Planting calendar
August Planting Guide for Dallas, TX: Raised Beds, Containers & In-Ground Gardens
In August in Dallas, TX, focus on planting heat-tolerant vegetables and herbs suitable for late summer and early fall harvests. This is a great time to plant leafy greens, root vegetables, and start cool-season crops indoors to prepare for fall. Use raised beds, containers, or in-ground beds to maximize your garden's productivity as temperatures remain high.
Plant now (quick list)
Okra, Sweet potatoes, Eggplant, Peppers, Southern peas, Malabar spinach, Basil, Butter beans
Plant now
- Okra
- Sweet potatoes
- Eggplant
- Peppers
- Southern peas
- Malabar spinach
- Basil
- Butter beans
- Yardlong beans
Start indoors
- Broccoli
- Cabbage
- Cauliflower
- Kale
- Collard greens
- Brussels sprouts
- Lettuce
- Spinach
Avoid
- Tomatoes (direct sowing, heat stress risk)
- Cucumbers (late planting reduces yield)
- Melons (too late for good fruit)
- Corn (late planting reduces quality)
- Potatoes (planting now may not mature before frost)
Next 2 weeks
- Prepare soil with compost for fall crops
- Mulch raised beds and containers to retain moisture
- Monitor watering carefully; increase frequency in containers
- Start hardening off indoor seedlings before transplanting
- Check for pests like aphids and spider mites
FAQs
Can I plant tomatoes in August in Dallas?
It's best to avoid planting tomatoes directly in August due to high heat and limited time before cooler weather; start seeds indoors for fall transplanting instead.
How often should I water raised beds and containers in August?
Water daily or as needed to keep soil consistently moist, especially in containers which dry out faster during hot Dallas summers.
What are good herbs to grow in containers during August?
Basil, oregano, thyme, and mint thrive well in containers during warm months and can be planted now.
When should I transplant cool-season crops started indoors?
Transplant seedlings outdoors in late August or early September when daytime temperatures start to moderate.
How can I protect my garden from pests in late summer?
Regularly inspect plants, use insecticidal soap if needed, and encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs to keep pest populations under control.
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.