19 Vegetables to Plant in August for Fall Harvest

While the growing season of most veggies comes to an end, there are bunch of vegetable plants that can be planted in August for bountiful harvest in the fall.

You just need to be picky while sowing seeds based on climatic conditions in your region.

Below listed are 19 such vegetables that actually thrives when planted at this time of year.

These hardy varieties make the most of August’s unique growing conditions.

The transition from summer heat to autumn coolness creates an ideal environment where plants can establish strong root systems without the stress of extreme temperatures. Many of these crops actually prefer the gentler conditions that late summer provides.

Success with August planting comes down to smart garden management and timing.

Choose varieties suited to your local climate, provide adequate water during establishment, and be ready to shield young plants from weather extremes.

This strategic approach to late-season planting ensures your garden continues producing fresh vegetables well into fall.

19 Vegetables to Plant in August

It’s end of July and if you’re pining hopes for fall harvest, then August is the month to plant your cool season veggies.

As the soil is still warmer, which helps in seed germination, you can expect a mature plant before the first hard frost.

To be successful with your August veggies, prepare the garden bed by adding old compost and perlite to the garden soil.

Adding cocopeat and perlite helps to improve water retention ability of the growing medium.

Choosing the right vegetable plant variety is vital for faster harvest.

Also Read: 13 Easy Vegetables to Grow in Summer

1. Kale

Kale has quickly become a staple in American kitchens, not just for its rich flavor but for its outstanding nutritional profile.

Once considered a specialty green, it’s now celebrated by home gardeners everywhere for its hardiness and versatility. What’s more, kale can keep producing fresh leaves well into the cooler months—no wonder it’s called a superfood!

If you’re looking to boost your health right from your backyard, there’s no better time to plant your own kale and join the homegrown green revolution.

• To plant, sow kale seeds about 1/4–1/2in deep, spacing them 12–18in apart so that mature plants have ample room.
• After planting, water thoroughly, then keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy; mulching helps lock in moisture and discourage weeds.
• When the leaves reach 6–8in long, harvest the outer leaves using scissors, always leaving the center of the plant intact. This way, your kale can keep providing fresh leaves into the fall and even early winter

2. Spinach

Spinach grows best when sown directly into outdoor garden beds or large containers, as this encourages strong, upright growth from the start.

Prepare the area with loose, fertile, and well-drained soil, mixing in plenty of compost or organic matter to boost nutrients.

Choose a spot that receives at least 4–6 hours of sunlight each day, though partial shade during hot afternoons will help prevent bolting.

• Sow spinach seeds about 1/2 inch deep, spacing them 2–4 inches apart—this gives each plant enough room for broad leaves to develop.
• Water thoroughly after sowing, and keep the soil consistently moist (but never soggy); mulching helps conserve moisture and keeps roots cool.
• Harvest the outer leaves with scissors when they reach 4–6 inches long, leaving the inner leaves and center intact so the plant can keep growing. With this method, you can enjoy a steady supply of fresh, healthy spinach throughout the cooler months.

3. Bok Choy

Bok choy thrives when sown directly into outdoor garden beds or large containers, as this minimizes root disturbance and ensures rapid growth.

Prepare the spot with loose, rich, well-drained soil, incorporating compost or organic matter for best results. Choose an area that receives at least 4–6 hours of sunlight daily, though partial shade in the afternoon is helpful in hot climates to prevent bolting.

• Sow bok choy seeds about 1/2 inch deep, spacing them 6–12 inches apart to give each plant enough room for wide leafy heads and thick stems.
• Water well after planting, then keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy; mulch can help retain even moisture and keep weeds down.
• Harvest outer leaves when they’re young and tender, or cut the whole head at the base once it reaches 8–10 inches tall. This method allows you to enjoy crisp, flavorful bok choy well into the cooler fall months.

Check this: 19 Vegetables for Your Winter Garden

4. Cauliflower

Cauliflower thrives when started in late summer for a fall harvest, as it prefers cool, steady temperatures and consistent moisture.

Its compact heads need nutrient-rich, loose soil and moderate sunlight—some afternoon shade is helpful in hot regions to prevent the heads from becoming discolored or loose.

• Start seeds indoors about 4–6 weeks before your target planting date and transplant seedlings outdoors after 3–4 weeks once they’re 3–4 inches tall, or sow directly 1/2 inch deep if your autumn is long and cool.
• Space cauliflower plants 18–24 inches apart in rows to allow good airflow and head development.
• Water regularly so the soil stays evenly moist but never saturated, and mulch well to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature.
• To keep the heads white and tender, once a head is about 2 inches across, gently tie the outer leaves loosely over it (“blanching”).
• Harvest the head while it’s still tight and firm, before it starts to separate, cutting it at the base with a sharp knife.

