With high soil and air temperatures and abundant sunshine, August is a key time to plant. Now that spring plantings have largely been harvested, it's the last chance to plant many herbs, vegetables and flowers to enjoy before temperatures start to drop.
Sign up for the BestReviews newsletter: Exclusive deals and expert picks, in your inbox.
Prepare your garden by clearing out spent plants and restoring soil nutrients with compost, then start looking forward to an abundant and delicious harvest in fall and winter. If you're wondering what to plant in August, we've got you covered with a variety of recommendations.
In this article: Black Duck Brand Set of 50 Bulk Flower Seed Packets, CKLT 2-in-1 Garden Hoe and Weed Puller Rake and Grenebo Heavy-Duty Gardening Tools with Handbag
To ensure success for your crops, direct-sow seeds as early as possible in August. If your frost date is rapidly approaching, look for fast-maturing crops or plant starts instead of sowing seeds. It also helps to choose semi-hardy vegetables that can withstand a light early frost.
Depending on what you're planting and what U.S. Department of Agriculture growing region you live in, August plantings may be more successful in containers, which can easily be moved between shady and sunny spots as needed. Wherever you're planting, be sure to spread a thin layer of mulch over freshly turned and watered soil to prevent it from forming a crust, which can stunt sprouting plants and lose valuable water.
Open Seed Vault 15,000 Non-GMO Heirloom Vegetable Seeds
This kit contains 15,000 seeds and 32 varieties of vegetables, many of which are great for planting in August; this includes spinach, kale, beets, broccoli, radishes and multiple varieties of beans and lettuce. The seeds are 100% natural and were not genetically modified.
NatureZ Edge Lettuce Seeds for Planting
Grow all your salad greens in the garden with this dedicated mix. You get four popular heirloom varieties including Red Romaine, Bibb Butterhead, Black Seeded Simpson and Green Ice.
Home Grown Heirloom and Non-GMO 4,500+ Culinary Herb Seeds
This seed mix lets you cook with herbs straight from your garden. It contains over 4,500 non-GMO seeds and 18 herb varieties, including two types of basil, cilantro and dill for planting in August.
Black Duck Brand Set of 50 Bulk Flower Seed Packets
This summer mix offers a ton of value with 50 non-GMO seed packets and 15 flower varieties. Designed to attract pollinators, it contains many flowers that are suitable for August planting, including petunias, cosmos, snapdragons, marigolds, asters and sunflowers.
The Old Farmer's Almanac 200 Non-GMO Marigold Seeds
This seed mix contains yellow, orange and red marigolds for a vibrant fall display. You get approximately 200 non-GMO seeds per packet.
Seed Needs Specialty Blend of 1,000+ Sunflower Seeds
Sunflowers are a cheerful addition to any garden. This non-GMO mix contains 15 varieties and over 1,000 seeds. Your flowerbeds will bloom with red, yellow and orange sunflowers that are just right for fall. Plus, you'll attract pollinators to your garden.
Mountain Valley Seed Company No-Till Garden Cover Crop Mix Seeds
This seed mix contains a variety of cover crops suitable for August planting, including field peas, hairy vetch and two types of clovers. The seeds are non-GMO and come in a 5-pound bag.
Cannaisseur No-Till Cover Crop 13-Seed Mix
If you want to plant more varied cover crops, this non-GMO seed mix is a great option. It contains 13 varieties, including hairy vetch, flax, buckwheat, two types of field peas and three types of clover. The mix comes in half-pound or 1-pound bags.
Luster Leaf Rapitest Soil Test Kit
Make sure your soil is prepared for a new round of crops by testing the soil first. This easy-to-use soil test kit tells gardeners their pH levels, as well as nitrogen, phosphorous and potash levels.
CKLT 2-in-1 Garden Hoe and Weed Puller Rake
Prepare your garden bed with this sturdy 60-inch steel garden hoe, which has a lightweight yet durable ergonomic handle. This two-in-one tool pulls weeds easily and helps prepare soil for new plants.
Easily turn over soil for fresh planting with this sturdy cast-aluminum trowel. It features an ergonomic handle for comfortable use.
Grenebo Heavy-Duty Gardening Tools with Handbag
Transport your tools and keep them organized in this sturdy tote, which includes eight stainless steel gardening tools. The tote features several exterior pockets with elastic loops to keep tools in place.
These tough cowhide work gloves are great for everything from planting to weeding. They're available in six sizes and feature an easy on-and-off elasticated wrist.
DuraTrel Winchester 57- by 96-Inch White Vinyl Wall Trellis
Plant peas, nasturtium, beans and even vine cucumbers on this sturdy, attractive vinyl trellis. It measures 57 by 96 inches and comes with a 20-year warranty.
Fiskars Ultralight Kneeling Cushion
Avoid stressed, sore knees by working with this foam garden kneeling pad. It resists tears and abrasion and features a carrying handle.
Flexi Hose with 8-Function Nozzle
Keep your garden well-watered with this sturdy, no-kink garden hose. It has eight settings and is available in multiple sizes so you can find one the right length for your gardening area.
COOLJOB 2 Pairs Gardening Gloves
This set of two pairs of soft, comfortable gardening gloves are coated in durable latex and feature an elastic wrist to keep dirt out. They can be hosed off while gardening, but are also machine-washable.
Orbit Programmable Digital Hose Watering Timer
Easily help your crops maintain the proper moisture level with this programmable digital watering timer. It has a rain-delay function, LCD display and large dial for easy use.
Water lots of plants without needing a refill with this large, drip-free spout watering can. It's made from 100% recycled polymer and comes in several sizes.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
Check out our Daily Deals for the best products at the best prices and sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter full of shopping inspo and sales.
