What to plant in August — zone 4a
Zone 4a averages its last spring frost around May 20 and its first fall frost around September 20. Everything below is timed from those two dates, so it stays useful whether you're planting for summer or for a fall harvest.
Direct sow for fall
- Spinacharound Aug 1
Succession sowing 2 of 3 — sow every 21 days for a steady cut.
- Lettucearound Aug 1
Counts back 50 days from your first frost. Takes a light frost with cover.
- Radisharound Aug 4
Succession sowing 3 of 3 — sow every 14 days for a steady cut.
- Cilantroaround Aug 6
Counts back 45 days from your first frost. Takes a light frost with cover.
- Radisharound Aug 18
Succession sowing 2 of 3 — sow every 14 days for a steady cut.
- Spinacharound Aug 22
Counts back 40 days from your first frost. Frost-hardy — light freezes sweeten it.
Transplant for fall
- Kalearound Aug 7
Last safe transplant date to mature (55 days) before frost on 09-20.
Sow cover crop
- Cover crop (cereal rye + crimson clover)around Aug 21
Sown a month before frost it germinates, holds your soil all winter, and feeds it in spring.
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