Planting calendar
August Planting Guide for Detroit, MI: Raised Beds, Containers & In-Ground
In August in Detroit, focus on planting cool-season crops and preparing for fall harvests in raised beds, containers, and in-ground gardens. This is a great time to sow leafy greens, root vegetables, and herbs that thrive in cooler weather. Avoid heat-sensitive plants and start planning for fall with indoor seed starting.
Plant now (quick list)
Spinach, Lettuce, Radishes, Kale, Beets, Carrots, Swiss chard, Turnips
Plant now
- Spinach
- Lettuce
- Radishes
- Kale
- Beets
- Carrots
- Swiss chard
- Turnips
Start indoors
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Cabbage
- Brussels sprouts
- Kohlrabi
- Herbs like parsley and cilantro
Avoid
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Eggplants
- Corn
- Beans
Next 2 weeks
- Direct sow fall crops like spinach and radishes
- Water raised beds and containers deeply during hot days
- Apply mulch to conserve moisture and reduce weeds
- Check for pests and diseases regularly
- Start hardening off indoor seedlings for transplant
FAQs
Can I still plant tomatoes in August in Detroit?
It's best to avoid planting tomatoes in August as the growing season is ending and they may not mature before frost.
How do I prepare my raised beds for fall planting?
Remove spent summer crops, amend soil with compost, and mulch to retain moisture and improve soil health.
What vegetables grow well in containers during late summer?
Leafy greens like lettuce and spinach, as well as herbs such as parsley and cilantro, do well in containers in late summer.
When should I start indoor seedlings for fall crops?
Start seeds indoors in mid to late August to transplant outdoors in early September for a successful fall harvest.
How can I protect my plants from early fall frosts?
Use row covers, cloches, or bring container plants indoors during cold nights to protect tender crops from frost.
Next steps
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