Planting calendar
August Planting Guide for Austin, TX: Raised Beds, Containers & In-Ground Gardens
In August in Austin, TX, focus on planting heat-tolerant fall crops and preparing your garden for cooler months. This is a great time to sow leafy greens and root vegetables in raised beds, containers, or directly in the ground. Start seeds indoors for fall transplants to extend your harvest season.
Plant now (quick list)
Collard greens, Mustard greens, Turnips, Radishes, Swiss chard, Beets, Kale, Carrots
Plant now
- Collard greens
- Mustard greens
- Turnips
- Radishes
- Swiss chard
- Beets
- Kale
- Carrots
Start indoors
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Cabbage
- Brussels sprouts
- Lettuce
- Spinach
- Kohlrabi
Avoid
- Tomatoes (direct sowing)
- Peppers (direct sowing)
- Eggplants (direct sowing)
- Beans (late plantings)
- Corn (late plantings)
Next 2 weeks
- Prepare soil with compost for fall crops
- Water consistently to combat August heat
- Mulch to retain moisture and reduce soil temperature
- Monitor for pests like aphids and squash bugs
- Thin seedlings to proper spacing
FAQs
Can I plant tomatoes in August in Austin?
It's best to avoid direct sowing tomatoes in August due to heat stress; start seedlings indoors for fall transplanting instead.
What vegetables grow well in containers during August?
Leafy greens like Swiss chard, kale, and collards do well in containers and tolerate late summer heat if watered regularly.
How can I protect my plants from August heat?
Use mulch to retain soil moisture, provide afternoon shade if possible, and water early in the day to reduce heat stress.
Is it too late to plant root vegetables in August?
No, root vegetables like carrots, beets, and turnips can be planted now for a fall harvest in Austin's climate.
Should I fertilize my garden in August?
Yes, apply a balanced fertilizer or compost to support fall crop growth, but avoid over-fertilizing which can stress plants in heat.
Next steps
Get a personalized planting plan
Answer a few questions and generate a plan for your exact location and setup.
Build your garden shopping list
Get a starter kit checklist for what you want to grow (with optional links).
Ask the Gardener
Get quick answers and next-step guidance for your garden.
Want this page for a different city? Try the tool and enter your ZIP: Plant this month.