Planting calendar
August Planting Guide for Columbus, OH: Raised Beds, Containers & In-Ground Gardens
In August, Columbus gardeners can focus on planting cool-season crops and preparing for fall harvests in raised beds, containers, and in-ground gardens. This month is ideal for sowing leafy greens, root vegetables, and starting some fall flowers. Be mindful of heat stress and the approaching first frost when planning your garden.
Plant now (quick list)
Spinach, Lettuce, Radishes, Carrots, Beets, Kale, Swiss chard, Turnips
Plant now
- Spinach
- Lettuce
- Radishes
- Carrots
- Beets
- Kale
- Swiss chard
- Turnips
- Bush beans
- Broccoli (transplants)
Start indoors
- Cabbage
- Cauliflower
- Brussels sprouts
- Kohlrabi
- Herbs like cilantro and parsley
- Leafy greens for fall transplant
- Leeks
- Onions from seed
- Celery
- Chard
Avoid
- Tomatoes (direct sow)
- Peppers (direct sow)
- Corn
- Cucumbers
- Squash
- Melons
- Eggplants
- Potatoes
- Sweet corn
- Beans (pole varieties)
Next 2 weeks
- Mulch to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature
- Water deeply in early morning to reduce heat stress
- Thin seedlings to avoid overcrowding
- Fertilize leafy greens with nitrogen-rich feed
- Monitor for pests like aphids and squash bugs
- Harvest summer crops regularly to encourage production
- Prepare soil for fall crops by adding compost
- Start hardening off indoor seedlings for transplant
- Check soil pH and amend if necessary
- Plan succession planting for continuous harvest
FAQs
Can I plant tomatoes in August in Columbus, OH?
August is generally too late to start tomatoes from seed outdoors due to the approaching frost; however, you can transplant healthy seedlings if started indoors earlier.
What cool-season crops grow best when planted in August?
Leafy greens like spinach, lettuce, kale, and root vegetables such as carrots and radishes perform well when planted in August for a fall harvest.
Should I worry about heat stress for my plants in August?
Yes, August can still be hot; use mulch and water early in the day to help plants cope with heat and reduce moisture loss.
Is it okay to plant seeds directly in raised beds during August?
Yes, many cool-season crops can be directly sown in raised beds now, but be sure to water consistently and watch for pests.
When should I start hardening off seedlings started indoors?
Begin hardening off seedlings about two weeks before transplanting them outdoors, gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions.
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