Planting calendar
August Planting Guide for San Diego Gardens: Raised Beds, Containers & In-Ground
August in San Diego offers warm, stable conditions ideal for planting heat-tolerant vegetables and herbs in raised beds, containers, and in-ground gardens. Focus on crops that thrive in late summer and early fall to maximize your growing season. This guide helps you choose what to plant now, start indoors, and avoid for best results.
Plant now (quick list)
Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplants, Basil, Okra, Sweet potatoes, Swiss chard, Malabar spinach
Plant now
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Eggplants
- Basil
- Okra
- Sweet potatoes
- Swiss chard
- Malabar spinach
Start indoors
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Cabbage
- Kale
- Lettuce
- Spinach
- Brussels sprouts
Avoid
- Beans (snap and pole)
- Peas
- Corn
- Root crops like carrots and beets (due to heat stress)
- Cool-season crops planted outdoors directly
Next 2 weeks
- Transplant seedlings started indoors for fall crops
- Mulch raised beds and containers to retain moisture
- Check irrigation systems for consistent watering
- Pinch back basil to encourage bushier growth
- Monitor for pests like aphids and whiteflies
FAQs
Can I plant lettuce outdoors in August in San Diego?
It's better to start lettuce indoors or in shaded containers now, as direct outdoor planting may suffer from heat stress.
How often should I water raised beds in August?
Water deeply 2-3 times per week, adjusting based on temperature and soil moisture to prevent drying out.
Are there any herbs that do well when planted in August?
Yes, basil and Malabar spinach thrive in warm weather and can be planted now.
When should I transplant broccoli seedlings started indoors?
Transplant them outdoors in late August to early September when temperatures start to moderate.
Should I fertilize vegetables planted in August?
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at planting and supplement with liquid feed every few weeks for best growth.
Next steps
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