What to plant in August — zone 4b
Zone 4b averages its last spring frost around May 15 and its first fall frost around September 25. 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
- Beetaround Aug 1
Counts back 55 days from your first frost. Takes a light frost with cover.
- Dillaround Aug 1
Counts back 45 days from your first frost. Frost-tender — must finish before frost.
- Spinacharound Aug 6
Succession sowing 2 of 3 — sow every 21 days for a steady cut.
- Lettucearound Aug 6
Counts back 50 days from your first frost. Takes a light frost with cover.
- Radisharound Aug 9
Succession sowing 3 of 3 — sow every 14 days for a steady cut.
- Cilantroaround Aug 11
Counts back 45 days from your first frost. Takes a light frost with cover.
- Radisharound Aug 23
Succession sowing 2 of 3 — sow every 14 days for a steady cut.
- Spinacharound Aug 27
Counts back 40 days from your first frost. Frost-hardy — light freezes sweeten it.
Transplant for fall
Sow cover crop
- Cover crop (cereal rye + crimson clover)around Aug 26
Sown a month before frost it germinates, holds your soil all winter, and feeds it in spring.
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