Planting calendar
August Planting Guide for Washington, DC: Raised Beds, Containers & In-Ground
In August, Washington, DC gardeners can focus on planting cool-season crops and preparing for fall harvests. This month is ideal for sowing leafy greens, root vegetables, and herbs in raised beds, containers, or directly in the ground. Start planning for fall by planting fast-maturing varieties and starting some seeds indoors.
Plant now (quick list)
Lettuce, Spinach, Radishes, Kale, Carrots, Beets, Swiss chard, Bush beans
Plant now
- Lettuce
- Spinach
- Radishes
- Kale
- Carrots
- Beets
- Swiss chard
- Bush beans
- Herbs (cilantro, parsley)
- Turnips
Start indoors
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Cabbage
- Brussels sprouts
- Kohlrabi
- Leeks
- Celery
- Onions (from seed)
- Herbs (basil, dill)
- Tomato seedlings for fall transplant
Avoid
- Warm-season crops like tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants (due to heat stress)
- Corn (late planting reduces yield)
- Potatoes (late planting risks frost damage)
- Melons (too late for DC heat cycle)
- Cucumbers (slow growth in late season)
- Beans (avoid late planting to prevent frost loss)
- Sweet potatoes (requires longer growing season)
- Pumpkins (too late for full maturity)
- Summer squash (heat stress risk)
- Okra (heat stress and frost risk)
Next 2 weeks
- Direct sow fast-maturing greens like arugula and mustard
- Water consistently to support new seedlings
- Mulch to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds
- Begin hardening off indoor seedlings for transplant
- Monitor for pests like aphids and caterpillars
- Prepare soil by adding compost for fall crops
- Thin seedlings to prevent overcrowding
- Start planning crop rotation for next season
- Check container drainage to avoid root rot
- Prune summer crops to encourage airflow
FAQs
Can I plant tomatoes in August in Washington, DC?
It's generally too late to start tomatoes outdoors in August due to the approaching cooler weather and shorter days. However, you can start seedlings indoors now for a fall harvest if you transplant them early and protect them from frost.
What vegetables grow best in containers during August?
Leafy greens like lettuce, spinach, and herbs such as parsley and cilantro do well in containers in August, as they prefer cooler temperatures and can be harvested quickly.
How can I protect my late summer crops from pests?
Regularly inspect plants for pests like aphids and caterpillars, use organic insecticidal soaps if needed, and encourage beneficial insects by planting flowers nearby.
Is it necessary to mulch in August?
Yes, mulching helps retain soil moisture during hot days, suppresses weeds, and keeps soil temperatures stable, which benefits both new seedlings and established plants.
When should I start preparing my garden for fall planting?
Begin preparing soil by adding compost and clearing spent summer crops in August to ensure your garden beds are ready for fall planting in September.
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.