Fast-Tracking Your Garden Harvest: 7 Veggies and Herbs to Plant in August

As August settles in, gardeners are presented with a perfect opportunity to plant a selection of quick-growing vegetables and herbs that promise bountiful harvests before the autumn chill sets in. Here, we explore seven of the best options to cultivate in your garden this month, ensuring your plot remains productive and vibrant.

1. Spinach

Spinach stands out as a ‘cut and come again’ crop, allowing gardeners to continuously harvest fresh leaves throughout August and into fall. By picking smaller leaves, you can encourage further growth, making it an excellent choice for salads or as a cooked green.

Fresh spinach ready for harvest

To grow spinach successfully, enrich the soil with organic material and sow the seeds one inch deep. Regular watering is crucial, and once seedlings emerge, thin them to six inches apart to allow for adequate air circulation. Remarkably, spinach can even thrive into the winter months with the right conditions. According to gardener Resh Gala, “For the sweetest, crispiest spinach, make sure to harvest it early in the morning while the weather is still cool.”

{‘Riverside Hybrid’ Spinach](https://www.burpee.com/river-side-hybrid-spinach.html) is a resilient variety that resists heat-induced bolting, offering delicious leaves about 30 days after sowing.

2. Radishes

Radishes are one of the fastest-growing vegetables, transforming from seed to harvest in a mere 25 to 30 days. These vibrant roots not only grow well in backyard gardens but also add crunch and a peppery kick to your dishes.

Radishes thriving in the garden

Spacing your sowing at four inches apart is crucial, as these vibrant veggies prefer to spread comfortably. Keep in mind that timing is important; wait too long to harvest, and they may become pithy. As long as you live in a frost-free area, you can sow radish seeds every two weeks to enjoy a continuous harvest.

Varieties such as the Watermelon Radish, with its stunning internal color, and ‘Pink Beauty,’ ready in just 22 days, make delightful additions to any garden.

3. Basil

Basil, the aromatic champion of the herb world, thrives in summer and offers a robust flavor that enhances numerous culinary dishes. This Mediterranean favorite flourishes in full sun, but it does require attention to watering, especially during the hottest days.

Basil adding flavor to your garden

As gardening expert Maggie Stuckey notes, growing basil from seed is straightforward; simply direct-sow the seeds in a sizable container, where they will germinate in 7 to 10 days. Start snipping leaves as soon as your plants are big enough. Remember to pinch off any flowers that appear, as this can affect the flavor. Learn more about how to grow basil to maximize your yield.

4. Garlic Chives

These chives provide a fabulous garlic flavor without the bulkiness of traditional cloves. Ideal for seasoning, garlic chives can be used in various dishes and are simple to maintain in your garden.

Growing right through summer, they also adapt well to container gardening for those colder climates. As Christina Chung, a horticulturalist, states, “They grow happily in a wide range of climates and soils.”

Garlic chives thriving in a home garden

Garlic chives add not only flavor but also beautiful white flowers to your garden during late summer. They thrive in both sun and shade, heightening their appeal for every gardener.

5. Arugula

This peppery green is a fantastic salad ingredient and enhances various dishes with its robust flavor. Arugula seeds can be sown successively every two weeks to ensure a continual harvest.

Young arugula plants flourishing

With some varieties named ‘Speedy’ ready to harvest in just 30 days, arugula is a reliable option for quick-growing greens. Regularly picking leaves encourages healthy regrowth, making it an easy staple for any kitchen garden.

6. Runner Beans

While August may feel late in the season, runner beans can still be planted for a productive crop, especially in mild climates. This ornamental variety, often featuring showy red or white flowers, provides a dual purpose with its beauty and abundant yields.

Runner beans climbing a trellis

As Christina notes, planting large seeds directly into the ground encourages growth. Be aware they require structures such as trellises to reach their full potential, growing lushly and producing throughout the season.

7. Asian Greens

Lastly, a selection of Asian greens including Chinese cabbage and pak choi are a wonder for any late-summer garden. These greens thrive in warm soil and flourish as the weather cools.

Lush Asian greens in the garden

Not only do they require less care than other crops, but they also offer diverse flavors. As noted by Maggie, they are sturdy and have a low disease susceptibility, making them ideal for beginner gardeners.

Conclusion

By choosing the right vegetables and herbs to plant in August, you set yourself up for a flourishing garden and a harvest that can introduce vibrant flavors and nutritious offerings to your table in the coming months. Make the most of this fruitful season and enjoy the adventure of gardening!