Planting calendar
August Planting Guide for Austin, TX: Raised Beds, Containers & In-Ground
In August, Austin gardeners can focus on planting heat-tolerant vegetables and preparing for fall crops in raised beds, containers, and in-ground gardens. This is a great time to plant warm-season vegetables that thrive in late summer heat and start seeds indoors for cooler-weather crops.
Plant now (quick list)
Okra, Sweet potatoes, Southern peas (cowpeas, black-eyed peas), Malabar spinach, Eggplant, Peppers, Basil, Butter beans
Plant now
- Okra
- Sweet potatoes
- Southern peas (cowpeas, black-eyed peas)
- Malabar spinach
- Eggplant
- Peppers
- Basil
- Butter beans
- Yard-long beans
Start indoors
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Cabbage
- Brussels sprouts
- Kale
- Collard greens
- Lettuce
- Spinach
- Swiss chard
Avoid
- Cool-season crops directly sown outdoors (too hot for germination)
- Tender seedlings exposed to afternoon sun without shade
- Newly planted cool-season herbs
- Root crops like carrots and beets (wait until cooler weather)
- Direct sowing peas outdoors (wait until September)
Next 2 weeks
- Mulch raised beds and containers to retain moisture
- Water deeply early in the morning to reduce heat stress
- Check for pests like aphids and spider mites on warm-season crops
- Thin seedlings started indoors to prevent overcrowding
- Prepare soil for fall planting by adding compost and organic matter
- Start hardening off cool-season seedlings before transplanting
- Monitor soil moisture carefully in containers
- Fertilize heat-loving crops with balanced fertilizer
- Plan crop rotation to reduce disease risk
FAQs
Can I plant lettuce outdoors in Austin in August?
It's best to start lettuce indoors in August and transplant it outdoors when temperatures begin to cool in September to avoid heat stress.
How often should I water container plants during August?
Container plants typically need daily watering in August due to high heat, but always check soil moisture before watering to avoid overwatering.
Is it too late to plant tomatoes in August?
August is generally too late for planting tomatoes in Austin as they need time to mature before cooler weather; focus on heat-tolerant crops instead.
What vegetables can I start indoors in August for fall planting?
Start broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, and other cool-season greens indoors in August to transplant outdoors in early fall.
Should I use shade cloth for my raised beds in August?
Using shade cloth during peak afternoon heat can protect tender plants and reduce heat stress, especially in containers and raised beds.
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