Planting calendar
August Planting Guide for Nashville, TN: Raised Beds, Containers & In-Ground
In August, Nashville gardeners can focus on planting heat-tolerant fall crops and starting seeds indoors for cooler-season vegetables. This month is ideal for extending your growing season with quick-maturing greens and preparing for fall harvests in raised beds, containers, and in-ground gardens.
Plant now (quick list)
Bush beans, Cucumbers, Okra, Sweet potatoes, Southern peas, Collard greens, Turnips, Radishes
Plant now
- Bush beans
- Cucumbers
- Okra
- Sweet potatoes
- Southern peas
- Collard greens
- Turnips
- Radishes
Start indoors
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Cabbage
- Kale
- Brussels sprouts
- Lettuce
- Spinach
- Swiss chard
Avoid
- Tomatoes (late-season planting may not mature)
- Peppers (heat stress reduces fruit set)
- Corn (late planting unlikely to mature before frost)
- Potatoes (too late for good yield)
- Melons (fruit may not mature before first frost)
Next 2 weeks
- Continue watering deeply to combat heat
- Mulch to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature
- Watch for pests like aphids and squash bugs
- Thin seedlings to prevent overcrowding
- Fertilize leafy greens with nitrogen-rich feed
- Harvest summer crops regularly to encourage production
- Prepare soil for fall planting by adding compost
- Monitor container plants closely for drying out
FAQs
Can I plant cool-season crops directly in August in Nashville?
Yes, you can plant some quick-maturing cool-season crops like radishes and turnips directly, but starting others indoors will give them a head start before transplanting.
How do I protect new seedlings from late summer heat?
Provide partial shade during the hottest part of the day and keep soil consistently moist to reduce heat stress on seedlings.
Is it too late to plant tomatoes in August?
Generally, yes. Tomatoes planted in August may not have enough time to mature before the first frost in Nashville.
What are good container plants for August in Nashville?
Heat-tolerant vegetables like bush beans, okra, and southern peas do well in containers during August.
Should I fertilize my fall crops now?
Yes, applying a balanced or nitrogen-rich fertilizer helps leafy greens and brassicas develop strong growth for the cooler months.
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