Planting calendar
August Planting Guide for San Francisco Gardens: Raised Beds, Containers & In-Ground
In August, San Francisco gardeners can focus on planting cool-season crops in raised beds, containers, and in-ground gardens. This is an ideal time to sow leafy greens, root vegetables, and herbs that thrive in mild coastal climates. Avoid heat-loving summer plants as temperatures start to moderate.
Plant now (quick list)
lettuce, spinach, kale, radishes, carrots, beets, broccoli, cauliflower
Plant now
- lettuce
- spinach
- kale
- radishes
- carrots
- beets
- broccoli
- cauliflower
- cilantro
- parsley
Start indoors
- broccoli seedlings
- cauliflower seedlings
- cabbage seedlings
- kale seedlings
- lettuce seedlings
- spinach seedlings
- chard seedlings
- herbs like basil and dill
- tomato seedlings for fall transplant
- pepper seedlings for fall transplant
Avoid
- tomatoes (direct sow)
- peppers (direct sow)
- beans
- corn
- cucumbers
- summer squash
- melons
- eggplants
- okra
- sweet potatoes
Next 2 weeks
- transplant broccoli and cauliflower seedlings outdoors
- thin carrot and beet seedlings for better root development
- continue watering consistently to prevent stress
- mulch around plants to retain moisture
- monitor for pests like aphids and caterpillars
- start planning cover crops for winter soil health
- fertilize leafy greens lightly
- harvest mature radishes and greens regularly
- rotate crops to reduce disease risk
- clean and maintain garden tools
FAQs
Can I plant tomatoes in August in San Francisco?
It's best to avoid direct sowing tomatoes in August due to cooler temperatures, but you can start seedlings indoors for transplanting later.
How often should I water raised beds in August?
Water raised beds deeply about 2-3 times per week, adjusting based on rainfall and soil moisture to keep plants healthy.
Are there frost risks in San Francisco in late August?
Frost is very unlikely in San Francisco in August, but temperatures can be cool, so choose crops suited for mild weather.
What are good herbs to plant in containers now?
Cilantro, parsley, basil, and dill grow well in containers during August's mild climate.
Should I fertilize my garden in August?
Light fertilization of leafy greens and root vegetables helps support growth, but avoid heavy feeding to prevent excessive leaf growth over roots.
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