5. Arugula

Arugula is a fast-growing green with a spicy, peppery flavor, ideal for harvesting in the cooler days of fall. It’s well-suited for garden beds, containers, and even window boxes, performing best in moist, loose, fertile soil with some afternoon shade in the hottest climates.

• Direct sow arugula seeds about 1/4 inch deep and 1–2 inches apart; thin seedlings to 4–6 inches apart for larger leaves.
• Keep the soil consistently damp, using mulch to prevent it from drying out and to reduce temperature swings.
• Begin harvesting young leaves as early as three weeks after sowing, cutting the outer leaves first to keep the plant producing.
• Continue harvesting while the leaves are young and before flower stalks form, as older or bolting plants can taste bitter.

6. Swiss Chard

Swiss chard is robust and productive, yielding brightly colored stems and deep green leaves from late summer until frost. It does best in rich, well-drained soil, receiving 4–6 hours of sunlight daily, but tolerates some shade.

• Sow seeds 1/2 inch deep, 4–6 inches apart, then thin seedlings to 8–12 inches for mature plants.
• Water consistently to keep the soil moist—mulching around plants helps maintain steady moisture and reduces weeding.
• Begin harvesting outer leaves when they reach 6–8 inches, cutting with scissors to encourage regrowth from the center.
• Apply compost midseason and remove old leaves to keep plants healthy and productive late into autumn.

7. Turnips

Turnips grow quickly, producing tender roots and flavorful greens that are perfect for cooler autumn conditions. Enrich the soil with compost before planting to achieve sweet, mild roots, and provide a full-sun site for best results.

• Direct sow seeds 1/4 inch deep, then thin seedlings to 4 inches apart so each root has room to size up.
• Water evenly, aiming to keep the soil moist but not soggy; mulching helps retain moisture and discourages weeds.
• Harvest roots when they reach 2–3 inches across for tenderness; turnip greens can be picked earlier for fresh eating.
• Succession sow every 2–3 weeks for a steady supply through fall.

8. Bush Beans

Bush beans mature fast and love the warmth lingering from summer, demanding lots of sun and loose soil enriched with compost. Unlike pole beans, they don’t require staking, making them an easy late-season crop.

• Direct sow seeds 1 inch deep and 2–3 inches apart in rows about 18 inches apart.
• Water thoroughly after planting and then whenever the top inch of soil is dry, especially during pod development.
• Harvest beans when pods are bright green and snap easily—picking regularly ensures long-lasting production.
• Weed regularly so young plants are not outcompeted, and avoid wetting foliage to prevent disease.

9. Mustard Greens

Mustard greens are fast-growing and thrive when sown for a fall harvest, delivering spicy, flavorful leaves for salads and cooking. They appreciate moist, nutrient-rich soil and grow well in both beds and containers.

• Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep, thinning young plants to 5 inches apart once they have two sets of true leaves.
• Keep soil moist to encourage lush growth and mild flavor—too little water can make leaves tough and bitter.
• Harvest leaves when they’re 4–8 inches long, starting with outer leaves and leaving the center for continued growth.
• For an extended harvest, sow new seeds every couple of weeks well into fall.

10. Cilantro

Cilantro grows best in cool, moist weather and bolts (flowers and goes to seed) quickly in heat, making late summer ideal for fall harvests of fragrant leaves. It prefers fertile, well-drained soil and some afternoon shade if it’s still hot.

• Direct sow seeds 1/4 inch deep and 6 inches apart, thinning as needed for airflow.
• Water consistently to keep the soil moist but not soggy, mulching helps regulate soil moisture and temperature.
• Harvest outer leaves early and frequently, leaving the central stem to regrow; for a steady supply, sow new batches every 2–3 weeks.
• If plants bolt, let a few go to seed and save fresh coriander for the kitchen.

11. Lettuce

Lettuce grows rapidly in the cooling temperatures of late summer and fall, thriving in loose, compost-rich soil with consistent moisture. In hot weather, it benefits from afternoon shade to prevent bolting.

• Scatter seeds on the soil surface, cover lightly with soil or fine compost, and keep the bed consistently moist.
• Thin seedlings to 4 inches apart for leaf types, 6–12 inches for head types.
• Harvest as soon as leaves are large enough to eat, picking outer leaves first for baby greens or cutting whole heads for salads.
• Re-sow every 2 weeks to maintain a steady harvest.

12. Peas (Green & Sugar)

Peas love cooler weather for flowering and pod set and should be sown as late as possible in zones where autumn stays mild. Their roots prefer well-drained, deeply dug soil and their climbing varieties need a trellis or netting.

