Below are detailed insights into what to plant in August in Zone 7, enhancing your garden’s beauty and yield.
Vegetables To Plant
August is a great time to plan for a fall harvest in Zone 7. The combination of warm days and cooler nights allows for a range of vegetables to thrive. Here are ten vegetables that you can plant this month:
Arugula
Arugula is a leafy green that thrives in the cooler weather of late summer and early fall. This fast-growing green can be direct-seeded in August and will be ready for harvest within 3 to 4 weeks. It prefers temperatures between 45°F and 65°F, making it perfect for Zone 7 as nights begin to cool down.
Spinach
Spinach is another cold-tolerant leafy green that can be sown in August. It can withstand light frosts, which makes it suitable for fall planting. Expect to sow seeds about 1 inch apart and ½ inch deep. Spinach seeds germinate best in soil temperatures of 50°F to 70°F. This means you’ll have a harvest as the weather cools down, usually within 4 to 6 weeks.
Radishes
Radishes are among the quickest crops to mature, often ready for harvest in as little as 3 to 4 weeks after sowing. Their peppery flavor and crisp texture make them a favorite in salads. Plant radish seeds directly into the garden bed, spacing them 1 inch apart, and watch them flourish as the days grow shorter. They generally prefer temperatures under 75°F for optimal growth.
Carrots
August is an excellent time to plant carrots if you’re looking for a late fall harvest. Carrots can be direct-seeded ¼ inch deep with a spacing of around 2-3 inches. They thrive in cooler temperatures and can tolerate light frost, making them well-suited for Zone 7. Expect to harvest your carrots after about 70-80 days.
Beets
Beets are another root vegetable that can be sown in August. They take about 50 to 70 days to mature and can withstand some frost, which enhances their flavor. Sow seeds ½ inch deep and thin seedlings to about 3 inches apart to ensure they have room to grow.
Turnips
Turnips can be directly seeded into the garden in late summer for a fall harvest. They prefer soil temperatures between 55°F and 75°F and can be sown at a quarter-inch depth. With a turnaround time of around 50-60 days, they’re a fantastic crop to include in your August planting plans. Plus, both the roots and the greens are edible, making them doubly rewarding.
Collard Greens
Collard greens are well-suited to the late summer planting window and can handle the cooler temperatures of fall. They thrive in rich, well-drained soil and should be planted ¼ inch deep, with seedlings spaced 24 inches apart. Their sweet flavor improves after a frost, allowing for a delightful winter harvest.
Kohlrabi
Kohlrabi is a unique vegetable that is a member of the cabbage family. It grows quickly and can take about 50 to 60 days from sowing to harvest. Sown directly in the ground, seeds should be spaced about 3 inches apart. Kohlrabi offers a crunchy texture and a mild flavor that can be enjoyed raw or cooked.
Swiss Chard
Swiss chard is a versatile leafy green that can be sown in August and harvested throughout fall. It thrives in temperatures between 60°F and 70°F. Space seeds 2 inches apart, and cover them lightly in soil. Chard is not just nutritious; its vibrant stems add beautiful color to the garden.
Broccoli
Broccoli is another ideal candidate for late-summer planting. By sowing seeds directly in the soil or starting them indoors and transplanting later, you can expect to reap a harvest within 70-100 days. With a preference for cooler weather, broccoli can withstand temperatures as low as 20°F, making them a great choice for fall gardens.
Flowers To Plant
August is also a time to enhance your garden with vibrant blooms before the first frost. Here are ten flowers that thrive when planted in August in Zone 7:
Chrysanthemums
Chrysanthemums, or mums, are classic fall flowers that can be planted in August for a burst of late-season color. They thrive in various conditions and prefer well-drained soil with plenty of sunlight. Mums are hardy and can tolerate light frost, making them perfect for extending your garden’s blooming season.
Asters
Asters are perennial favorites that add beautiful, star-like blooms to your garden in late summer and fall. Planting asters in August allows them to establish roots before the cooler months. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Asters are quite resilient, attracting pollinators and providing a splash of color as summer wanes.
Pansies
Pansies are versatile flowers that can be planted in August for brilliant color in the fall. These hardy annuals can tolerate frost and will continue to bloom until temperatures drop. Plant them in pots or directly into the garden where they will flourish in well-drained soil with full sun or partial shade.
Ornamental Cabbage
Ornamental cabbage and kale add unique textures and colors to gardens in late summer and fall. These plants thrive in cooler temperatures and can withstand light frosts, making them wonderful for late-season planting. They prefer well-drained soil and can add a touch of whimsy to your garden.
Sedum
Sedum, also known as stonecrop, is a hardy perennial that thrives in Zone 7 conditions and blooms in late summer. Planting sedum in August allows it to establish before the colder months, where it will add color and texture to your garden. Its succulent leaves store water, making it drought-resistant and low-maintenance.
Coneflower (Echinacea)
Coneflowers are resilient perennials that can be planted in August. They thrive in sunny locations and are drought-tolerant once established. These native plants attract pollinators and will continue to provide color into the fall months. If you plant them in August, they will bloom the following season.
Black-Eyed Susans
Black-eyed Susans are well-suited for planting in August, adding brilliant yellow blooms to gardens. These perennials prefer full sun and are resistant to drought. They attract butterflies and other pollinators, providing a vibrant and lively atmosphere in your garden.
Zinnias
Zinnias are colorful annuals that can be direct-seeded in August for a late-summer bloom. These flowers thrive in sunny spots and well-drained soil, with a fast growth rate. They offer a range of colors and shapes, making them a fun and cheerful addition to your garden before the season changes.
