What to Grow in August: Best Plants for Late Summer Success
In Canada, many gardeners scramble to make the most out of the warmer spring and summer seasons. For many parts of the country, the growing season is relatively short, and the first frost can arrive as early as mid-September! As a result, gardening enthusiasts like you must be strategic about what plants you cultivate. Summer gardening in the Great White North often focuses on starting early. However, you don’t have to slow down as the summer season progresses.
Many plants can thrive in your vegetable garden during the late summer, extending the harvest season and helping you enjoy this hobby even longer. In this blog, you’ll discover what plants are best for late-summer August gardening and learn a few tips on how to make the most out of your garden before the autumn season arrives.
The Challenges of Late Summer Gardening
Many vegetable gardeners start to experience issues as August approaches, forcing gardeners to rethink their approach and adapt.
Weather changes are among the most significant challenges. In late summer, Mother Nature can be unpredictable. Hot spells and early cold snaps can hinder your August gardening success.
Pests and disease can also be a problem for late summer gardening. While springtime pests like slugs, cutworms, and flea beetles become less of an issue in August, Japanese beetles, webworms, and spider mites take their place. Additionally, higher humidity levels can increase the risk of fungal diseases, such as powdery mildew and black spots.
Beyond those issues, many gardeners simply stop cultivating! Several springtime crops are ready for harvest come late summer, leading many to believe that it’s too late to keep pushing their vegetable garden. However, contrary to popular belief, late summer gardening is still possible, and many crops prosper during this time. Cultivate the best plants for August, and you can enjoy harvests into the fall and winter seasons.
Late Summer Success: The Best Plants for August
There are plenty of crops you can plant in August. Here are some of the best.
- Carrots: The best time to plant carrots is late July through early August. In summer gardening, carrots are a fantastic crop you can harvest in the fall.
- Kale and Spinach: These greens are hardy enough for August gardening, even thriving in partial shade.
- Broccoli and Cauliflower: These hardy Brassica plants are perfect for late-season growing.
- Radishes: Radishes are fast-growing crops that can help you take advantage of the shorter August gardening period. They’re ready in as little as 30 days.
- Cucumbers: Several cucumber varieties have short harvest times, making them ideal for late summer.
- Chinese Cabbage: Tatsoi, pac choy, and other Chinese greens grow well in early fall and are ready for harvest before the first frost arrives.
Onions: Onions are a popular late summer gardening crop. They’re hardy, low-maintenance, and easy to establish.
How to Grow Healthy Plants in Late Summer
August brings new gardening challenges, but there are several steps you can take to keep your vegetable garden healthy and promote a bountiful late-season harvest. Here are a few tips on how to grow healthy plants in the late summer.
- Monitor the Forecast: Be prepared to tackle any inclement weather that comes your way. Provide shade during heat spells and coverage during cooler periods.
- Stay on Top of Pest Control: Regularly inspect plants for pests and use natural techniques to manage infestations.
- Fertilize Wisely: Consider using plant nutrients to promote late flowering and ripening. The proper nutrients can help your plants thrive despite the challenges they face.
Your gardening journey doesn’t have to end in late spring. Expand your horizons and extend the growing season with the best plants for August. Apply our tips, use the right plant nutrients, and be vigilant about overcoming late summer gardening challenges. With the right approach, you can enjoy a healthy garden up until the cold weather sets in.
