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 in raised beds, containers, and in-ground gardens. It's a great time to sow fall crops and start cool-season vegetables indoors to prepare for the upcoming cooler months.
Plant now (quick list)
Okra, Sweet potatoes, Southern peas (cowpeas, black-eyed peas), Eggplant, Peppers, Malabar spinach, Basil, Butterbeans
Plant now
- Okra
- Sweet potatoes
- Southern peas (cowpeas, black-eyed peas)
- Eggplant
- Peppers
- Malabar spinach
- Basil
- Butterbeans
- Yardlong beans
Start indoors
- Broccoli
- Cabbage
- Cauliflower
- Kale
- Collard greens
- Brussels sprouts
- Lettuce
- Spinach
Avoid
- Tomatoes (late August planting risks heat stress and poor fruit set)
- Corn (too late for a successful fall crop)
- Cucumbers (heat stress reduces quality)
- Squash (susceptible to pests and heat in late summer)
- Watermelon (harvest likely too late before frost)
Next 2 weeks
- Begin hardening off cool-season seedlings started indoors
- Prepare raised beds with compost for fall planting
- Mulch to conserve moisture and reduce soil temperature
- Monitor for aphids and caterpillars on warm-season crops
- Water early in the day to reduce evaporation
FAQs
Can I plant tomatoes in August in Dallas?
It's best to avoid planting tomatoes in August as the intense heat can prevent fruit set and increase disease risk.
What vegetables can I start indoors in August for fall planting?
Start broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, collards, and lettuce indoors to transplant outdoors when temperatures cool.
How often should I water raised beds and containers in August?
Water daily or as needed early in the morning, ensuring soil stays moist but not waterlogged during hot weather.
Is it necessary to mulch in August?
Yes, mulching helps retain soil moisture, regulate temperature, and reduce weed growth during the hot late summer.
When should I transplant cool-season crops outdoors?
Transplant seedlings outdoors after hardening off, typically in late August to early September when temperatures start to moderate.
Next steps
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