Snapdragons
Snapdragons are bright and cheerful blooms that can be seeded in late summer for fall and winter color. They can handle cooler temperatures and will continue to thrive despite light frosts. These perennial plants add vertical interest to flower arrangements and gardens, and they can bloom in numerous colors.
Moonflowers
Moonflowers, known for their beautiful and fragrant white blooms, can be planted in August. Their fragrant flowers open in the evening, attracting nocturnal pollinators. In Zone 7, plant them in well-drained soil and full sun for optimal growth. They thrive in warm conditions but appreciate cooler nights.
Herbs To Plant
Herbs can enhance your garden both in terms of culinary use and beauty. August is an ideal time to plant various herbs in Zone 7. Here are ten herbs to consider:
Basil
Basil thrives in warm temperatures and can be planted in August for a fall harvest. This tropical herb prefers temperatures above 70°F and grows quickly. Plant it in full sun with well-drained soil, and it will continue to produce leaves until temperatures consistently drop.
Cilantro
Cilantro is cool-season herb that can be directly sown in August as temperatures begin to cool. It prefers the 50°F to 70°F range and germinates best in these conditions. Once established, cilantro will flourish until frost, adding fresh flavor to dishes right before the winter months.
Chives
Chives are perennial herbs that can be planted in August for a bountiful spring harvest. They are hardy and can thrive in various soil types, though they prefer well-drained soil in full sun. Once established, chives will return year after year, providing both culinary use and attractive purple blooms.
Dill
Dill is a fast-growing herb that can be sown in August for late-season harvesting. It prefers cooler temperatures and will flourish until frost. Use the feathery leaves in salads and dishes while enjoying its attractive flowers, which attract beneficial pollinators to your garden.
Parsley
Parsley can be directly seeded in August and will continue to grow into the cooler months. It prefers well-drained soil and can thrive in both sun and partial shade. This herb is biennial and can be harvested continuously, adding flavor and vitality to numerous dishes.
Sage
Sage is a hardy perennial that thrives in well-drained sandy or rocky soil and full sun. August is a great time to plant sage, as it will establish itself before the cool down in temperature. Once established, sage can survive the winter and will provide flavorful leaves and attractive flowers in the spring.
Oregano
Oregano is a drought-tolerant perennial herb that can be planted in August. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it an ideal herb to consider for hot summer nights. Once established, it will return each year and enhance your culinary creations with its robust flavor.
Thyme
Thyme is a resilient perennial that thrives in hot, sunny conditions and well-drained soil. It can be directly seeded or started indoors and transplanted later. Planting thyme in August allows it to root well before winter and provides fresh herbs for culinary use throughout the cooler months.
Mint
Mint is a versatile and hardy herb that can be planted in a container in August to prevent it from spreading uncontrollably. Mint thrives in sun or partial shade and can tolerate a variety of soil conditions. This fragrant herb will produce fresh leaves to enhance beverages and dishes right until frost.
Lemon Balm
Lemon balm can be planted in August as a perennial herb that will come back each year. It prefers well-drained soil and partial shade but can tolerate sun. With its delightful citrus scent, lemon balm can be used in teas and culinary dishes, adding zest to your summer garden.
Landscape Plants To Plant In August
In August, Zone 7 gardeners can also focus on planting various landscape plants to improve the aesthetic appeal of their gardens. Here are ten landscape plants that do well when planted in August:
Ornamental Grasses
Ornamental grasses, such as Miscanthus or Panicum, can add texture and movement to your landscape. August is an excellent time to plant them, allowing them to establish roots before winter. They require well-drained soil and can tolerate various light conditions, making them versatile landscape choices.
Daylilies
Daylilies are hardy perennials that thrive when planted in August. They are known for their vibrant blooms and resilience. These low-maintenance plants can grow in various soils and conditions, offering a splash of color to your garden during the summer and early fall months.
Hydrangeas
August is a great time to plant hydrangeas, as they establish roots in the warm soil before the cooler months arrive. Hydrangeas prefer rich, well-drained soil and partial shade. With their large, showy blooms, they can transform any garden space into a stunning focal point.
Barberry
Barberry is a robust, low-maintenance shrub that thrives in various conditions. August planting allows this resilient shrub to establish roots before winter. With its colorful foliage and thorny stems, barberry makes for an excellent landscape choice that can deter deer while adding color.
Rhododendron
Rhododendrons are captivating shrubs that offer beautiful blooms. Planting them in August allows them to establish before the colder months. They thrive in shaded areas with acidic, well-drained soil. Their stunning flowers provide visual interest and attract pollinators to the garden.
Azaleas
Azaleas are popular, colorful shrubs that can be planted in August. They prefer well-drained, acidic soil and partial to full shade. Once established, azaleas will reward you with stunning blooms in the spring, adding a beautiful display to any landscape.
Creeping Juniper
Creeping juniper is an evergreen ground cover that thrives in various soil types and conditions. It is an excellent choice for erosion control on slopes and requires minimal maintenance. Planting in August allows the roots to establish before winter sets in.
Butterfly Bush
The butterfly bush is known for attracting pollinators, especially butterflies. Planting them in August gives these perennials time to establish their roots. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Once established, butterfly bushes will bloom profusely, providing nectar for wildlife.
Boxwood
Boxwood is a classic evergreen shrub that gardeners often use for hedges and borders. August is a prime time for planting as the warm soil promotes root growth. Boxwoods prefer well-drained soil and can tolerate shearing, allowing you to shape them to your desired garden aesthetic.
Hellebore
Hellebores are shade-loving perennials that can be planted in August. They bloom early in the spring, providing color and interest when few other plants are flowering. With their hardy nature, hellebores thrive in rich, well-drained soil and can tolerate drought once established.
