What to Plant in August
Kansas City, MO · Zone 6a
Last frost: Apr 10
Frost-free days: 193
Fall planting season is starting. Direct sow radishes, lettuce, spinach, and other fast cool-season crops for autumn harvest. Start brassica transplants indoors.
August at a Glance
Indoor
Transplant
Direct Sow
1
5
10
15
20
25
Dill
Parsley
Beet
Carrot
Garlic
Kale
Swiss Chard
Turnip
Start Indoors 1
Start these seeds indoors under grow lights or on a sunny windowsill.
Swiss Chard
Feb 1 – Aug 16
4 per sq ft
50–60 days
Transplant 3
Move these seedlings from indoors to your garden beds.
Parsley
Mar 1 – Aug 16
4 per sq ft
70–90 days
Kale
Mar 1 – Sep 8
1 per sq ft
50–65 days
Swiss Chard
Mar 1 – Sep 15
4 per sq ft
50–60 days
Direct Sow 5
Plant these seeds directly into the soil outdoors.
Garlic
Jan 1 – Aug 16
9 per sq ft
180–240 days
Beet
Feb 22 – Sep 23
9 per sq ft
50–70 days
Turnip
Feb 22 – Oct 8
9 per sq ft
30–60 days
Carrot
Mar 1 – Aug 16
16 per sq ft
70–80 days
Dill
Apr 24 – Aug 8
4 per sq ft
40–60 days
August Gardening Tips
- Start Swiss Chard indoors now to give them a head start before transplanting outside.
- Kale, Parsley, Swiss Chard can be transplanted outside this month. Harden off seedlings over 5–7 days before planting out.
- Direct sow Carrot, Garlic, Beet 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 6a.
Start Planning Free