What Should You Plant in Texas This August?
As summer begins to wane in Texas, August presents a unique window of opportunity for gardeners eager to keep their plots vibrant and productive. Whether you’re a seasoned green thumb or a curious beginner, understanding what to plant in August can make all the difference in cultivating a thriving garden that withstands the tail end of the hot season and prepares for the cooler months ahead. This time of year calls for strategic choices that align with Texas’s diverse climate zones and the shifting rhythms of the growing season.
Gardening in Texas during August requires a thoughtful approach, as the intense summer heat gradually gives way to more moderate temperatures. It’s a transitional period where certain crops can still flourish, while others need to be timed carefully to ensure success. Knowing which plants are best suited for this month not only maximizes your garden’s yield but also helps maintain soil health and pest control, setting the stage for a bountiful fall harvest.
In the sections that follow, we will explore the types of vegetables, herbs, and flowers that thrive when planted in August across various Texas regions. By tapping into seasonal insights and regional considerations, you’ll gain the confidence to make informed planting decisions that keep your garden growing strong well into the cooler months.
Vegetables Suitable for Late Summer Planting
August in Texas offers a unique opportunity to plant vegetables that thrive in the warm soil while preparing for the cooler months ahead. Many gardeners focus on heat-tolerant crops or those that mature quickly before the first frost. Key considerations include soil temperature, day length, and the expected timing of cooler weather.
Vegetables well-suited for planting in August include:
- Okra: Prefers hot weather and can continue producing into early fall.
- Southern peas (cowpeas): Heat-tolerant legumes that enrich the soil and provide fresh pods.
- Sweet potatoes: Plant slips early in August for a fall harvest.
- Eggplant: Thrives in the residual summer warmth and can produce fruit well into September.
- Bush beans: Fast-maturing varieties can be planted for a late summer crop.
- Cucumbers: Select disease-resistant varieties for planting in August to avoid late-season fungal issues.
- Peppers: Transplants can still be set out early in the month to extend harvest into fall.
For gardeners aiming to transition into a fall garden, cool-season crops can be seeded in late August to early September, depending on the location within Texas.
Herbs and Flowers to Plant in August
August is also ideal for sowing certain herbs and flowers that tolerate or prefer the heat and can establish before cooler weather. Herbs like basil, dill, and cilantro can be planted early in the month to avoid bolting as temperatures begin to drop. Additionally, some hardy annuals and perennials benefit from August planting to develop strong root systems for the fall and next spring blooms.
Recommended herbs and flowers include:
- Basil: Plant early August to harvest fresh leaves before first frost.
- Dill: Sow seeds directly, as it grows quickly and prefers warm soil.
- Cilantro: Best planted in early August to avoid rapid bolting.
- Marigolds: Heat-tolerant and excellent for pest control.
- Zinnias: Provide vibrant color and attract pollinators.
- Sunflowers: Sow for late summer blooms and birdseed harvest.
- Mexican bush sage: A native perennial that thrives in Texas heat.
Planting Calendar for August in Texas
Below is a generalized planting calendar indicating suitable crops for different regions of Texas during August. Note that microclimates and local weather patterns may influence exact planting times.
| Crop Type | North Texas | Central Texas | South Texas |
|---|---|---|---|
| Okra | Early August | Early to Mid August | Mid to Late August |
| Southern peas | Early August | Early August | Mid August |
| Sweet potatoes | Early August | Early August | Mid August |
| Bush beans | Early to Mid August | Early August | Early August |
| Peppers (transplants) | Early August | Early to Mid August | Mid August |
| Herbs (basil, dill, cilantro) | Early August | Early to Mid August | Mid August |
Soil Preparation and Maintenance Tips for August Planting
Proper soil preparation in August is crucial for successful planting and crop development. Texas soils can be variable, often requiring amendments to optimize fertility and moisture retention during the hot late summer months.
- Soil Testing: Conduct a soil test to determine pH and nutrient levels. Texas soils tend to be alkaline; adding sulfur or organic matter can help adjust pH if necessary.
- Amendments: Incorporate compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil structure, enhance moisture retention, and provide essential nutrients.
- Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch around plants to reduce evaporation, moderate soil temperature, and suppress weeds.
