Planting calendar
August Planting Guide for Fort Worth, TX: Raised Beds, Containers & In-Ground
August in Fort Worth, TX is a great time to plant heat-tolerant vegetables and prepare for a fall garden in raised beds, containers, or in-ground. Focus on warm-season crops and start planning cool-season vegetables indoors for transplant later. Avoid planting frost-sensitive crops as temperatures remain high.
Plant now (quick list)
Okra, Sweet potatoes, Southern peas (cowpeas, black-eyed peas), Eggplant, Peppers, Malabar spinach, Butter beans, Malabar spinach
Plant now
- Okra
- Sweet potatoes
- Southern peas (cowpeas, black-eyed peas)
- Eggplant
- Peppers
- Malabar spinach
- Butter beans
- Malabar spinach
- Yard-long beans
Start indoors
- Broccoli
- Cabbage
- Cauliflower
- Kale
- Collard greens
- Brussels sprouts
- Lettuce
- Spinach
- Swiss chard
Avoid
- Cool-season crops directly sown outdoors
- Tender herbs like basil (due to heat stress)
- Root crops like carrots and beets (too hot for germination)
- Cucumbers (heat stress reduces fruit set)
- Tomatoes (fruit quality may decline in extreme heat)
Next 2 weeks
- Prepare soil with compost for fall planting
- Mulch raised beds and containers to retain moisture
- Water deeply in early morning to reduce heat stress
- Monitor for pests like aphids and spider mites
- Begin hardening off indoor seedlings for transplant
- Pinch back herbs to encourage bushier growth
- Remove any diseased foliage promptly
- Check container drainage regularly
FAQs
Can I plant cool-season vegetables directly in August?
In Fort Worth's heat, it's best to start cool-season crops indoors in August and transplant them in September when temperatures begin to drop.
How often should I water raised beds and containers in August?
Water deeply at least 2-3 times per week, more often during heat waves, ensuring soil stays moist but not waterlogged.
What are good heat-tolerant vegetables to plant now?
Okra, southern peas, eggplant, and peppers thrive in Fort Worth's late summer heat.
Should I fertilize my garden in August?
Yes, apply a balanced fertilizer or compost to support vigorous growth during the hot growing season.
How can I protect container plants from extreme heat?
Place containers in partial shade during peak afternoon sun and mulch the soil surface to retain moisture.
Next steps
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