Planting calendar
August Planting Guide for New York, NY: Raised Beds, Containers & In-Ground
In August, New York gardeners can focus on planting cool-season crops and preparing for fall harvests in raised beds, containers, and in-ground gardens. This is a great time to sow leafy greens, root vegetables, and start some fall flowers indoors for transplanting later.
Plant now (quick list)
Lettuce, Spinach, Radishes, Kale, Beets, Carrots, Swiss chard, Bush beans
Plant now
- Lettuce
- Spinach
- Radishes
- Kale
- Beets
- Carrots
- Swiss chard
- Bush beans
- Turnips
- Broccoli (transplants)
Start indoors
- Cabbage
- Cauliflower
- Brussels sprouts
- Kohlrabi
- Leeks
- Celery
- Herbs (cilantro, parsley)
- Flower seedlings (pansies, violas)
Avoid
- Tomatoes (direct sowing)
- Peppers (direct sowing)
- Corn
- Eggplants
- Melons
- Cucumbers
- Squash (direct sowing)
- Beans (after mid-August)
- Potatoes (late August onward)
Next 2 weeks
- Monitor soil moisture closely; water raised beds and containers regularly
- Begin clearing out spent summer crops to make room for fall plantings
- Apply mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds
- Fertilize leafy greens with balanced fertilizer for vigorous growth
- Watch for pests like aphids and caterpillars on young plants
- Thin seedlings to prevent overcrowding
- Start hardening off indoor seedlings before transplanting
- Check container drainage to avoid root rot
FAQs
Can I plant tomatoes in August in New York?
It's generally too late to start tomatoes from seed in August for a successful fall harvest. Transplants may survive if started earlier, but direct sowing is not recommended.
What vegetables grow well in containers during August?
Leafy greens like lettuce, spinach, and Swiss chard, as well as herbs such as parsley and cilantro, thrive in containers planted in August.
How do I protect my fall crops from early frost?
Use row covers, cold frames, or cloches to shield young plants from early frost, and consider planting frost-tolerant varieties.
Is it necessary to fertilize in August?
Yes, applying a balanced fertilizer helps support the growth of cool-season crops and replenishes nutrients in the soil after summer harvests.
When should I start indoor seedlings for fall planting?
Start cool-season vegetable seedlings indoors in mid to late August to transplant outdoors in early September for optimal growth.
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