August provides the perfect growing temperatures for vegetables that thrive in late summer and early fall. As a matter of fact, some vegetables can even improve as the cooler temperature sets in over the course of this transitional period.
This article will walk you through a list of vegetables that should be planted in August to obtain a flourishing and delicious harvest.
Let’s get right into it!
9 Vegetables You Can and Should Plant in August
In this article, I will disclose my 9 favorite vegetables you can plant in August. Stick around till the end to find out more about them.
9 – Spinach
Yes, that’s the leafy green that gave Popeye his gigantic forearms and super strength. It probably won’t do the same for you but it’s still super healthy and delicious.
Spinach is perfect for August planting because it thrives in slightly cooler temperatures and is especially fast-growing.
Believe it or not, spinach leaves are ready for harvest in as little as 4-6 weeks of planting!
8 – Snap Peas
No, the snap in snap peas does not stand for Snapchat! It’s a slightly sweet legume that grows well in cooler temperatures and is a solid choice for August planting.
The peas bring a pleasantly sweet crunch to salads and other savory dishes you might enjoy.
The unique thing about snap peas is that they have a climbing habit, which makes them perfect for adding vertical interest to the garden and allowing for more free space.
7 – Swiss Chard
This leafy green is ideal for August planting as it’s tolerant of low temperatures and extremely hardy. Although August cold is relatively mild, Swiss chard can still thrive in it and be harvested throughout the season.
Typically, it’s the leaves of the vegetable that are consumed, and their vibrant stems bring a pop of color to any savory dish they’re added to.
6 – Bok Choy
Bok choy – an Asian green that’s quick to grow and thrives in cool weather. They’re ready to harvest in no more than 5 to 8 weeks. Frankly speaking, bok choy tastes very similar to cabbage.
It definitely has that peppery and grassy flavor but, when you add it to stews or stir fries, it can be much more enjoyable.
August planting allows bok choy to quickly reach maturity and enjoy repeated harvests throughout fall.
5 – Collard Greens
Collard greens are known for their hardiness and ability to tolerate cold conditions including frost.
If you’re looking for something to plant around late August, collard greens are ideal because they can withstand the transition to cooler temperatures very well.
They’re nutrient-dense and offer a slightly bitter and earthy flavor that’s perfect for including in dishes that use aromatic spices or acidic dressing.
4 – Fennel
Although fennel isn’t exactly a fall vegetable, it can still thrive in August’s temperature conditions and develop flavorful bulbs that you can use in your soups or sauteed salads.
Depending on how you’re cooking fennel, its flavor can come through as slightly sweet or licorice-like.
3 – Celery Root
Celery root, also known as celeriac, thrives in cooler temperatures and takes slightly longer to mature compared to some of the other vegetables on this list.
Typically, the bulbs can be harvested 90 to 120 days after planting and are preferred raw, sauteed, or roasted.
2 – Sorrel
Sorrel can be planted in August for a sizable fall harvest. It’s a vegetable that offers a tangy, lemony flavor and can complement sweeter vegetables in a salad very well.
It’s rich in Vitamin C and also features small, bright red fruits that are used in the making of beverages.
1 – Kale
Yes, I know, kale absolutely sucks. Personally, it reminds me of bad hospital food or stuff you eat when you’re on some kind of weird fad diet.
However, a lot of people love kale too. It’s nutritious, satiating, and provides you with good vitamins and antioxidants, so…why not?
Anyhow, kale grows best in cold temperatures. In fact, it gets sweeter the more it’s exposed to frost. Early August planting ensures continuous harvest into late fall and optimal growth thanks to the ideal temperature conditions.
If you’re in August, don’t give up! There’s still time to plant all those vegetables!
Final Words
Although you may be told that August is not the ideal planting time, that’s actually far from the truth. A lot of vegetables thrive in the milder temperature conditions of August and the month allows for harvesting before the first frost.
Some vegetables even develop better and sweeter flavors after going through the transitional period of fall.
