Planting calendar
August Planting Guide for Charlotte, NC: Raised Beds, Containers, and In-Ground Gardens
In August in Charlotte, NC, 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 sow seeds for fall harvests and start cool-season crops indoors to transplant later. Avoid planting frost-sensitive plants as temperatures begin to gradually cool.
Plant now (quick list)
Bush beans, Okra, Sweet potatoes, Southern peas (cowpeas), Malabar spinach, Swiss chard, Collard greens, Turnips
Plant now
- Bush beans
- Okra
- Sweet potatoes
- Southern peas (cowpeas)
- Malabar spinach
- Swiss chard
- Collard greens
- Turnips
- Radishes
- Fall carrots
Start indoors
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Cabbage
- Kale
- Brussels sprouts
- Lettuce
- Spinach
- Beets
Avoid
- Tomatoes (late August is too late for transplant)
- Peppers
- Eggplants
- Corn
- Summer squash
- Cucumbers
- Watermelon
- Pumpkins
Next 2 weeks
- Keep soil consistently moist for seed germination
- Mulch raised beds and containers to retain moisture
- Monitor for pests like aphids and squash bugs
- Begin light fertilization for fall crops
- Thin seedlings to prevent overcrowding
- Start hardening off indoor seedlings
- Prepare soil for fall planting by adding compost
- Check irrigation systems for efficiency
FAQs
Can I still plant tomatoes in August in Charlotte?
It's generally too late to plant tomatoes in August for a successful fall harvest due to the shorter growing season and cooler temperatures approaching.
What vegetables grow well in containers during August?
Heat-tolerant greens like Swiss chard, collards, and Malabar spinach do well in containers during August.
How can I protect my fall crops from early frost?
Use row covers or cold frames to protect young plants from unexpected early frosts as fall approaches.
Is it necessary to start cool-season crops indoors in August?
Starting cool-season crops indoors in August helps ensure strong seedlings ready for transplant when outdoor temperatures become more favorable.
How often should I water raised beds and containers in August?
Water daily or as needed to keep the soil consistently moist, especially during hot, dry spells common in August.
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