- Watering: Plan consistent irrigation schedules to compensate for high evapotranspiration. Drip irrigation or soaker hoses are effective to minimize water waste.
- Pest Management: Monitor for common late summer pests such as aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites, and employ integrated pest management strategies to control outbreaks.
Considerations for Fall Garden Transition
August planting sets the stage for a productive fall garden in Texas. As temperatures gradually cool, gardeners should plan to introduce cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach, kale, and broccoli in the latter part of the month or early September depending on local climate.
Key points to consider include:
- Timing: Begin seeds indoors or in shaded areas during late August to get a head start.
- Hardening Off: Gradually acclimate seedlings to outdoor conditions before transplanting.
- Frost Dates: Be aware of the average first frost date in your area to schedule planting and harvest.
- Crop Rotation: Rotate planting locations to reduce soil-borne disease risk and maintain soil health.
By carefully selecting heat-tolerant crops and preparing soil properly, gardeners in Texas can maximize their August planting window and enjoy a diverse and fruitful garden through the
Optimal Vegetables and Herbs to Plant in August in Texas
August in Texas presents a unique opportunity to plant a variety of vegetables and herbs suited to the late summer and early fall growing seasons. Due to Texas’s diverse climate zones, selecting heat-tolerant and fast-maturing varieties is essential to ensure a successful harvest before cooler weather arrives.
When planting in August, focus on crops that can handle the remaining warmth and have a shorter maturation period. This strategy helps to avoid frost damage and maximizes yields during the fall months.
- Leafy Greens: Spinach, Swiss chard, mustard greens, and kale thrive when planted in late summer and can tolerate Texas heat with proper watering.
- Root Vegetables: Beets, carrots, radishes, and turnips develop well when sown in August, benefiting from the cooler soil temperatures in early fall.
- Legumes: Snap beans and bush beans can still be planted early in August for a late-season harvest.
- Herbs: Cilantro, basil, dill, and parsley flourish when planted now, especially if given partial shade during the hottest part of the day.
- Cruciferous Vegetables: Broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage varieties started indoors or purchased as seedlings can be transplanted outdoors mid to late August.
| Crop | Planting Method | Days to Maturity | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spinach | Direct seed | 30-45 days | Prefers well-drained soil and consistent moisture |
| Beets | Direct seed | 50-60 days | Thin seedlings for best root development |
| Snap Beans | Direct seed | 50-60 days | Plant early August for full harvest before frost |
| Cilantro | Direct seed or transplant | 45-70 days | Bolts quickly in heat; partial shade recommended |
| Broccoli | Transplant seedlings | 60-90 days | Start indoors by mid to late July or buy seedlings |
Flower Varieties Suitable for August Planting in Texas
August is an excellent time to establish several flower varieties that will bloom beautifully in the fall, adding color and attracting pollinators to your garden. Selecting heat-tolerant annuals and perennials will ensure strong growth despite the lingering summer temperatures.
Proper soil preparation and irrigation are critical when planting flowers during the hot August period. Incorporate organic matter to improve moisture retention and provide adequate shade during the hottest hours.
- Marigolds: Heat-tolerant and pest-resistant, marigolds thrive when planted in late summer.
- Zinnias: Fast-growing and colorful, zinnias tolerate Texas heat well and bloom prolifically.
- Cosmos: Ideal for late summer planting, cosmos attract beneficial insects and withstand heat.
- Perennial Salvias: These native plants handle heat and drought conditions effectively.
- Mexican Sunflower (Tithonia): A robust, drought-tolerant annual that provides vibrant orange blooms.
| Flower | Planting Method | Bloom Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marigold | Direct seed or transplant | Summer to fall | Easy to grow; controls nematodes in soil |
| Zinnia | Direct seed | 6-8 weeks after planting | Needs full sun and well-drained soil |
| Cosmos | Direct seed | 7-8 weeks after planting | Attracts butterflies and bees |
| Salvia (Perennial) | Transplant or seed | Late summer to fall | Drought tolerant; prefers well-drained soil |
| Mexican Sunflower | Direct seed | 8-10 weeks after planting | Thrives in heat and poor soil |