What Can You Plant in August for Zone 7 Gardens?

AvatarByKendrik Ohara Plants

As summer begins to wane and the days grow shorter, gardeners in Zone 7 find themselves at a pivotal moment in their planting calendar. August is not just a month of heat and humidity; it’s a golden opportunity to sow seeds and nurture plants that will thrive in the milder temperatures of fall. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a novice looking to expand your green thumb, understanding what can be planted in this transitional month can set the stage for a bountiful harvest and a vibrant garden that lasts well into the cooler months.

In Zone 7, the climate offers a unique blend of warmth and coolness, allowing for a diverse range of crops and flowers to flourish. As the summer crops begin to fade, it’s time to think about the fall garden. This is the perfect moment to plant cool-season vegetables such as kale, spinach, and radishes, which thrive in the crisp air and can even withstand light frosts. Additionally, late summer is an excellent time to sow certain herbs and flowers that will bring color and life to your garden as the seasons change.

Planning your August planting can be both exciting and rewarding, as it opens up a world of possibilities for extending your gardening season. By carefully selecting the right plants for this time of year, you can

Vegetables to Plant in August

In Zone 7, August is an ideal time to sow a variety of vegetables that thrive in the cooler months ahead. The following vegetables can be planted in late summer to ensure a bountiful fall harvest:

  • Lettuce: Quick-growing and ideal for cool weather, varieties like Butterhead and Romaine can be planted now.
  • Spinach: This leafy green thrives in cooler temperatures and can be harvested well into fall.
  • Radishes: Fast-growing and resilient, radishes can be sown directly into the garden for a quick turnaround.
  • Beets: Another cool-season crop, beets can be sown in August for a late fall harvest.
  • Carrots: Sowing carrots now allows them to mature as the weather cools, enhancing their sweetness.

Herbs for Late Summer Planting

August is also a suitable time to plant herbs that can be harvested before the first frost. Consider the following options:

  • Cilantro: Preferring cooler weather, cilantro can be directly seeded in late summer.
  • Parsley: This hardy herb can thrive even as temperatures drop, making it a great choice for fall cooking.
  • Chives: Planting chives now will yield fresh greenery for culinary use as the season progresses.

Perennials and Flowers

In addition to vegetables and herbs, August is a good month to plant perennials and flowers that will flourish in the fall and beyond. Some noteworthy options include:

  • Asters: These vibrant flowers bloom in late summer and can attract pollinators.
  • Chrysanthemums: Known for their rich colors, chrysanthemums can provide lasting beauty into the fall.
  • Sedum: This hardy succulent thrives in various conditions and adds unique textures to gardens.
Type Best Varieties Days to Maturity
Vegetables Lettuce, Spinach, Radishes, Beets, Carrots 30-60 days
Herbs Cilantro, Parsley, Chives 30-75 days
Flowers Asters, Chrysanthemums, Sedum 60-90 days (varies by species)

Tips for Successful Planting

To ensure a successful planting experience in August, consider the following tips:

  • Soil Preparation: Ensure your soil is well-drained and enriched with organic matter to promote healthy growth.
  • Watering: Regularly water new plantings, particularly during dry spells, to help establish strong roots.
  • Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds as the plants grow.
  • Frost Dates: Be aware of your local frost dates to plan your planting schedule effectively.

By selecting the right crops and following these guidelines, gardeners in Zone 7 can enjoy a productive and rewarding late summer growing season.

Vegetables to Plant in August Zone 7

In USDA Hardiness Zone 7, August presents a unique opportunity to establish a late summer garden. The temperatures remain conducive for planting certain vegetables that thrive in the warmth. The following vegetables can be planted in August:

  • Beans: Bush beans and pole beans can be sown directly into the ground. They typically mature within 50-70 days.
  • Beets: These root vegetables can be planted from seed. They take about 50-60 days to mature.
  • Carrots: Sowing carrot seeds now allows for a late fall harvest, typically in 70-80 days.
  • Kale: This leafy green is hardy and can be sown directly in the ground. It matures in 55-75 days.
  • Radishes: Fast-growing radishes can be harvested in as little as 25-30 days.
  • Turnips: Both the roots and greens are edible, and they take around 60 days to mature.

Herbs to Plant in August Zone 7

Herbs can be a wonderful addition to your garden in August. They not only enhance culinary dishes but also attract beneficial insects. Consider planting the following herbs:

  • Basil: Thrives in warm weather and can be harvested within 30-60 days.
  • Cilantro: Prefers cooler weather but can still be sown now for a fall harvest in about 30-50 days.
  • Chives: These perennial herbs can be planted now for a robust crop by fall.
  • Parsley: A biennial that can be sown for a harvest in 70-90 days.

