August in Alabama represents a transition period for gardeners, bridging the intense heat of summer with the milder growing conditions of the approaching fall season. The soil remains warm, which is beneficial for germination, but the decreasing daylight hours signal the shift toward a second growing season. A successful August planting schedule focuses on crops that can establish themselves in the heat but thrive as temperatures begin to moderate.
Essential Vegetables for Fall Planting
August is the definitive start of the fall vegetable gardening season in Alabama, requiring a focus on cool-season crops that prefer to mature in autumn’s mild temperatures. These vegetables are generally grouped into three main categories, all of which require a head start in the late summer heat.
Brassicas
Brassicas, such as broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower, must be planted early in August to ensure they have enough time to form heads before the first frost. Seeds should be started indoors or in a shaded outdoor area during the first half of the month, as they need approximately 60 to 90 days to reach maturity. Transplants should be set out in the garden by late August or early September. Brussels sprouts require a longer growing period, often needing mid-July planting, though early August planting can still yield a harvest in Central and South Alabama.
Root Vegetables
Root crops are typically direct-sown into the garden bed in August to avoid root disturbance, which can cause misshapen growth. Turnips and radishes are fast-growing options that can be planted throughout the month for quick fall harvests. Carrots and beets, which require a longer time to mature, should be sown from the first to the middle of August, planting small seeds about a quarter to a half-inch deep. Keeping the soil consistently moist is important for all root crop seeds during germination, as the high August temperatures can cause the topsoil to dry out quickly.
Leafy Greens
Leafy greens thrive in cooler weather, but many varieties can be planted in August for an early fall harvest, provided they receive some afternoon shade and consistent moisture. Collards and kale are particularly well-suited for August planting, as they are heat-tolerant and will continue to grow well into the winter. Lettuce and spinach are more sensitive to heat; their seeds may fail to germinate if the soil temperature exceeds 85 degrees Fahrenheit. For these more delicate greens, gardeners should wait until late August, or even early September, and use cooling techniques like watering the soil before planting to promote successful germination.
Ornamentals and Herbs Suited for August
The focus in August extends beyond vegetables to include ornamentals and herbs that will bring color and flavor into the fall. Annual flowers that can withstand the lingering summer heat are preferred for immediate visual impact. Heat-tolerant annuals like zinnias, marigolds, and cosmos can be planted now, providing consistent blooms until the first frost. Pansies and violas can be started from seed or planted as transplants in August, allowing them to establish themselves before providing vibrant color throughout the autumn and winter.
Establishing herbs in August ensures a fresh supply of flavor for fall and winter cooking. Basil, which is a heat-lover, can be planted again now, and it will continue to produce fresh leaves until the season’s end. Hardier herbs like parsley and chives are reliable to establish now, as they are tolerant of the mild Alabama winters. Perennial herbs such as rosemary, oregano, and thyme also benefit from an August planting, allowing their root systems to become established before the cooler weather arrives, setting them up for robust growth in the following spring.
Understanding Alabama’s Climate Zones for Planting Success
Alabama’s geography spans multiple USDA Plant Hardiness Zones, ranging generally from 7a in the far north to 9a along the Gulf Coast, which significantly impacts August planting dates. These zones reflect the average annual minimum winter temperature and guide the length of the growing season.
North Alabama (zones 7a and 7b) has a shorter season and an earlier average first frost date. Gardeners here must adhere to the earlier end of the August planting window, often planting fall vegetables about 10 days earlier than Central Alabama. This is especially important for long-maturing crops like broccoli and cabbage.
Central Alabama (zones 8a and 8b) serves as the benchmark for many planting guides. South Alabama (zones 8b and 9a) benefits from a longer season and later frost, allowing for more flexibility. Gardeners in this region can delay planting by approximately 10 days compared to Central Alabama, helping them avoid peak August heat for sensitive crops. Consulting the specific USDA zone and identifying the average first frost date is necessary to fine-tune the August planting calendar.