Planting calendar
August Planting Guide for Dallas, TX: Raised Beds, Containers, and In-Ground Gardens
In August in Dallas, TX, focus on planting heat-tolerant fall crops and preparing your garden for cooler months. This is an ideal time to sow seeds for leafy greens, root vegetables, and herbs in raised beds, containers, or directly in the ground. Start some cool-season crops indoors to transplant later and avoid planting heat-sensitive plants now.
Plant now (quick list)
collard greens, kale, mustard greens, turnips, radishes, okra, sweet potatoes, herbs like basil and cilantro
Plant now
- collard greens
- kale
- mustard greens
- turnips
- radishes
- okra
- sweet potatoes
- herbs like basil and cilantro
- green beans
Start indoors
- broccoli
- cauliflower
- cabbage
- lettuce
- spinach
- chard
- kohlrabi
- parsley
Avoid
- tomatoes
- peppers
- eggplants
- cucumbers
- melons
- corn
- summer squash
- beans sensitive to heat
Next 2 weeks
- monitor soil moisture closely due to heat
- mulch around plants to conserve water
- start hardening off indoor seedlings
- remove any diseased or stressed plants
- plan crop rotation for fall planting
- fertilize leafy greens lightly
- check for pests like aphids and caterpillars
- prune summer-flowering perennials
FAQs
Can I plant tomatoes in August in Dallas?
August is generally too hot for planting tomatoes in Dallas; wait until early fall when temperatures cool to transplant seedlings.
How often should I water raised beds in August?
Water raised beds deeply 2-3 times per week, adjusting for rainfall and high temperatures to keep soil consistently moist.
What is the best way to prepare soil for fall planting?
Amend soil with compost and mulch to improve fertility and moisture retention before planting fall crops.
Are there any pests I should watch for in August?
Yes, watch for aphids, spider mites, and caterpillars, which are common in hot weather and can damage crops.
Can I grow leafy greens in containers during August?
Yes, choose heat-tolerant varieties and provide partial shade and consistent watering to help leafy greens thrive in containers.
Next steps
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