August may seem late in the gardening season, but for those in USDA hardiness zone 6, it's the perfect time to plant a variety of cool-season crops and extend your garden's productivity into fall. With thoughtful planning, you can enjoy fresh vegetables well into the colder months. Here’s a guide to crops that can be successfully planted in August in zone 6.
Leafy Greens
Leafy greens thrive in the cooler temperatures of late summer and early fall, making them a perfect choice for August planting. Here are a few varieties to consider:
- Spinach: Spinach germinates quickly and grows best in cool temperatures. Plant seeds in late August for a fall harvest.
- Kale: Hardy and cold-tolerant, kale can withstand light frosts, making it a great choice for fall gardening. It can even sweeten in flavor after frost exposure.
- Lettuce: Opt for leaf lettuce or romaine, which will mature faster than head lettuce. Lettuce grows quickly, so you can expect a harvest in about 4-6 weeks.
- Arugula: Arugula adds a peppery flavor to salads and is a fast-growing green that can be harvested in as little as 30 days.
- Mustard Greens: These spicy greens grow well in cooler weather and can be used fresh or cooked.
Root Vegetables
Root vegetables are well-suited for fall gardening in zone 6. Many of these crops benefit from the cooler weather, which enhances their flavor.
- Carrots: Choose fast-maturing varieties and sow seeds in early to mid-August. Carrots can tolerate light frosts and often taste sweeter after a frost.
- Beets: Beets are another crop that benefits from cool weather. Plant in early August for a fall harvest. The greens are edible too!
- Radishes: Radishes are one of the quickest crops to grow, often ready for harvest in just 3-4 weeks. They can be planted throughout August for a continuous harvest.
- Turnips: Both the roots and greens of turnips are edible, and they thrive in cooler temperatures. Plant seeds in early August for a fall crop.
Brassicas
The brassica family includes a variety of cool-weather crops that can be planted in August for a fall harvest.
- Broccoli: Start broccoli seeds in early August, or plant transplants for a quicker harvest. Broccoli prefers cooler temperatures and can withstand light frosts.
- Cauliflower: Like broccoli, cauliflower grows best in cool weather. Start seeds or plant transplants in early August.
- Cabbage: Cabbage can be started from seed or transplants in August for a fall crop. Choose compact, fast-maturing varieties.
- Brussels Sprouts: Brussels sprouts take longer to mature but benefit from a few frosty nights. Plant them in early August for a late fall or early winter harvest.
Legumes
Certain legumes can be planted in August for a fall harvest. These crops fix nitrogen in the soil, benefiting the garden in future growing seasons.
- Peas: Peas love cooler weather and can be planted in early August for a fall harvest. Choose dwarf varieties that won’t need as much time to mature.
- Bush Beans: Fast-maturing bush beans can be planted in early August for a late harvest. These heat-tolerant beans will continue to produce until the first frost.
Herbs
Many herbs can be planted in August for fresh flavors in your kitchen throughout the fall. Consider growing these herbs:
- Cilantro: This herb thrives in cool weather and can be planted in August for a fall harvest. It grows quickly and can be harvested continuously.
- Parsley: Parsley can be planted in late summer and will continue to grow into the cooler months.
- Chives: Chives are a hardy perennial herb that can be planted in late summer. They’ll continue to produce well into the fall and can survive over winter.
Quick-Maturing Vegetables
Some vegetables can still be planted in August if you choose fast-maturing varieties. These crops will give you a harvest before the first frost hits.
- Zucchini: Zucchini grows quickly and can still be planted in early August for a late summer harvest.
- Summer Squash: Like zucchini, summer squash matures quickly. Choose compact varieties for a faster harvest.
- Bok Choy: Bok choy grows fast and thrives in cooler temperatures, making it an excellent choice for late summer planting.
Tips for August Gardening in Zone 6
- Monitor Moisture: August can be hot and dry, so make sure to keep your garden well-watered. Consistent moisture is key to getting fall crops off to a good start.
- Shade Young Plants: If the August sun is too intense, consider using shade cloth or other methods to protect young seedlings until they are established.
- Mulch: Mulching helps retain moisture in the soil and can also keep weeds at bay.
- Plan for Frost Protection: While many cool-season crops can withstand light frosts, it’s a good idea to have row covers or frost cloths on hand to extend the harvest season as temperatures drop.
Planting a fall garden in August in zone 6 allows you to extend your growing season and enjoy fresh produce well into autumn. By choosing the right crops and providing proper care, you can make the most of your garden space throughout the year. Whether you're planting leafy greens, root vegetables, or quick-maturing crops, a late-summer garden can be both productive and rewarding.