August marks a significant transition point in the Virginia garden calendar, often referred to by experienced growers as the “second spring.” This period represents the last opportunity to sow seeds that will mature into a productive fall and winter harvest. By strategically planting cool-season crops now, gardeners can ensure a continuous yield well past the summer heat and into the first frosts. Preparing for this second growing season requires a shift in focus from maintaining summer plants to establishing the foundations for a successful autumn garden.
Understanding Virginia’s Late Summer Climate
Successful August planting hinges on accurately calculating the remaining growing window before the first average hard freeze. Virginia’s climate varies widely, spanning USDA Plant Hardiness Zones from roughly 6a in the mountains to 8a along the coast. Most of the central and northern areas fall within Zone 7. This geographical difference means the estimated first frost date can vary by several weeks, making local data a necessary reference point.
The concept of “days to maturity” (DTM) is central to August gardening, determining which crops have enough time to yield a harvest before cold weather arrives. Gardeners must count backward from the estimated first frost date, adding several weeks to the DTM listed on seed packets to account for slower growth in autumn. While the air remains hot, the soil temperature begins a gradual decline, necessary for the germination of cool-season seeds. The residual heat and humidity of late summer often require soil cooling techniques to prevent seeds from failing to sprout.
Cool-Season Vegetables for a Fall Harvest
The primary focus for August vegetable planting is establishing crops that thrive in the cooling temperatures of September and October. Leafy greens are excellent choices and can be direct-seeded throughout the month for a steady supply of fresh produce. Kale and collards, in particular, improve in flavor, becoming sweeter after exposure to a light frost.
Root vegetables also benefit significantly from an August planting date, requiring time to develop underground structures before cold weather. Radishes offer the quickest turnaround, often ready for harvest in under a month. To encourage successful germination in the warmer August soil, seedbeds should be kept consistently moist and may benefit from mulch or shade cloth to moderate surface temperature.
Direct-Seeded Crops
- Spinach
- Kale
- Collards
- Loose-leaf lettuce varieties
- Carrots
- Beets
- Radishes
- Turnips
For crops requiring a longer growing period, transplanting young plants is the recommended method in August. This group includes brassicas such as broccoli, cabbage, and Chinese cabbage, which need 60 to 80 days to reach a suitable harvest size. Starting with transplants ensures vigorous growth, maximizing the chances of producing a head or stalk before the season ends. Before planting, the soil should be amended with aged compost to provide necessary nutrients for robust fall growth.
Flowers and Herbs for Late Season Color
While the vegetable garden shifts focus, August is an opportune time to refresh ornamental displays and establish herbs for fall use. Many summer annuals are looking tired, making way for flowers that prefer milder autumn temperatures. Pansies and violas, which struggle in intense heat, can be planted now to provide consistent color through the first hard freeze. Other annuals like snapdragons and calendula can be sown or transplanted for a late-season bloom.
Perennials that are naturally late-blooming, such as Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’, Helenium (sneezeweed), and Rudbeckia (black-eyed Susan), are reaching their peak. Fall-flowering bulbs, including autumn crocus (Colchicum) and Sternbergia, should be planted in August to allow them time to set roots before their typical bloom period in September or October. These bulbs provide a striking burst of color when much of the garden is winding down.
Specific herbs can also be sown directly this month to ensure a harvest before winter dormancy. Parsley, in particular, is known for its cold hardiness and can often be harvested well into the winter. Sowing these herbs now ensures a supply for fall cooking and allows them to establish a strong root system.
Cool-Weather Herbs
- Parsley
- Cilantro
- Dill
- Chervil
Essential August Lawn and Perennial Maintenance
August is a foundational month for cool-season turfgrass in Virginia, especially for varieties like tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass. The warming soil temperatures and cooling air temperatures of late August and early September create the ideal conditions for seed germination and establishment. Homeowners should plan to overseed thin or damaged areas. New seedlings will have the entire fall and spring to develop a strong root system before facing the stress of the following summer.
Preparation for overseeding often includes core aeration to relieve compacted soil and allow water, air, and nutrients to better penetrate the root zone. Established lawns should continue to be watered deeply and infrequently, aiming for about one inch of water per week, preferably in the early morning to reduce the risk of fungal disease. Avoid applying fertilizer to established trees and shrubs in August, as this encourages tender new growth easily damaged by early frosts.
For ornamental beds, August is the appropriate time to plan for the division of spring and early summer-blooming perennials. Plants such as irises, daylilies, and peonies benefit from being divided and replanted, which rejuvenates the clump and improves flowering. This task should be completed approximately six to eight weeks before the first hard freeze. This timing gives the divisions sufficient time to establish new roots before the soil freezes. Gardeners should also continue to monitor moisture levels and provide supplemental water during any prolonged dry spells.