Bench.
• The double-sided Bully Tools 12-Gauge Two-Prong Weeding Hoe clears out even the toughest weeds.
• Maximize your growing space by planting flowers in the roomy, coconut husk-lined Arcadia Garden Products Round Planter.
• Lay the Gilmour Flat Weeper Soaker Hose around your plants for a slow release of water.

Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.

Check out our Daily Deals for the best products at the best prices and sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter full of shopping inspo and sales.

Copyright 2024 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved.