What to Plant in August: Fall Crops You Can Still Sow IN Zone 5
- Le Luong
- Aug 1
- 7 min read
Updated: Aug 11
As summer winds down, many gardeners assume the growing season is coming to an end. But for those in Zone 5, August is the perfect time to extend your harvest into the fall. By sowing crops that thrive in cool temperatures and mature quickly, you can make the most of your garden space, reduce food waste, and even save on groceries. With another 60 to 75 frost-free days ahead, there’s still plenty of time to get a final round of planting in before fall fully sets in.
Why keep going? Because there's something incredibly satisfying about harvesting your fresh greens or crunchy radishes when most people think the season is over. August gives you a second chance, a way to stretch your harvest, try new things, cut down on grocery bills, and keep your soil working a little longer. And let’s be honest: there’s a kind of peace that comes with gardening this time of year. The rush of spring is behind you, and the garden feels quieter, more intentional. Whether you’re sowing lettuce, prepping garlic beds, or simply soaking in the late-season sun, August gardening offers one last, meaningful round of growth before winter arrives.
What to Plant?
To make the most of this window, choose crops with short days-to-maturity (30–75 days) or ones that tolerate light frost. And don’t forget: row covers, cold frames, or mini hoop houses can stretch your season even further. Here’s everything you need to know about planting in August, along with a list of crops that will give you a satisfying fall harvest.
1. Arugula
Arugula grows fast and adds a peppery punch to fall salads. It prefers cooler temperatures and does well with successive plantings through August. Directly sow into moist soil and harvest leaves while young for the best flavour.
Soil Temperature: 45–65°F (7–18°C)
Planting Depth: ¼ inch
Spacing: 4–6 inches apart
Days to Harvest: 30–40 days
Health Benefits: High in vitamin K and calcium, arugula supports bone health and provides anti-inflammatory benefits.
2. Beets
Beets can be left in the ground until just before the soil freezes, allowing their natural sugars to concentrate in the cooler temperatures. They are versatile and cool-tolerant, making them a reliable crop for late-season planting. Sow directly into loosened soil and thin seedlings for proper root development. Both the roots and greens are edible and nutritious. Beets can be left in the ground until just before the soil freezes, allowing their natural sugars to concentrate in the cooler temperatures.
Soil Temperature: 50–85°F (10–29°C)
Planting Depth: ½ inch
Spacing: 3–4 inches apart
Days to Harvest: 50–60 days
Health Benefits: Beets are high in folate, iron, and antioxidants. They support heart health, reduce inflammation, and help improve endurance.
3. Broccoli Rabe (Rapini)
Broccoli Rabe grows quickly and is excellent for fall planting. It thrives in cool weather and can handle a light frost, which often mellows its slightly bitter, nutty flavour. Sow directly in fertile, moist soil and harvest young leaves and buds before a deep freeze.
Soil Temperature: 50–75°F (10–24°C)
Planting Depth: ½ inch
Spacing: 4–6 inches apart
Days to Harvest: 40–60 days
Health Benefits: High in fibre, calcium, and vitamins A and C, it supports bone, digestive, and immune health.
4. Carrots
Carrots grow best in loose, well-drained soil, and cool temperatures enhance their natural sweetness. For August planting, choose short or fast-maturing varieties like 'Parisian' or 'Nantes'. Carrots can tolerate light frost, and many gardeners leave them in the ground as long as possible—right up to the first hard freeze—for the best flavour. Keep the soil evenly moist to ensure good germination.
Soil Temperature: 55–75°F (13–24°C)
Planting Depth: ¼ inch
Spacing: 1–2 inches apart
Days to Harvest: 60–75 days
Health Benefits: Rich in beta-carotene, carrots support vision, immune health, and skin repair.
5. Green Onions
Green onions are easy to grow and perfect for fall harvests. They grow quickly from seed and can tolerate light frosts, making them a reliable option for late-season planting. Sow directly and harvest young for a mild, crisp flavour that's great in everything from soups to salads.
Soil Temperature: 50–85°F (10–29°C)
Planting Depth: ¼ inch
Spacing: 1 inch apart
Days to Harvest: 60–70 days
Health Benefits: A good source of vitamin C, folate, and antioxidants that support immunity and heart health.
6. Kale
Kale thrives in cold weather and can be pushed to the edge of frost, and its flavour improves with each chilly night. It thrives in cooler weather and becomes sweeter after a light frost. Sow seeds directly in the garden in early August for mature leaves or later in the month for baby kale. It's low-maintenance and resilient against cold snaps.
Soil Temperature: 45–85°F (7–29°C)
Planting Depth: ½ inch
Spacing: 12–18 inches apart
Days to Harvest: 50–65 days
Health Benefits: Loaded with vitamins A, C, and K, kale boosts immune health, supports vision, and has anti-inflammatory properties.
7. Lettuce
Lettuce is one of the easiest and fastest-growing crops for late summer and early fall. Try different varieties like romaine, butterhead, and leaf lettuce for a continuous harvest. For best results, sow seeds directly in the garden and keep the soil moist. Seeds can also be started indoors and transplanted at the four-leaf stage.
Soil Temperature: 40°F (4°C)
Planting Depth: ¼ inch
Spacing: 6–12 inches apart
Days to Harvest: 30–60 days
Health Benefits: High in vitamins A and K, lettuce supports eye health and bone strength while being low in calories.