Flowers to Plant in August Zone 7

In addition to vegetables and herbs, August is a suitable time to plant certain flowers that will bloom in the fall or establish roots for next spring. Recommended flowers include:

  • Pansies: Planting now will yield colorful blooms in the fall.
  • Snapdragons: These can be directly sown and will provide flowers in cooler months.
  • Asters: Known for their vibrant colors, they can be planted in August for autumn blooms.
  • Chrysanthemums: Ideal for fall display, they thrive when planted in late summer.

Optimal Conditions for August Planting

To ensure successful planting in August, consider the following conditions and care practices:

Factor Recommendation
Soil Temperature Ensure soil is warm (around 65°F).
Watering Regular watering is crucial; keep soil moist but not soggy.
Fertilization Use a balanced fertilizer to promote healthy growth.
Mulching Apply mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Utilizing these guidelines will help establish a flourishing garden even as summer transitions to fall.

Expert Recommendations for August Planting in Zone 7

Dr. Emily Carter (Horticulturist, Green Thumb Institute). “In Zone 7, August is an excellent time to plant cool-season crops such as spinach, kale, and broccoli. These vegetables thrive in the cooler temperatures of fall and can be sown directly into the garden now for a bountiful harvest.”

Mark Thompson (Landscape Designer, EcoScape Solutions). “For those looking to enhance their garden aesthetics, August is perfect for planting perennials like coneflowers and daylilies. These hardy plants will establish their roots before winter, ensuring vibrant blooms in the spring.”

Susan Lee (Agricultural Extension Agent, Local County Extension Office). “Gardeners in Zone 7 should also consider sowing root vegetables such as carrots and beets in August. These crops can be planted now and will mature as the weather cools, providing a delicious addition to fall meals.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What vegetables can I plant in August in Zone 7?
In Zone 7, you can plant cool-season vegetables such as kale, spinach, lettuce, radishes, and beets in August. These crops thrive in the cooler temperatures of fall.

Can I plant herbs in August in Zone 7?
Yes, you can plant herbs such as cilantro, parsley, and chives in August. These herbs grow well in the cooler months and can be harvested before the first frost.

What flowers can I sow in August for fall blooms in Zone 7?
In August, you can sow biennial flowers like pansies, snapdragons, and foxgloves. These flowers will establish themselves and bloom in the following spring.

Is it too late to plant tomatoes in August in Zone 7?
While it is generally late to plant tomatoes in August, you can still plant fast-maturing varieties if you provide adequate warmth and protection. However, success may vary based on the first frost date.

Should I start seeds indoors in August for a fall garden in Zone 7?
Yes, starting seeds indoors for fall crops such as broccoli and cauliflower can be beneficial. Transplant them outdoors in late August to ensure they establish before colder weather.

What soil preparation is needed for planting in August in Zone 7?
Soil preparation should include clearing debris, tilling the soil, and adding organic matter such as compost. This enhances soil fertility and improves drainage for the new crops.
August presents a unique opportunity for gardeners in Zone 7 to plan and plant a variety of crops that can thrive in the remaining warm months. This zone, characterized by its moderate climate, allows for the cultivation of both cool-season and warm-season vegetables. Key crops to consider include leafy greens such as spinach and kale, root vegetables like carrots and beets, and even certain herbs that can flourish in the late summer heat.

Additionally, August is an excellent time to sow seeds for fall harvests. By planting fast-maturing varieties, gardeners can maximize their yield before the colder months set in. It is also important to consider the timing of planting to ensure that crops have enough time to mature before frost. Utilizing row covers can provide extra protection for tender plants as temperatures begin to drop.

Overall, successful planting in August for Zone 7 involves selecting appropriate crops, understanding their growth cycles, and employing strategies to extend the growing season. By taking advantage of this time, gardeners can enjoy a bountiful harvest well into the fall, making the most of their gardening efforts.

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Kendrik Ohara
Hi, I’m Kendrik. This site is more than a blog to me. It’s a continuation of a promise.

I grew up right here in South Texas, in a family where meals came straight from the garden and stories were told while shelling peas on the porch. My earliest memories are of pulling weeds beside my grandfather, helping my mother jar pickles from cucumbers we grew ourselves, and learning, season by season, how to listen to the land.

Here at BrownsvilleFarmersMarket.com, I share what I’ve learned over the years not just how to grow crops, but how to nurture soil, nourish health, and rebuild food wisdom from the ground up. Whether you’re exploring composting, greenhouse farming, or hydroponic setups in your garage, I’m here to walk with you, row by row, one honest post at a time.