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 month is ideal for sowing seeds of warm-season greens and starting cool-season crops indoors to transplant later. Avoid planting frost-sensitive plants as temperatures remain high.
Plant now (quick list)
Okra, Sweet potatoes, Southern peas (cowpeas), Malabar spinach, Eggplant, Peppers, Basil, Butter beans
Plant now
- Okra
- Sweet potatoes
- Southern peas (cowpeas)
- Malabar spinach
- Eggplant
- Peppers
- Basil
- Butter beans
- Yardlong beans
Start indoors
- Broccoli
- Cabbage
- Cauliflower
- Kale
- Collard greens
- Brussels sprouts
- Lettuce
- Spinach
Avoid
- Tomatoes (direct sowing)
- Corn
- Cucumbers
- Melons
- Squash
- Beans (except southern peas)
- Potatoes
- Carrots
Next 2 weeks
- Continue watering deeply in raised beds and containers to combat heat stress
- Apply mulch to retain soil moisture and regulate temperature
- Monitor for pests like aphids and spider mites
- Fertilize heat-loving crops with balanced fertilizer
- Thin seedlings started indoors to ensure strong growth
- Prepare soil for fall planting by adding compost
- Check container drainage to prevent root rot
- Shade young transplants during hottest part of the day
FAQs
Can I plant tomatoes in August in Houston?
It's best to avoid direct sowing tomatoes in August due to heat stress; instead, start seedlings indoors for fall transplanting.
How often should I water raised beds and containers in August?
Water deeply at least every other day, more frequently during heat waves, to keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
What are good heat-tolerant vegetables to plant now?
Okra, southern peas, eggplant, and Malabar spinach thrive in Houston's August heat.
When can I transplant cool-season crops started indoors?
Transplant cool-season crops like broccoli and cabbage outdoors in late September to early October when temperatures start to moderate.
Should I fertilize my garden in August?
Yes, use a balanced fertilizer to support growth of heat-loving crops and prepare soil for fall planting.
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