Planting calendar
August Planting Guide for Fort Worth, TX: Raised Beds, Containers & In-Ground
In Fort Worth during August, focus on planting heat-tolerant vegetables and starting fall crops that can handle warm soil in raised beds, containers, or in-ground gardens. This is a great time to plant okra, southern peas, and begin seeds indoors for cooler-season vegetables.
Plant now (quick list)
Okra, Southern peas (cowpeas, black-eyed peas), Sweet potatoes (slips), Malabar spinach, Eggplant seedlings, Peppers, Basil, Swiss chard
Plant now
- Okra
- Southern peas (cowpeas, black-eyed peas)
- Sweet potatoes (slips)
- Malabar spinach
- Eggplant seedlings
- Peppers
- Basil
- Swiss chard
- Collard greens
- Tomatoes (if heat-tolerant varieties)
Start indoors
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Cabbage
- Kale
- Brussels sprouts
- Lettuce
- Spinach
- Carrots
- Beets
- Onion sets
Avoid
- Cool-season crops planted directly outdoors (lettuce, spinach, broccoli)
- Beans (due to heat stress)
- Peas (spring varieties)
- Potatoes (late plantings risk disease)
- Corn (late plantings unlikely to mature before frost)
- Cucumbers (heat stress reduces fruit set)
- Squash (summer varieties)
- Melons (late plantings won't mature)
- Radishes (slow growth in heat)
- Leafy greens outdoors without shade
Next 2 weeks
- Transplant cool-season seedlings started indoors to shaded raised beds
- Mulch around plants to conserve moisture
- Water deeply in early morning or late evening
- Monitor for heat stress and pests like aphids
- Begin hardening off indoor seedlings
- Start fall herb seeds indoors
- Fertilize warm-season crops lightly
- Check soil moisture daily in containers
- Prune leggy tomato plants
- Remove any diseased or yellowing leaves
FAQs
Can I plant lettuce outdoors in August in Fort Worth?
It's best to start lettuce indoors in August due to high heat; transplant outdoors in early fall when temperatures cool.
What vegetables tolerate Fort Worth's August heat?
Okra, southern peas, eggplants, peppers, and sweet potatoes perform well in hot August conditions.
How often should I water container plants in August?
Water containers daily or as needed to keep soil consistently moist but not soggy, especially during heat waves.
Is it too late to start fall crops in August?
No, starting cool-season crops indoors in August is ideal for transplanting in September when temperatures drop.
Should I use shade cloth in August?
Yes, providing shade during the hottest part of the day helps protect tender plants from heat stress.
Next steps
Get a personalized planting plan
Answer a few questions and generate a plan for your exact location and setup.
Build your garden shopping list
Get a starter kit checklist for what you want to grow (with optional links).
Ask the Gardener
Get quick answers and next-step guidance for your garden.
Want this page for a different city? Try the tool and enter your ZIP: Plant this month.