8. Mustard Greens
Mustard greens grow quickly and love cooler temperatures, making them an ideal leafy green for August sowing. Direct seed into moist, fertile soil and harvest young for a tender, mildly spicy flavour.
Soil Temperature: 50–75°F (10–24°C)
Planting Depth: ¼ inch
Spacing: 6 inches apart
Days to Harvest: 30–45 days
Health Benefits: Rich in vitamins A, C, and K, mustard greens have powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that support overall health.
9. Pak Choi (Bok Choy)
Pak Choi is a fast-growing leafy green that thrives in cooler temperatures. It’s ideal for stir-fries and adds a crisp, refreshing bite to any dish. It holds up well in light frost, especially when harvested at a young stage. Sow directly in moist soil and protect with row covers if early frost is expected.
Soil Temperature: 50–75°F (10–24°C)
Planting Depth: ¼ inch
Spacing: 6–12 inches apart
Days to Harvest: 30–50 days
Health Benefits: High in vitamin C, calcium, and folate, it supports immune health and bone strength.
10. Radish
Radishes are one of the quickest vegetables to mature, making them perfect for August planting. They thrive in cooler temperatures and can be sown directly into the garden. Plant every 7–10 days for a steady supply through the fall.
Soil Temperature: 45–85°F (7–29°C)
Planting Depth: ½ inch
Spacing: 1–2 inches apart
Days to Harvest: 18–30 days
Health Benefits: Radishes are a good source of vitamin C and support digestion while being low in calories and high in fibre. Click here to learn about our in-house research conducted on radishes.
11. Spinach
Spinach becomes even sweeter when exposed to light frost, and it can often be harvested well into late fall if protected. This leafy green is a nutrient-dense green that thrives in cool weather and can tolerate light frosts. When sown in August, it grows quickly and becomes sweeter as temperatures drop. Sow seeds directly into well-drained soil and keep them moist for optimal germination. Spinach becomes even sweeter when exposed to light frost, and it can often be harvested well into late fall if protected.
Soil Temperature: 45–75°F (7–24°C)
Planting Depth: ½ inch
Spacing: 3–5 inches apart
Days to Harvest: 35–45 days
Health Benefits: Rich in iron, vitamin C, and antioxidants, spinach supports immune function and heart health.
12. Swiss Chard
Swiss chard grows well in the late summer heat and continues to thrive into the fall. It tolerates light frost and can often survive until the first hard freeze, especially with a bit of protection. Its colourful stems and leafy greens regrow after cutting, making it a long-lasting addition to your fall garden.
Soil Temperature: 50–85°F (10–29°C)
Planting Depth: ½ inch
Spacing: 6–12 inches apart
Days to Harvest: 50–60 days
Health Benefits: Packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as antioxidants and fiber, Swiss chard supports bone health, reduces inflammation, and helps regulate blood sugar.
13. Turnip
Turnips become sweeter when harvested after a light frost and can stay in the ground longer than many other root crops. It grows well in cool soil and offers two harvests in one, tender greens and flavorful roots. Direct sow seeds in August for fall harvests. They tolerate light frosts and become sweeter in cooler temperatures. Turnips become sweeter when harvested after a light frost and can stay in the ground longer than many other root crops.
Soil Temperature: 50–85°F (10–29°C)
Planting Depth: ½ inch
Spacing: 2–4 inches apart
Days to Harvest: 40–60 days
Health Benefits: Turnips are rich in vitamin C and fibre, and their greens are packed with calcium and vitamin K, supporting bone and immune health.
Final Tips for Successful August Planting
Gardening in August is all about timing and care. To get the most from your late-season crops, start by choosing fast-growing and cold-tolerant varieties. Prepare your soil by adding compost to replenish nutrients used during the summer, and water consistently to support germination and healthy root development. Consider using row covers or cold frames to protect tender seedlings from early frosts and extend your harvest into late fall. Most importantly, keep harvesting regularly to encourage continued growth. With a bit of planning and attention, your garden can keep producing well into the cooler months.
To give your plants an extra boost, consider applying Nurture Growth biofertilizer. It adds beneficial microbes to the soil, helping improve nutrient uptake, stimulate root development, and build more vigorous, more resilient plants. These microbes support a balanced soil ecosystem, especially important as seasons change.
Ready to continue growing into the fall?
Check out our biofertilizer developed to give your plants the best start and build resiliency as the temperature drops at night.
About the Blogger:
Le is the CEO and Co-founder of Nurture Growth Bio Fertilizer. She is passionate about sustainable agriculture and has an extensive orchid and rare plant collection.
To learn more about Le, visit her LinkedIn Page.
References:
Prepping Pro. 12 Quick-Growing Vegetables for Your Survival Garden. https://prepping.pro/survival-garden/quick-growing-vegetables/
HOMYSTYLE. (2023). When Is It Too Late To Plant A Garden? https://homystyle.com/2023/05/01/when-is-it-too-late-to-plant-a-garden/
Homestead Gardener. 19 Vegetables to Plant in August for Fall Harvest. https://homesteadgardener.com/vegetables-to-plant-in-august/
Evergreen Seeds. What to Plant in August Zone 5: Optimal Choices for Late Summer Gardening. https://www.evergreenseeds.com/what-to-plant-in-august-zone-5/
