What to Plant in August
Omaha, NE · Zone 5b
Last frost: Apr 20
Frost-free days: 173
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
Kale
Swiss Chard
Turnip
Start Indoors 1
Start these seeds indoors under grow lights or on a sunny windowsill.
Swiss Chard
Feb 15 – Aug 8
4 per sq ft
50–60 days
Transplant 3
Move these seedlings from indoors to your garden beds.
Parsley
Mar 17 – Aug 8
4 per sq ft
70–90 days
Kale
Mar 17 – Aug 31
1 per sq ft
50–65 days
Swiss Chard
Mar 17 – Sep 8
4 per sq ft
50–60 days
Direct Sow 4
Plant these seeds directly into the soil outdoors.
Beet
Mar 9 – Sep 8
9 per sq ft
50–70 days
Turnip
Mar 9 – Sep 30
9 per sq ft
30–60 days
Carrot
Mar 17 – Aug 8
16 per sq ft
70–80 days
Dill
May 1 – 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, 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.
Nearby Cities
Ready to plan your garden?
Add these crops to your garden plan and get personalized planting reminders for Zone 5b.
Start Planning Free