What to Plant in August
Fresno, CA · Zone 9a
Last frost: Feb 15
Frost-free days: 289
Late summer is prime time for starting your fall garden. Sow cool-season crops indoors or direct sow fast-maturing varieties. The heat will ease soon.
August at a Glance
Indoor
Transplant
Direct Sow
1
5
10
15
20
25
Basil
Chives
Mint
Parsley
Artichoke
Broccoli
Brussels Sprouts
Cabbage
Cauliflower
Garlic
Kale
Leek
Onion
Strawberry
Swiss Chard
Start Indoors 12
Start these seeds indoors under grow lights or on a sunny windowsill.
Chives
Jan 1 – Dec 31
9 per sq ft
60–90 days
Mint
Jan 1 – Dec 31
4 per sq ft
60–90 days
Leek
Jan 1 – Dec 31
4 per sq ft
90–150 days
Onion
Jan 1 – Dec 31
9 per sq ft
100–120 days
Strawberry
Jan 1 – Dec 31
4 per sq ft
60–90 days
Brussels Sprouts
May 17 – Dec 31
1 per sq ft
80–110 days
Parsley
Jul 1 – Dec 31
4 per sq ft
70–90 days
Kale
Jul 24 – Sep 15
1 per sq ft
50–65 days
Broccoli
Aug 1 – Dec 31
1 per sq ft
60–100 days
Cabbage
Aug 1 – Dec 31
1 per sq ft
70–100 days
Cauliflower
Aug 1 – Dec 31
1 per sq ft
55–100 days
Swiss Chard
Aug 9 – Dec 31
4 per sq ft
50–60 days
Transplant 7
Move these seedlings from indoors to your garden beds.
Chives
Jan 1 – Dec 31
9 per sq ft
60–90 days
Mint
Jan 1 – Dec 31
4 per sq ft
60–90 days
Leek
Jan 1 – Dec 31
4 per sq ft
90–150 days
Onion
Jan 1 – Dec 31
9 per sq ft
100–120 days
Strawberry
Jan 1 – Dec 31
4 per sq ft
60–90 days
Artichoke
Jan 24 – Aug 16
1 per sq ft
85–100 days
Basil
May 9 – Aug 31
4 per sq ft
25–35 days
Direct Sow 1
Plant these seeds directly into the soil outdoors.
Garlic
Jan 1 – Oct 8
9 per sq ft
180–240 days
August Gardening Tips
- Start Broccoli, Cabbage, Kale indoors now to give them a head start before transplanting outside.
- Strawberry, Chives, Mint can be transplanted outside this month. Harden off seedlings over 5–7 days before planting out.
- Direct sow Garlic straight into the garden — no transplanting needed.
- Count backwards from your first frost date to determine the last safe date for starting fall crops.
Nearby Cities
Ready to plan your garden?
Add these crops to your garden plan and get personalized planting reminders for Zone 9a.
Start Planning Free