Planting calendar
August Planting Guide for Houston, TX: Raised Beds, Containers & In-Ground Gardens
In August, Houston gardeners can focus on planting heat-tolerant vegetables and preparing for fall crops in raised beds, containers, and in-ground gardens. This is an ideal time to plant leafy greens, root vegetables, and herbs that thrive in late summer warmth. Start seeds indoors for cooler-season crops to transplant later as temperatures moderate.
Plant now (quick list)
Okra, Sweet potatoes, Southern peas (cowpeas, black-eyed peas), Eggplant, Peppers, Malabar spinach, Basil, Sweet potatoes slips
Plant now
- Okra
- Sweet potatoes
- Southern peas (cowpeas, black-eyed peas)
- Eggplant
- Peppers
- Malabar spinach
- Basil
- Sweet potatoes slips
- Yardlong beans
- Collard greens
Start indoors
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Cabbage
- Kale
- Brussels sprouts
- Lettuce
- Spinach
- Swiss chard
- Carrots
- Beets
Avoid
- Tomatoes (direct sowing, due to heat stress)
- Corn (late plantings may not mature before frost)
- Potatoes (too hot for tuber development)
- Cucumbers (heat can cause bitterness)
- Melons (harvest may be compromised by cooler fall temperatures)
- Beans (avoid late plantings prone to pests)
- Pumpkins (too late for full maturity)
- Squash (heat stress reduces yield)
- Peas (prefer cooler weather)
- Radishes (bolting risk in heat)
Next 2 weeks
- Transplant broccoli seedlings started indoors
- Mulch raised beds to conserve moisture
- Water containers early morning to reduce evaporation
- Monitor for aphids and treat organically if needed
- Begin harvesting okra and southern peas
- Thin seedlings for better airflow
- Fertilize leafy greens with nitrogen-rich feed
- Prepare soil for fall root crops by adding compost
- Check drainage in containers after heavy rains
- Prune leggy herbs to encourage bushier growth
FAQs
Can I plant tomatoes in August in Houston?
It's best to avoid direct sowing tomatoes in August due to high heat stress; instead, start seeds indoors for fall transplanting.
How often should I water container plants in August?
Water container plants daily or when the top inch of soil feels dry, preferably early morning to reduce evaporation.
What vegetables grow well in raised beds during late summer?
Heat-tolerant crops like okra, eggplant, peppers, and southern peas perform well in raised beds in Houston's late summer.
When should I start cool-season crops indoors?
Start cool-season crops like broccoli, cabbage, and kale indoors in August to transplant outdoors in September or October.
How can I protect my garden from pests during hot months?
Regularly inspect plants, use organic insecticidal soaps if needed, and encourage beneficial insects to maintain pest balance.
Next steps
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