🌱 August Planting Guide for Zones 6, 7 & 8: What to Grow Now!

As summer starts to wind down and we inch closer to fall, your garden is far from finished! August is a prime month to refresh garden beds, sow cool-season crops, and even add some late-blooming flowers for fall color. If you’re gardening in Zones 6, 7, or 8, here’s what you can confidently plant this month to enjoy a delicious and colorful autumn garden.

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🥕 Vegetables to Plant in August

Here’s what you can grow in each zone before the first frost hits:

Zone 6 (First frost: mid-late October):

• Leafy Greens: Spinach, kale, Swiss chard, arugula, mustard greens
• Root Veggies: Beets, carrots, radishes, turnips
• Other Cool Crops: Broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage (start indoors or buy starts)

💡 Tip: Use row covers or cold frames to extend your growing season into late fall.

Zone 7 (First frost: late October to early November):

• Leafy Greens: Lettuce, collards, kale, spinach
• Root Crops: Carrots, radishes, beets, turnips
• Other Fall Veggies: Bush beans, peas, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower

💧 Watering Tip: August can still be hot and dry—keep seedlings well-watered and shaded during the hottest part of the day.

Zone 8 (First frost: mid-late November):

• Fast-Growing Summer Veggies: Bush beans, cucumbers, zucchini (one last crop!)
• Fall Veggies: Kale, collards, cabbage, broccoli, spinach, carrots, radishes
• Herbs: Cilantro, dill, parsley, chives

🌿 Bonus: Zone 8 gardeners can succession plant leafy greens every couple of weeks for a continuous harvest.

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🌼 Flowering Plants to Add in August

Late summer is a perfect time to plant flowers that will thrive into fall and even next spring. Here are great options for Zones 6–8:

🌸 Annuals & Perennials to Plant Now:

• Pansies & Violas (Zones 7 & 8): Plant now for fall and early spring color.
• Chrysanthemums (All Zones): Fall favorites that add bold color.
• Asters (All Zones): Late-blooming perennials loved by pollinators.
• Coneflowers (Echinacea): Still time to plant for pollinators and fall blooms.
• Black-Eyed Susans: Heat-tolerant and perfect for end-of-summer planting.

🌼 Other Great Picks:

• Snapdragons: Plant in August for fall blooms (especially in Zones 7 & 8).
• Ornamental Cabbage & Kale: Add color and texture to your fall beds.
• Zinnias: Still going strong—plant seeds for one last flush of flowers.

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🌿 Final Tips for August Gardening

• Feed & Mulch: Give your new plants a healthy start with compost and mulch to retain moisture.
• Start Planning for Fall: Clean up spent summer crops and refresh the soil.
• Attract Pollinators: Add late-blooming flowers to support bees and butterflies during their migration.

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Whether you’re filling your table with homegrown veggies or filling your beds with fresh blooms, August is a month full of opportunity for Southern and Mid-Atlantic gardens. Happy planting!