10 Vegetables to Start in August

This post for the gardeners in Zone 9. In Zone 9, August is a pivotal month for gardeners, as it bridges the tail end of summer with the beginning of the fall growing season.

The lingering warmth of summer provides a unique opportunity to extend the harvest of heat-loving crops while also preparing for the cooler months ahead. During this time, you can take advantage of the longer days and warmer soil to plant a mix of fast-growing summer crops and hardy fall vegetables. This dual approach ensures a continuous and diverse harvest as the season progresses. Here’s a guide to what you can plant in August:

Lets first look at the vegetables that can be planted.

Vegetables:

1. Tomatoes:

 In early August, you can plant another round of tomatoes for a fall harvest. Opt for determinate varieties, which are more compact and tend to mature faster, ensuring they ripen before any potential cooler weather arrives. Varieties like 'Celebrity,' 'Bush Early Girl,' or 'Roma' are great choices.

 Tomatoes need consistent watering, especially in the heat. Water deeply to encourage strong root growth but avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases. Use stakes or cages to support the plants as they grow, keeping the fruit off the ground and improving air circulation around the plant.

2. Peppers:

Bell peppers, jalapeños, and other hot peppers can still be planted in early August. These plants thrive in the warm soil and extended sunlight. Varieties like 'California Wonder' (bell pepper) or 'Jalapeño' are excellent for late-season planting.

Peppers require warm soil and should be planted in a sunny location. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Mulching around the base of the plants helps retain moisture and keeps the roots cool. As the plants grow, they may need light staking to support the weight of the fruit.

3. Cucumbers:

Plant cucumbers in early August for a fall harvest, especially if the intense summer heat has started to wane. Choose bush varieties if you’re working with limited space, such as 'Spacemaster' or 'Bush Champion,' or traditional vining types like 'Marketmore' if you have room to spread out.

Cucumbers require plenty of water to prevent bitterness in the fruit. Mulching around the plants will help maintain soil moisture and reduce the need for frequent watering. Trellising vining varieties can save space and improve air circulation, reducing the risk of fungal diseases.

4. Squash (Summer and Winter Varieties):

 Summer squash like zucchini and yellow squash can be planted for a quick fall harvest. Winter squash, such as butternut or acorn, can also be planted in August, though these will take longer to mature and are typically harvested later in the fall.

 Squash plants need plenty of space to spread out. They thrive in rich, well-drained soil and require consistent watering, especially during fruit development. Harvest summer squash when the fruits are young and tender for the best flavor, while winter squash should be left on the vine until fully mature.

5. Green Beans:

 Both bush beans and pole beans can be planted in early August for a productive fall harvest. Bush beans, such as 'Blue Lake,' mature quickly, while pole beans like 'Kentucky Wonder' will need support and may produce over a longer period.

 Beans prefer well-drained soil and regular watering, but avoid waterlogging the soil. Pole beans will require trellises or other support structures to grow vertically, which also makes harvesting easier. Beans are generally low-maintenance but benefit from regular harvesting to encourage continuous production.

6. Eggplant:

 Eggplant is another heat-loving crop that can be planted in August. Varieties such as 'Black Beauty' or 'Ichiban' can be planted for a late summer to early fall harvest.

 Eggplant needs warm temperatures to thrive, so ensure it’s planted in a sunny spot. Water consistently and deeply, and consider mulching to retain soil moisture. As the plants grow, they may need to be staked or supported to prevent them from toppling over under the weight of the fruit.

7. Okra:

 Okra loves the heat and can be planted in August for a harvest that continues into the fall. Varieties like 'Clemson Spineless' are popular and produce tender pods.

 Plant okra in full sun and keep the soil consistently moist. Okra plants can grow tall, so be prepared to provide support if necessary. Harvest the pods when they are small and tender, as larger pods can become tough and fibrous.

8. Leafy Greens (Arugula, Kale, Collard Greens):

 Leafy greens like arugula, kale, and collard greens can be planted in late August as the temperatures start to cool slightly. These greens are cold-hardy and can continue producing well into the cooler months.

 These greens prefer well-drained soil and consistent moisture. Regular watering will help maintain the tender texture of the leaves. You can start harvesting the outer leaves as the plants grow, allowing the inner leaves to continue producing.

9. Radishes:

 Radishes are one of the fastest-growing vegetables, making them ideal for planting in late August for a quick fall harvest. Varieties like 'Cherry Belle' or 'French Breakfast' can mature in as little as 25-30 days.

 Radishes grow best in cool weather, so late August planting is ideal as the temperatures begin to decrease. They prefer loose, well-drained soil and should be watered consistently to promote rapid growth. Thin the seedlings to give each plant space to grow, and harvest when the radishes reach their mature size to avoid them becoming tough or woody.

By planting these crops in August, you can make the most of the growing season in Zone 9 and enjoy a diverse and bountiful harvest well into the fall.

I have personally planted Tomatoes,Okra,potatoes,bell peppers and succeeded in them.

I had a good harvest in the summer and this fall i am going to try new veggies. If you have any suggestions let me know by commenting on this post.