Planting calendar
August Planting Guide for San Francisco Gardens
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 to prepare for fall harvests while avoiding heat stress.
Plant now (quick list)
lettuce, spinach, kale, radishes, carrots, beets, chard, cilantro
Plant now
- lettuce
- spinach
- kale
- radishes
- carrots
- beets
- chard
- cilantro
- green onions
Start indoors
- broccoli
- cauliflower
- cabbage
- kohlrabi
- brussels sprouts
- lettuce (for transplanting)
- herbs like basil and parsley
- tomatoes (for fall transplant)
Avoid
- warm-season crops like tomatoes and peppers in-ground without protection
- beans (late plantings may not mature before cooler weather)
- corn (too late for good yields)
- pumpkins and squash (heat stress risk)
- potatoes (harvest instead of planting)
Next 2 weeks
- direct sow more leafy greens for continuous harvest
- thin seedlings to prevent overcrowding
- water consistently to support young plants
- apply mulch to retain soil moisture
- start hardening off indoor seedlings for transplant
FAQs
Can I plant tomatoes in August in San Francisco?
August is late for planting tomatoes outdoors; start seeds indoors for fall transplanting to avoid heat stress.
What vegetables grow best in containers during August?
Leafy greens like lettuce and spinach, as well as herbs such as cilantro and green onions, thrive in containers this month.
How often should I water raised beds in August?
Water raised beds deeply 2-3 times per week, adjusting frequency based on weather and soil moisture.
Is it safe to plant root vegetables now?
Yes, August is a good time to sow carrots, beets, and radishes for fall harvest in San Francisco.
Should I fertilize my garden beds this month?
Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or compost to support cool-season crop growth.
Next steps
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