Planting calendar
August Planting Guide for Philadelphia Gardens: Raised Beds, Containers & In-Ground
In August, Philadelphia gardeners can focus on planting cool-season crops for a fall harvest. This month is ideal for sowing leafy greens, root vegetables, and herbs in raised beds, containers, or directly in the ground. Prepare for cooler weather by starting some seeds indoors and avoiding heat-sensitive plants.
Plant now (quick list)
Spinach, Lettuce, Radishes, Carrots, Kale, Beets, Swiss chard, Turnips
Plant now
- Spinach
- Lettuce
- Radishes
- Carrots
- Kale
- Beets
- Swiss chard
- Turnips
- Bush beans
- Herbs like cilantro and parsley
Start indoors
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Cabbage
- Brussels sprouts
- Kohlrabi
- Leeks
- Onions (from seed)
- Celery
- Chard
- Herbs such as basil and dill
Avoid
- Tomatoes (avoid new plantings due to heat stress)
- Peppers
- Eggplants
- Corn
- Cucumbers
- Melons
- Squash (summer varieties)
- Beans (pole varieties late in month)
- Potatoes
- Sweet potatoes
Next 2 weeks
- Continue harvesting summer crops
- Water consistently during hot spells
- Mulch to conserve moisture
- Thin seedlings for better growth
- Monitor for pests like aphids and squash bugs
- Start preparing soil for fall planting
- Clean and sanitize containers
- Plant cover crops in empty beds
- Fertilize leafy greens lightly
- Transplant hardy seedlings started indoors
FAQs
Can I plant lettuce directly in the ground in August in Philadelphia?
Yes, August is a good time to sow lettuce seeds directly in the ground for a fall harvest, especially in raised beds or containers with good drainage.
Should I start broccoli indoors in August?
Starting broccoli indoors in August allows seedlings to mature in cooler fall weather, improving their chances of thriving before the first frost.
What vegetables should I avoid planting in August due to heat?
Avoid planting heat-sensitive crops like tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, and summer squash as they may struggle with the high temperatures.
How often should I water raised beds and containers in August?
Water raised beds and containers deeply at least every other day during hot weather, as they dry out faster than in-ground gardens.
Is it beneficial to mulch in August?
Yes, mulching helps retain soil moisture, regulate temperature, and reduce weed growth during the hot late summer months.
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.