10 Recommended Crops to Grow in August

August, a time when summer is on the wane, precedes the cooler temperatures of fall. While many view August as a time of winding down after spring’s busy flurry of activity, it can be a great time to plant nutrient-rich, short-season crops that will be ready by fall. To make your plants less susceptible to temperature fluctuations, grow them in raised garden beds. 

Here are ten recommended crops to grow in August. Be sure to check your hardiness zones to make sure these crops are compatible with your climate – many of these can be grown in a wide range of conditions.  

 

1. Carrots        

Carrots are a fall staple that can be started in August. Darker varieties, such as purple carrots and the ‘Black Nebula’ cultivar are a source of fascination to kids and may get them to eat their veggies. Carrots loathe compacted soil – it will cause them to be knobby, gnarled, or otherwise deformed. When sowing carrots, use a deep trowel or a hori hori knife to break up the surrounding earth so that it doesn’t become too compacted and stunt growth. Amend with compost if you’re dealing with heavy clay soil.

August, a time when summer is on the wane, precedes the cooler temperatures of fall. While many view August as a time of winding down after spring’s busy flurry of activity, it can be a great time to plant nutrient-rich, short-season crops that will be ready by fall. To make your plants less susceptible to temperature fluctuations, grow them in raised garden beds. 

2. Lettuce and Salad Greens 

Lettuce, spinach, and other greens grow very well in late summer. The variety of lettuce greens are often underappreciated, with staid salad lettuces dominating most people’s imaginations. Claytonia Miner's Lettuce, a wild salad variety whose spread is credited to European explorers in the 18th century, features unusual, lily-pad shaped leaves. Ruby red leaf lettuce, known for its signature crimson color that deepens with sunshine, has also been lauded as having the best texture of any lettuce variety. 

3. Cucumbers   

Heat, humidity, and bouts of rain are all factors that contribute to cucumber growth – which abounds during the month of August. Their leaves are also somewhat pretty, making for an impromptu ornamental element in the garden. Plant a late succession of cucumbers in August that will lead to harvests throughout fall. Bush cucumbers take up less space, but vine cucumbers, which require trellises, are better tasting. Be sure not to overwater cucumbers, as that can lead to yellowed leaves and root rot. 

4. Peas   

Peas are a welcome crop that complements any dish. In a cooler climate, green peas (English peas) and sugar snap peas can be planted in August, 8 – 10 weeks before the first frost, for a moderate fall harvest. Choose fast-growing varieties that have a shorter maturing time. Some gardeners will recommend pinching peas to promote growth, but it’s not necessary. 

5. Kale     

Kale is the least popular of greens, and few truly profess to like it. It’s somewhat bearable when fried or used as bedding in chicken dishes, but rarely it is eaten with genuine relish. However, for the select few whose taste buds aren’t offended by the noxious taste of kale, it can be planted in August to give it a head start. If nothing can get you to try kale, there’s still a use for it – as a sacrificial crop to protect more desirable crops from pests.  

6. Radishes             

Radishes are another polarizing crop, though it has its defenders. When roasted with garlic, their flavor becomes mellowed to the point that they taste akin to potatoes. They’re also quick growers, maturing in about 30 days. They don’t appreciate hot weather, so you should wait until August or September before planting them. Some gardeners mix in radish and carrots seeds together for a mutually beneficial relationship – radishes mature quickly and loosen the soil, allowing carrots to follow and grow more easily.

7. Turnips         

Like with radishes, turnips are another root crop that can be planted in August. Since store-brought ones can taste like dirt or your basement, try your hand at growing them fresh from the garden. They prefer sandy, loamy soil; avoid placing next to carrots, parsnips and other root crops, as they’ll compete for nutrients. Rich in iron, vitamin K, C, and potassium, Golden Ball turnip is a golden-skinned variety rarely grown outside of small, specialized farms. 

8. Hamburg Rooted Parsley 

In Eastern Europe, it is not uncommon for parsley, known as parsley root or Hamburg parsley, to be grown for its edible roots. It does tend to suffer the vagaries of a slow and erratic germination, taking 90 days to mature, so it’s only recommended for fanatics of root crops. Sow in autumn or late summer for a better yield. Leave in the ground until a killing frost. In some instances, it can be left in the ground longer if heavily mulched. 

9. Scallions     

Popular as garnishes in Asian cuisine, scallions planted in August will give you a good fall haul. Scallions grow readily from kitchen scraps – place the bulb in a jar of water and leave in a sunny area. Change water regularly and snip as needed. Some varieties are more pungent while others yield a milder flavor. You can also grow them outdoors in soil, where they’ll flourish happily tucked away with herbs or lettuces.

10. Bok Choy    

Bok choy, whether sauteed or placed into stews, is one of these vegetables that seem to garner broad appeal, unlike the much-reviled root vegetables. It’s also incredibly easy to grow, ensuring a reliable fall harvest. Some gardeners choose to grow it during the winter season to circumvent the destruction wrought by slugs. To prevent slugs from decimating your leaves, grow in raised garden beds. If you’re in a hot climate, plant closer to fall, as hot temperatures will cause it to bolt.