Planting calendar
August Planting Guide for Portland, OR: Raised Beds, Containers & In-Ground Gardens
In August in Portland, OR, focus on planting cool-season crops and preparing your garden for fall. You can sow leafy greens, root vegetables, and herbs directly outdoors or start hardy plants indoors for transplanting later. Avoid heat-sensitive plants as temperatures begin to moderate.
Plant now (quick list)
kale, spinach, radishes, beets, lettuce, carrots, chard, turnips
Plant now
- kale
- spinach
- radishes
- beets
- lettuce
- carrots
- chard
- turnips
Start indoors
- broccoli
- cauliflower
- cabbage
- kohlrabi
- brussels sprouts
- lettuce
- herbs (cilantro, parsley)
Avoid
- tomatoes
- peppers
- eggplants
- beans
- corn
- cucumbers
- melons
- summer squash
Next 2 weeks
- continue sowing quick-maturing greens
- thin seedlings to avoid overcrowding
- water consistently during dry spells
- mulch to retain soil moisture
- monitor for pests like aphids and caterpillars
- start hardening off indoor seedlings
- prepare soil for fall planting by adding compost
FAQs
Can I plant tomatoes in August in Portland?
August is generally too late to plant tomatoes outdoors in Portland due to the shorter growing season and cooler fall temperatures.
How do I protect my fall crops from early frost?
Use row covers or cold frames to shield sensitive plants from early frosts, especially in raised beds and containers.
Is it better to start broccoli indoors or direct sow in August?
Starting broccoli indoors in August gives seedlings a head start for transplanting in early fall, improving success rates.
What herbs can I plant in containers during August?
Cilantro, parsley, and chives do well when planted in containers in August and thrive in cooler fall weather.
How often should I water raised beds and containers in August?
Water raised beds and containers deeply about 2-3 times per week, adjusting for rainfall and heat to keep soil consistently moist but not soggy.
Next steps
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