Planting calendar
August Planting Guide for Boston, MA: Raised Beds, Containers & In-Ground Gardens
August in Boston is ideal for planting cool-season crops and preparing for fall harvests in raised beds, containers, and in-ground gardens. Focus on fast-maturing vegetables and herbs that can tolerate the tail end of summer heat and early fall cooler temperatures. Start planning for your fall garden by sowing seeds and transplanting seedlings now.
Plant now (quick list)
Lettuce, Spinach, Radishes, Beets, Kale, Swiss chard, Carrots, Turnips
Plant now
- Lettuce
- Spinach
- Radishes
- Beets
- Kale
- Swiss chard
- Carrots
- Turnips
- Bush beans
- Herbs like cilantro and parsley
Start indoors
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Cabbage
- Brussels sprouts
- Kohlrabi
- Leeks
- Celery
- Onions (from seeds)
- Chard
- Herbs such as basil for late summer transplant
Avoid
- Tomatoes (avoid late plantings due to frost risk)
- Peppers (heat stress and frost risk)
- Eggplants
- Corn (too late for fall harvest)
- Squash (late plantings may not mature)
- Melons
- Cucumbers
- Potatoes (late plantings risk frost damage)
- Sweet potatoes
- Beans (pole beans late in season)
Next 2 weeks
- Direct sow fall crops like radishes and turnips
- Transplant seedlings of broccoli and cabbage into garden
- Keep containers well-watered during heat spells
- Mulch raised beds to conserve moisture
- Monitor for pests like aphids and squash bugs
- Harvest summer crops regularly to encourage production
- Start planning cover crops for winter soil health
- Thin seedlings to prevent overcrowding
- Fertilize leafy greens for robust growth
- Protect young transplants from late summer heat
FAQs
Can I plant tomatoes in August in Boston?
It's generally not recommended to plant tomatoes in August in Boston due to the limited growing season and risk of early frost before fruits mature.
What vegetables grow well in containers during August?
Leafy greens like lettuce, spinach, and herbs such as parsley and cilantro grow well in containers during August.
How can I protect my plants from late summer heat?
Use shade cloths during peak heat, mulch to retain soil moisture, and water early in the morning or late evening.
Is it too late to start a fall garden in Boston in August?
No, August is a good time to start many cool-season crops that will mature before the first frost.
Should I fertilize my garden in August?
Yes, applying a balanced fertilizer or compost can support the growth of fall crops and replenish soil nutrients.
Next steps
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