Planting calendar
August Planting Guide for Fort Worth, TX: Raised Beds, Containers & In-Ground
In August, Fort Worth gardeners can focus on warm-season crops and prepare for fall planting. This is an ideal time to plant heat-tolerant vegetables in raised beds, containers, and in-ground gardens. Start seeds indoors for cool-season crops to transplant later.
Plant now (quick list)
okra, sweet potatoes, southern peas, eggplant, peppers, basil, malabar spinach, butter beans
Plant now
- okra
- sweet potatoes
- southern peas
- eggplant
- peppers
- basil
- malabar spinach
- butter beans
Start indoors
- broccoli
- cauliflower
- cabbage
- lettuce
- kale
- collard greens
- spinach
- radishes
Avoid
- cool-season crops outdoors
- lettuce (outdoor direct sowing)
- peas (outdoor direct sowing)
- potatoes
- carrots
- broccoli (outdoor direct sowing)
- cauliflower (outdoor direct sowing)
Next 2 weeks
- water raised beds and containers deeply in early mornings
- mulch to retain soil moisture
- monitor for pests like aphids and spider mites
- thin seedlings started indoors
- start hardening off cool-season seedlings
- prepare soil for fall planting by adding compost
- avoid fertilizing heat-stressed plants
- check container drainage regularly
FAQs
Can I plant cool-season vegetables directly in the garden in August?
No, August is still too hot for direct sowing cool-season crops outdoors in Fort Worth. Start them indoors and transplant when temperatures cool.
How often should I water raised beds and containers in August?
Water deeply early in the morning at least 3-4 times a week, more often during heat waves, to keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Is it safe to plant tomatoes in August in Fort Worth?
August is late for planting tomatoes outdoors due to heat stress and disease risk; it's best to plant tomatoes in spring or start seeds indoors for fall transplant.
What are good heat-tolerant herbs to grow now?
Basil and malabar spinach thrive in August heat and can be grown successfully in containers or raised beds.
Should I fertilize my garden plants during August?
Avoid heavy fertilization during extreme heat as it can stress plants; use light feeding only if plants show nutrient deficiencies.
Next steps
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