Get Planting! 8 Essential Crops to Sow in August for a Bountiful Fall Harvest

As a matter of fact, when summer takes a step back for fall, most gardeners feel their planting season has practically ended. Quite contrary to this is the fact that there are plenty of crops that prosper when planted in August, the planting month for most milder areas. Read on as we share 8 plants that you can still put in the ground right now and how they can help lead you to a bountiful harvest when the cooler months come around.

Artichokes

If you're in an area that is quite warm by August, perhaps Zone 10B in the San Diego Area, plant the perennial vegetable artichokes. Direct seed or transplant artichokes. Fall planting will establish them over winter and into spring for harvesting 3–5 artichokes per plant. Besides being an edible plant, artichokes add ornamental beauty to gardens with their large, spiky leaves and flowers.

Broccoli

Although it sounds odd, August is a month when one would plant broccoli; there are even some types that have been bred to tolerate high temperature. 'Bellstar' and 'Kylon' are some of the varieties that can be planted to get an early harvest in fall. For growing them, simply scatter the seeds in a semi-shady location, then transplant the seedlings two to four weeks later. This timing enables the plants to mature as it is still cool, giving rise to a full yield of broccoli.

Root crops are excellent for chaos gardening: Just throw the seeds out there and let them grow with minimal intervention. Carrots are great to plant with radishes; the latter grow quickly but are harvested early, thus loosening the soil for the slower-growing carrots. It works for beets and turnips, too: getting both quick and long-term harvests.

Green beans

Green beans are a classic, late-summer garden vegetable, and they still can be planted through August. Because green beans have tender roots, direct seeding is advisable to avoid transplant shock. Adequately space seeds, and assure good air circulation when planting either bush or pole type plants in all but the driest climates. Green beans are an excellent late season crop because the more the pods are picked, the more are produced.

Flax

Flax is a versatile plant, grown either for its seed or ornamental value. It is resistant to heat and drought; thus, it can be suitable for late-summer planting. The seeds may be direct sown, started as transplants, and the seeds need light to germinate, so just scatter them on the surface of the soil rather than to bury them. Some varieties include 'Scarlet' flax, which has brilliant flowers; 'Blue and Breezy', with edible seeds.

Tomatoes

For the record, I found that it's best to start tomato seeds in August, as there is usually still enough time for them to grow properly before fall starts—at least in places where mild weather prevails. For these smaller varieties, like cherry tomatoes, the days to maturity are also relatively shorter; disease problems in these varieties are also low under humid conditions. The seeds should be started in cool, shady places and later transplanted when strong enough. Support means like Florida weave or trellising not only allow good air circulation but also keep plants healthy.

 

Fennel

Fennel is a versatile plant, multi-use, whose seeds, bulbs, and flowers are edible. Best grown in temperate parts, sowing can be done in August. Start fennel seeds in trays and transplant into the outdoors with a good water supply. It has a lot of benefits for culinary purposes and attracting pollinators.

Snap Peas

Snap peas are ideal for late-season planting, especially in cooler regions. It grows ideally on a trellis; add that important vertical dimension to the garden. Snap peas are culinary in the kitchen, including being eaten fresh, cooked, or pickled. Varieties like 'Sugar Daddy' and 'Sugar Magnolia' offer different growth habits and will work well in any space.

Conclusion

August isn't too late for planting now in the garden. With a little selectivity and careful planting techniques, there can be plenty of plants to harvest well into the cooler months. Some from perennial artichokes to versatile fennel and snap peas offer beautiful ways to add more fresh food to your diet.