Top Vegetable and Herb Picks for August Planting: Get Ready for a Bountiful Harvest!

As August rolls in, it’s the perfect time to think about your fall garden and plant some delicious vegetables and herbs that promise a quick turnaround. Many gardeners find joy in not just the act of gardening but also in reaping fresh produce from their labor. Here’s a roundup of the best fast-growing crops you can plant this month to ensure your table is filled with flavorful greens for the weeks ahead.

Growing spinach yields delicious and nutritious greens.

1. Spinach: A Nutrient Powerhouse

Spinach is often heralded as the ultimate ‘cut and come again’ crop. Whether you desire a steady supply of salad greens or cooking staples, this leafy star will serve you well into the colder months, especially if you sow a hardy variety in a sunny spot. To get started, enrich your soil with organic material and direct-sow seeds an inch deep. After watering and covering with soil, ensure you keep the area moist. Thin seedlings to six inches apart for optimal growth.

“For the sweetest, crispiest spinach, make sure to harvest it early in the morning while the weather is still cool,” explains gardening expert Resh Gala. This practice helps ensure that your spinach is at its best for taste and texture.

Recommended Varieties:

• ‘Riverside Hybrid’ Spinach: Fast-growing and heat resistant. Expect to harvest in about 30 days.
• ‘Red Malabar’ Spinach: A stunning ornamental option with vibrant stems that thrives in warm conditions.
• ‘Giant Noble’ Spinach: An heirloom favorite, yielding thick dark green leaves.

2. Radishes: The Speedy Veggie

Radishes are the true workhorses of the garden, growing from seed to plate in just 25-30 days. When planting, make sure to space seeds about four inches apart for proper development. Pre-moistened soil tends to yield better results, minimizing clumping and ensuring even growth. Taste-testing is encouraged to gauge readiness for harvest.

These vibrant radishes add a pop of color and flavor.

Some fantastic radish varieties to try include:

• Watermelon Radish: Crisp and mildly sweet, perfect for salads and pickling.
• ‘Pink Beauty’ Radish: Ready in just 22 days, this radish has a gorgeous appearance and great flavor.
• French Breakfast Radish: Known for its sweet taste and tender flesh, it’s a colorful addition to any dish.

3. Basil: The Aromatic Herb

Not only does basil enhance your dishes, but its lush aroma also evokes summer memories. Basil loves the heat, making it a perfect candidate for a late-summer garden. Sow seeds into a large container, and you’ll be delightfully snipping fresh leaves in as little as three weeks. Remember to pinch off flower shoots to maintain the savory taste of the leaves.

Find out how to grow basil to make the most of your herb garden.

Freshly harvested basil can elevate any dish.

4. Garlic Chives: A Flavorful Addition

Imagine having a fresh supply of garlic-flavored leaves at your disposal. Garlic chives are easy to grow, yielding edible leaves and pretty flowers. You can sow them throughout the summer into early fall, and in frost-free regions, even into winter. Christina Chung, horticulturalist, emphasizes their hardiness and adaptability.

5. Arugula: Peppery and Pleasing

If you’re looking to spice up your salads, arugula is unbeatable. This robust green grows quickly, making it perfect for frequent sowings every couple of weeks. Choose a sunny spot to sow seeds in rows and keep the soil moist to encourage growth. Harvesting regularly helps maintain a rewarding garden.

Arugula can be grown in containers or directly in the garden.

6. Runner Beans: Vibrant and Productive

Runner beans not only provide a delightful harvest but also add a decorative touch with their striking flowers. While August marks the last chance for planting these, their rapid growth means you can still expect a decent yield. Be sure to support your plants with a trellis or stake, as they’ll need space to climb.

Tip: Consider the Maxpace Garden Stakes Kit from Amazon for sturdy support.

7. Asian Greens: A World of Flavor

Explore the world of oriental greens like pak choi and mizuna. These crops thrive in warm soil and cool fall weather, making them a perfect addition to your late-summer plantings. They grow rapidly and provide a fresh crunch to your meals. Regular sowings can yield a continuous harvest.

These vibrant greens are perfect for salads and stir-fries.

Growing these vegetables and herbs offers not just the reward of a bountiful harvest, but also the joy of gardening. With a little attention and care, your garden can provide fresh, flavorful ingredients beyond summer.

Planting in August might just be your best gardening decision this year. Happy planting!