What should I plant in August in Madison, WI?

In August in Madison, WI (zone 5a), you can plant Beet, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Kale, Peas, and more. These dates are based on local climate data for your area.

When do I plant Beet in Madison, WI?

In Madison, WI (zone 5a), Beet: direct sow Mar 24 – Aug 31.

When do I plant Broccoli in Madison, WI?

In Madison, WI (zone 5a), Broccoli: start seeds indoors Feb 8 – Jun 15, transplant outdoors Apr 1 – Aug 8.

When do I plant Cauliflower in Madison, WI?

In Madison, WI (zone 5a), Cauliflower: start seeds indoors Feb 8 – Jun 15, transplant outdoors Apr 1 – Aug 8.

What to Plant in August

Madison, WI · Zone 5a

Last frost: May 5 Frost-free days: 153

Full year calendar for Madison

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

Beet

Broccoli

Cauliflower

Kale

Peas

Swiss Chard

Turnip

Transplant 4

Move these seedlings from indoors to your garden beds.

Broccoli

Apr 1 – Aug 8

1 per sq ft 60–100 days

Cauliflower

Apr 1 – Aug 8

1 per sq ft 55–100 days

Kale

Apr 1 – Aug 23

1 per sq ft 50–65 days

Swiss Chard

Apr 1 – Aug 31

4 per sq ft 50–60 days

Direct Sow 3

Plant these seeds directly into the soil outdoors.

Beet

Mar 24 – Aug 31

9 per sq ft 50–70 days

Peas

Mar 24 – Aug 31

8 per sq ft 55–70 days

Turnip

Mar 24 – Sep 23

9 per sq ft 30–60 days

August Gardening Tips

Broccoli, Kale, Cauliflower can be transplanted outside this month. Harden off seedlings over 5–7 days before planting out.
Direct sow Peas, Beet, Turnip straight into the garden — no transplanting needed.
Count backwards from your first frost date to determine the last safe date for starting fall crops.