• Sow seeds 1 inch deep and 2 inches apart along a support system.
• Water deeply at sowing, then maintain even soil moisture as the plants grow.
• Pick pods as soon as they fill out and before they harden on the vine—regular picking keeps plants producing.
• Mulch beds well to keep roots cool and weeds down.

13. Kohlrabi

Kohlrabi is a quick and rewarding cool-weather crop, valued for its crisp, mild, swollen stems. It’s happiest in rich, evenly moist, well-drained soil with full sun.

• Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep, thinning to 4 inches apart as seedlings establish.
• Provide steady moisture to avoid woody bulbs—mulching is highly effective for this.
• Harvest stems when they reach 2–3 inches in diameter for best flavor and tenderness; don’t wait too long as old bulbs get tough.
• Remove lower leaves as needed to prevent disease and keep the patch tidy.

14. Radishes

Radishes are among the fastest maturing fall vegetables, ready to harvest just 3–4 weeks after sowing in cool, damp soil. They can be grown in almost any garden bed or container with loose, friable soil.

• Sow seeds 1/2 inch deep, spacing about 1 inch apart; thin as they grow to allow roots to expand.
• Water evenly for crisp roots and avoid letting soil dry out for best results.
• Harvest roots when firm and of usable size; if left too long, they can become woody or pithy.
• Successively sow new rows every two weeks for continued harvests.

15. Mizuna

Mizuna is a resilient Japanese salad green that thrives in cool weather and can even take light frosts. It loves moist, fertile soil and is well-suited for succession planting.

• Scatter or direct sow seeds in rows, thinning to 2 inches apart for baby greens or 6 inches apart for full heads.
• Maintain steady soil moisture with regular watering or mulch.
• Begin harvesting when outer leaves reach 3–4 inches, snipping fresh leaves to encourage more.
• If flower stalks form (bolting), harvest the whole plant for stir-fries or let it self-seed.

Also Read: 30 Best Vegetables to Grow in Buckets, Bags or Containers

16. Beets

Beets are sweet and tender when grown as a fall crop, developing their best flavor as nights cool in late summer. Loose, well-dug, compost-enriched soil is ideal for root expansion.

• Sow seeds 1/2 inch deep, spacing 1–2 inches apart, then thin established seedlings to 3–4 inches apart.
• Water regularly and mulch to maintain soil moisture.
• Harvest beets at 2–3 inches across for the sweetest roots, and enjoy tender greens from early thinnings.
• Avoid using fresh manure, as it encourages only leafy growth.

17. Broccoli

Broccoli planted in late summer can produce tight, tasty heads before frost arrives. It needs rich, well-drained soil high in organic matter, and benefits from steady moisture.

• Start seeds indoors 4–6 weeks before transplanting, or direct sow if fall is long and cool; space plants 18–24 inches apart.
• Water deeply after transplanting and mulch for cool roots and weed suppression.
• Harvest main heads just before the florets separate, and leave plants to produce side shoots for later pickings.
• Check plants regularly for caterpillar pests and use row covers for protection.

18. Carrots

Carrots love deep, loose soil and cool days for developing sweet, straight roots. Even coverage with boards or light cloth after sowing helps retain moisture and keep soil cool for better germination.

• Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep, spaced very thinly; thin to 2–3 inches apart when seedlings appear.
• Water thoroughly and keep soil consistently moist but never soggy.
• Harvest carrots when roots are 1/2–1 inch across depending on the variety; avoid over-maturity as they can get woody.
• Mulch after seedlings are established to prevent weeds and retain cool soil temperatures.

19. Cabbage

Cabbage thrives best when it matures in cooling autumn weather, producing dense, crisp heads with a sweet flavor. Rich, well-fertilized, moist soil and a sunny spot are key for success.

• Start seeds indoors and transplant after 3–4 weeks (space plants 12–24 inches apart), or direct sow in long-season areas.
• Water thoroughly and consider using mulch to preserve moisture.
• Harvest when heads are firm and fully formed; don’t leave to over-mature or they may split.
• Rotate crops every year to reduce risk of pests and diseases.

Also Read: How to Dry Fresh Basil Naturally?

Conclusion

Planting vegetables in August offers a great opportunity to extend your growing season and enjoy a bountiful fall harvest.

With cooler temperatures on the horizon, many fast-growing and cold-tolerant crops like lettuce, radishes, kale, and broccoli thrive when started this month.

Whether you’re sowing seeds directly into the soil or transplanting seedlings, choosing the right varieties ensures a productive garden well into autumn.

By taking advantage of August’s warmth and planning for the coming cool weather, you can keep your garden thriving and your table full of fresh, nutritious produce.