In the Garden This Month
What to plant now
August is the pivot toward fall. Direct-sow a last round of bush beans, cucumbers, and summer squash, and get another sowing of southern peas in early. Start broccoli, cabbage, collards, and kale transplants now for the fall garden, and toward month’s end set out fall tomatoes so they fruit before frost.
What to do now
Water deeply and early in the day, and keep everything mulched — August heat is relentless. Stay ahead of weeds, scout daily for hornworms, squash bugs, and stink bugs, and keep picking so plants stay productive. A little afternoon shade cloth helps tomatoes and peppers keep setting fruit.
What to harvest
Tomatoes, peppers, okra, southern peas, cucumbers, eggplant, summer squash, melons, and sweet corn — plus all the basil and herbs you can use before they bolt.
Plan ahead
Not sure of your dates? Our free Grow Zone Planner gives you frost dates and a planting calendar for exactly where you live.
Open the planner →