August is a wonderful time for gardeners. The garden is brimming with produce ready to be harvested, and there’s still time to plant certain vegetables for a late fall harvest. Here’s a guide to what you can enjoy from your garden this month and what you can still plant.
Carrots
Carrots are a versatile root vegetable that can be harvested throughout August. They are perfect for adding crunch to salads, roasting for a side dish, or simply enjoying fresh from the garden. For a continuous supply, you can plant more seeds now and enjoy a late fall harvest.
Beets
Beets are another root vegetable that does well in August. Their earthy flavor is a great addition to salads, and they can be roasted or pickled for longer storage. Planting more beets now will ensure you have a steady supply through the fall.
Green Beans
Green beans are abundant in August. These crisp and tender pods can be harvested frequently, encouraging the plants to produce more. They are great steamed, sautéed, or added to casseroles. If you still have space, consider planting another round of beans.
Cucumbers
Cucumbers thrive in the warm August weather. They grow quickly and can be harvested often. Perfect for salads, pickles, or just snacking, cucumbers are a refreshing addition to your garden. Keep an eye out for pests, as they can be more prevalent this time of year.
Zucchini
Zucchini is a prolific producer in August. The plants can produce more than you might know what to do with, so get creative with your recipes. Zucchini bread, grilled zucchini, and zoodles are popular options. Pick them when they are small for the best flavor and texture.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes reach their peak in August. Whether you grow cherry tomatoes, beefsteaks, or heirlooms, the flavor of a homegrown tomato is unparalleled. They are perfect for salads, sandwiches, sauces, and salsas. Regularly harvesting them encourages more fruit to develop.
Peppers
Peppers, both sweet and hot, flourish in the summer heat and are ready for harvesting in August. They add flavor and spice to a variety of dishes. If you enjoy pickled peppers, now is the time to prepare a batch. Planting some late varieties now can extend your harvest season.
Lettuce
Lettuce can still be planted in August for a fall harvest. Choose heat-resistant varieties and keep them well-watered to avoid bolting. Fresh, homegrown lettuce is perfect for salads and sandwiches.
Radishes
Radishes grow quickly and can be harvested in as little as 30 days. Planting them now will give you a fast crop before the cooler weather sets in. They add a nice peppery crunch to salads and are great for pickling.
Spinach
Spinach can be planted in late August for a fall harvest. This leafy green is packed with nutrients and can be used in salads, smoothies, and cooked dishes. It prefers cooler weather, so planting now ensures it matures as temperatures drop.
Kale
Kale is a hardy green that thrives in cooler temperatures, making late August the perfect time to plant it for a fall harvest. It’s incredibly nutritious and can be used in salads, soups, and smoothies. Kale becomes sweeter after a frost, so it’s worth waiting for that first chill.
Broccoli
Broccoli can be planted in August for a fall harvest. This nutrient-rich vegetable prefers cooler weather and will mature nicely as temperatures drop. It’s perfect for steaming, roasting, or adding to stir-fries.
Cauliflower
Cauliflower is another cool-weather crop that can be planted in August. It takes a bit longer to mature, but the wait is worth it. Use it in soups, roasted dishes, or as a low-carb substitute in various recipes.
Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts are a long-season crop, but planting them in August will give you a late fall harvest. They require patience, but the reward is delicious, nutty sprouts perfect for roasting or steaming.
Cabbage
Cabbage can be planted in August for a late fall harvest. It’s versatile and can be used in slaws, sauerkraut, and soups. Choose a variety that suits your climate for the best results.
Turnips
Turnips are another root vegetable that can be planted now for a fall harvest. Both the roots and greens are edible. They’re great for roasting, mashing, or adding to stews.
Chard
Chard is a leafy green that thrives in cooler weather, making August a great time to plant it for a fall harvest. It’s versatile and can be used in salads, soups, and sautéed dishes.
Peas
Peas can be planted in August for a fall harvest. They prefer cooler temperatures and will mature quickly as the weather cools. Enjoy them fresh, in salads, or cooked.
Arugula
Arugula is a fast-growing leafy green that can be planted in August. It adds a spicy kick to salads and sandwiches. Keep it well-watered to avoid bitterness.
Kohlrabi
Kohlrabi is a unique vegetable that can be planted in August for a fall harvest. It’s part of the cabbage family and has a crisp, refreshing taste. Use it raw in salads or cook it in various dishes.
Bok Choy
Bok choy is a type of Chinese cabbage that can be planted in August. It grows quickly and prefers cooler temperatures. It’s excellent in stir-fries, soups, and salads.
Mustard Greens
Mustard greens can be planted in August for a fall harvest. They add a spicy, peppery flavor to dishes and are great in salads, soups, and sautéed.
Leeks
Leeks can be planted in August for a late fall or early winter harvest. They have a mild, onion-like flavor and are perfect for soups, stews, and sautés.
Onions
Onions can be planted as sets or seeds in August for a late fall or early winter harvest. They’re a staple in many dishes and can be stored for several months.