What to Plant in August
USDA Zone 10b
Last frost: Jan 15 – Feb 1
Frost-free days: 300–365
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
Rosemary
Thyme
Oregano
Mint
Lemongrass
Broccoli
Cauliflower
Cabbage
Tropical Crops
Start Indoors 3
Start these seeds indoors under grow lights or on a sunny windowsill.
Broccoli
Aug 15 – Sep 15
1 per sq ft
60–100 days
Cauliflower
Aug 15 – Sep 15
1 per sq ft
55–100 days
Cabbage
Aug 15 – Sep 15
1 per sq ft
70–100 days
Transplant 7
Move these seedlings from indoors to your garden beds.
Basil
Jan 1 – Dec 31
4 per sq ft
25–35 days
Rosemary
Jan 1 – Dec 31
1 per sq ft
80–120 days
Thyme
Jan 1 – Dec 31
4 per sq ft
70–90 days
Oregano
Jan 1 – Dec 31
1 per sq ft
60–90 days
Mint
Jan 1 – Dec 31
4 per sq ft
60–90 days
Lemongrass
Jan 1 – Dec 31
Tropical Crops
Jan 1 – Dec 31
Direct Sow 3
Plant these seeds directly into the soil outdoors.
Basil
Jan 1 – Dec 31
4 per sq ft
25–35 days
Mint
Jan 1 – Dec 31
4 per sq ft
60–90 days
Tropical Crops
Jan 1 – Dec 31
August Gardening Tips
- Start Broccoli, Cabbage, Cauliflower indoors now to give them a head start before transplanting outside.
- Basil, Rosemary, Thyme can be transplanted outside this month. Harden off seedlings over 5–7 days before planting out.
- Direct sow Basil, Mint, Tropical Crops straight into the garden — no transplanting needed.
- Count backwards from your first frost date to determine the last safe date for starting fall crops.
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