August is an exciting time in the garden. You get to begin enjoying the plants you have been tending to since spring and start planting the late-season vegetables and leafy greens that will be ready for harvest in September and October. Don’t put your gardening tools away just yet, because there is still plenty of work to do.

The Benefits of a Fall Garden

Planting a fall garden allows you to considerably extend your growing season. You will have a greater abundance of healthy, home-grown produce that you can store for the winter. You will also get to spend more time outside in the beautiful weather while it lasts. Because the weather does start to get cooler, fall gardens tend to have fewer problems with pests, making for a more relaxing gardening experience overall.

Timing is Everything

A fall garden is best planted in the heat of summer, which means that you should aim to have everything in the ground before August is over. This will give the plants plenty of time to grow and mature in more favourable conditions. Most crops have a very predictable life cycle and should grow according to the information on the seed packet. You can calculate when they will be ready to harvest and plant accordingly. If you have any doubts, planting a little early is always a good way to go.

Prepping Your Fall Garden Space

Home gardens often have limited space, which means you will have to stay on top of your spring and summer harvesting and clear the garden to make room for the fall crops. You may also need to add some soil amendments so that your new round of vegetables and leafy greens has all of the nutrients they need. Alternatively, if you do have room for a new plot and some time to get it set up, then it might be a great opportunity to expand your garden.

Best Crops to Plant in August

August is an ideal time for planting a number of different crops. Here are some suggestions for vegetables and leafy greens that will thrive during the late season.

Arugula – Known for its peppery flavour, arugula makes a great addition to both salads and cooked dishes.

Beets – A low-maintenance root vegetable that will grow just about anywhere, beets can be used in a wide range of fall and winter recipes.

Carrots – Hearty and sweet, carrots are also a welcome ingredient in warm fall and winter dishes. There are many different varieties that you can grow.

Kale – A hardy plant that can continue growing well into the fall, kale is known to take on an even sweeter flavour when harvested later in the season.

Spinach – One of the most nutritious greens you can grow at home, spinach planted in August will be ready for picking in mid-October.

Cilantro – Kick your cooking up a notch with cilantro, a unique herb common in Asian and Mexican cuisine. Cilantro seeds, known as coriander, are also used in curries.

The fall harvest is a much-deserved reward for a spring and summer of hard work. Get started today to take advantage of the rest of the growing season and enjoy even more fresh and tasty vegetables in just a few short months.