Why Late Summer Planting is Rewarding
Gardening enthusiast Gary Pilarchik fervently advocates for sowing seeds in late summer.
This period offers an ideal environment for planting, as the warm soil, combined with the lingering heat, promotes rapid germination and growth.
He suggests that many vegetables thrive when seeded directly into the rich earth during this season, making it an affordable and efficient approach.
Best Vegetables to Plant in August
- Zucchini: Preferring sunny spots and nutrient-rich, well-drained soil, zucchini can be sown at a depth of 4-5 inches, with spacing of 20-24 inches between seeds.
Keep the soil consistently moist.
– Growing Zones: 3-11 - Cucumber: These plants love full sun and good drainage.
Plant seeds about 2-3 inches deep, spacing them 16-24 inches apart.
Expect germination in 4-10 days.
– Growing Zones: 4-11 - Carrots: Carrots thrive in sandy, well-drained soil.
Ensure the soil remains moist, but be careful not to overwater.
Thin seedlings to allow for healthy growth.
– Growing Zones: 4-8 - Beets: Quick to mature, beets are excellent for fall harvests.
Sow seeds about 1 inch deep, spaced 6 inches apart.
– Growing Zones: 2-10 - Lettuce: Fast-growing and great for staggered sowing, lettuce can be seeded ¼ inch deep with 8-12 inches between seeds.
– Growing Zones: 4-9 - Kale: This hardy green does well in well-drained soil and direct sunlight.
Seeds should be planted ½ inch deep, with spacing of 16-24 inches.
– Growing Zones: 7-9 - Peas: Best planted 70-90 days before the expected frost, peas thrive in cooler temperatures.
If heat is a concern, using shade cloth can protect young plants from extreme sun.
– Growing Zones: 3-11
The Joy of Continued Gardening
With these expert recommendations and a selection of vegetables to grow, August can be an incredibly productive month for gardeners.
Pilarchik captures the spirit of this time by describing it as the kickoff for both a summer and fall garden in tandem.
So gather your tools, embrace the excitement of planting, and enjoy the satisfaction of tending to your own homegrown produce as the cooler months approach!
Source: Optimistdaily