What should I plant in August in Tucson, AZ?

In August in Tucson, AZ (zone 9a), you can plant Basil, Chives, Mint, Parsley, Artichoke, and more. These dates are based on local climate data for your area.

When do I plant Basil in Tucson, AZ?

In Tucson, AZ (zone 9a), Basil: start seeds indoors Mar 1 – Jul 31, transplant outdoors Apr 16 – Sep 15.

When do I plant Chives in Tucson, AZ?

In Tucson, AZ (zone 9a), Chives: start seeds indoors Jan 1 – Dec 31, transplant outdoors Jan 1 – Dec 31.

When do I plant Mint in Tucson, AZ?

In Tucson, AZ (zone 9a), Mint: start seeds indoors Jan 1 – Dec 31, transplant outdoors Jan 1 – Dec 31.

What to Plant in August

Tucson, AZ · Zone 9a

Last frost: Feb 15 Frost-free days: 289

Full year calendar for Tucson

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

Squash

Strawberry

Swiss Chard

Zucchini

Start Indoors 12

Start these seeds indoors under grow lights or on a sunny windowsill.

Plant now

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

Jun 1 – Aug 23

1 per sq ft 80–110 days

Parsley

Jul 9 – Dec 31

4 per sq ft 70–90 days

Kale

Aug 1 – Dec 31

1 per sq ft 50–65 days

Later this month

Broccoli

Aug 17 – Dec 31

1 per sq ft 60–100 days

Cabbage

Aug 17 – Dec 31

1 per sq ft 70–100 days

Cauliflower

Aug 17 – Dec 31

1 per sq ft 55–100 days

Swiss Chard

Aug 17 – Dec 31

4 per sq ft 50–60 days

Transplant 9

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

Artichoke

Jan 1 – Aug 31

1 per sq ft 85–100 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

Squash

Mar 17 – Aug 8

1 per sq ft 45–65 days

Zucchini

Mar 17 – Aug 8

1 per sq ft 45–60 days

Basil

Apr 16 – Sep 15

4 per sq ft 25–35 days

Direct Sow 1

Plant these seeds directly into the soil outdoors.

Garlic

Jan 1 – Nov 30

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.
Squash, Zucchini, Strawberry 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.