Planting for a Fall Harvest: What to Grow in August for Cool-Season Success

As the intense heat of summer begins to fade, August is the perfect time to transition your vegetable garden for a bountiful fall harvest. Whether you're an experienced grower or a weekend gardening enthusiast, late summer planting can extend your season and deliver a steady supply of fresh, flavorful produce well into autumn.

🥕 Why You Should Plant in August

Late summer planting allows cool-season crops to mature under ideal growing conditions—shorter days, cooler nights, and less intense sun. These changes help improve the flavor and texture of many vegetables, especially leafy greens and root crops.

What to Plant in Late Summer

If you're wondering what to grow for a successful fall garden, start with these top cool-season vegetables:

• Lettuce – Fast-growing and perfect for multiple harvests. Try leaf, butterhead, or romaine varieties.

• Spinach – Cool-loving and packed with nutrients. Plant in partial shade if temperatures are high.

• Kale – Hardy and sweetens with a touch of frost. Lacinato and Red Russian are fall favorites.

• Radishes – Quick to mature—many varieties are ready in just 25–30 days.

• Beets – Sow now for tasty roots and delicious greens.

• Carrots – These thrive in cooler soil and get sweeter after a light frost.

🌱 Bonus Tip: Start broccoli and cabbage indoors in August, then transplant outdoors in early September for a hearty late-season harvest.

🌾 Keep It Coming with Succession Planting

For a steady flow of greens and roots, try succession planting. By sowing new seeds every 10–14 days, you’ll ensure a continuous harvest of quick-growers like:

• Lettuce

• Arugula

• Spinach

• Radishes

Succession planting also helps maximize your garden’s yield without crowding beds or overwhelming your kitchen with all-at-once harvests.

Late Summer Gardening Tips

To set your fall garden up for success, follow these best practices:

✔️ Prep the soil: Remove old plants and amend with compost or organic fertilizer. ✔️ Keep seeds moist: Hot weather can dry out soil quickly. Water regularly for strong germination. ✔️ Time it right: Check your region’s average first frost date and count backwards from each plant’s maturity timeline.

🍂 Ready to Start Your Fall Garden?

Let us take the guesswork out of planting! At ADK Gardens, we offer personalized garden and landscape services tailored to your space, soil, and goals.

Whether you need help preparing raised beds, choosing the best vegetables for fall, or maintaining your garden throughout the season, our team is ready to dig in.