August in Georgia marks the peak of summer heat while simultaneously serving as the critical start for a successful fall garden. This transitional period requires specialized care for existing plants due to high temperatures and humidity, but the shortening days signal the opportunity for a second growing season. Starting seeds now is essential to allow cool-season vegetables enough time to mature before the first predicted frost, which can occur as early as mid-October in North Georgia or as late as December in the southern regions. Successfully navigating August requires a blend of heat management and forward-thinking planting strategies.
Vegetables for Late Summer and Fall Harvest
August is the time to plant the seeds and transplants that will yield a bountiful harvest in autumn and early winter. Cool-season crops prefer the milder temperatures of fall and must be established now, allowing them to develop strong roots before the heat subsides. These fall-planted vegetables often have better flavor and quality than those grown during the stress of the spring season.
The brassica family, including broccoli, cabbage, and collards, should be started from seed indoors or sown directly into the garden late in the month for a fall yield. Cauliflower and Brussels sprouts also belong to this group and require a long growing season, making a late August start from seed necessary. Using transplants for these crops can offer an advantage against the lingering summer heat.
Root vegetables like carrots, beets, and radishes should be sown directly into the garden soil during August. Carrots and beets, in particular, need to be planted early in the month to ensure they have enough time to mature before the soil cools significantly. Radishes are a quick-maturing option, often ready for harvest in under a month, which makes them ideal for succession planting.
Leafy greens should be sown in August, benefiting from the reduced pest pressure and cooler temperatures of the coming months. For a continuous supply, sow new batches of lettuce and other leafy greens every two to three weeks. Certain summer crops can also be planted for a quick late-season yield; snap beans, summer squash, and zucchini can be sown in August for an October harvest.
Leafy greens include:
- Kale
- Lettuce
- Spinach
- Swiss chard
Heat-Tolerant Flowers and Bulbs
While many summer blooms begin to fade, August is a good time to plant flowers that can withstand the intense heat or to prepare for the spring display. Annuals and perennials can be planted now to provide color until the first frost. These include species like Zinnias and Lantanas, which are known for their heat tolerance and ability to flourish in full sun.
Zinnias are particularly resilient, offering vibrant colors and attracting pollinators while being both drought and heat resistant. Black-eyed Susans and Marigolds are also excellent choices, as they are hardy, low-maintenance, and continue to bloom through the summer and into the fall.
For next year’s spring show, August is the time to plan and order spring-flowering bulbs like daffodils, tulips, and crocuses. While planting occurs later in the fall when temperatures consistently drop, securing the bulbs now is important for selection. Autumn-flowering bulbs, such as the autumn crocus, can be planted in August to produce blooms later the same year.
Managing Soil and Watering in August
Specific maintenance strategies are necessary in August to ensure the survival of new plantings and the health of established beds. The summer harvest often depletes the soil, so amending garden beds is necessary to replenish nutrients for fall crops. Incorporating organic matter, such as finished compost or worm castings, helps improve soil structure and provides a slow-release source of nutrition.
Mulching is a highly effective practice in August; a thick layer helps insulate the soil from the sun and retain moisture. Applying two to four inches of mulch helps keep the root zone cooler and reduces the frequency of watering required. For new seeds and transplants, this layer can be pulled back slightly during planting and then replaced once the plants are established.
Watering should be deep and carefully timed to combat evaporation and fungal issues. New plantings require more frequent watering, perhaps two to three times per week. Check the soil by hand to ensure the top two inches are not completely dry. Established plants benefit from a deep soaking once a week, which encourages the development of deeper, more heat-resistant root systems. Watering early in the morning is the best practice, as it allows the foliage to dry before nightfall, minimizing the risk of disease.