Planting calendar
August Planting Guide for Houston, TX: Raised Beds, Containers & In-Ground
In August, Houston gardeners can focus on heat-tolerant vegetables and herbs suitable for raised beds, containers, and in-ground planting. This month is ideal for starting fall crops and preparing for cooler weather planting. Prioritize watering and shade management to protect young plants from intense summer heat.
Plant now (quick list)
Okra, Sweet potatoes, Southern peas (black-eyed peas), Eggplant, Peppers, Malabar spinach, Basil, Roselle
Plant now
- Okra
- Sweet potatoes
- Southern peas (black-eyed peas)
- Eggplant
- Peppers
- Malabar spinach
- Basil
- Roselle
- Collard greens
- Kale
Start indoors
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Cabbage
- Brussels sprouts
- Lettuce
- Spinach
- Kohlrabi
- Swiss chard
Avoid
- Cool-season crops directly sown outdoors (due to heat stress)
- Tender seedlings without shade
- Root crops like carrots and beets (too hot for germination)
- Corn (late planting reduces yield)
- Beans (late plantings may struggle with heat)
Next 2 weeks
- Start hardening off indoor seedlings for fall transplant
- Apply mulch to conserve soil moisture
- Monitor for pests like aphids and squash bugs
- Water deeply in early morning or late evening
- Prepare soil for fall planting by adding compost
FAQs
Can I plant cool-season vegetables directly in August in Houston?
It's best to start cool-season vegetables indoors in August and transplant them in September to avoid heat stress.
How often should I water raised beds and containers in August?
Water daily or as needed to keep soil consistently moist, especially during hot, dry spells.
Is it necessary to provide shade for new transplants in August?
Yes, providing partial shade helps protect young plants from intense afternoon sun and heat.
What are good heat-tolerant herbs to plant now?
Basil, rosemary, and malabar spinach thrive well in Houston's August heat.
When should I start preparing my garden for fall crops?
Begin soil preparation and indoor seed starting in August to ensure timely fall planting.
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.