Tennessee gardeners find August a prime time to sow crops that mature quickly before the first frost arrives. Knowing the Best Vegetables To Plant In August In Tennessee can turn a late-summer garden into a productive fall harvest. This guide covers quick-growing greens, root veggies, and legumes that thrive in Tennessee’s warm soil and cooling nights.
August planting requires careful timing. Your goal is to get seeds in the ground early enough for them to mature before the first frost, which typically hits Tennessee between mid-October and early November, depending on your region. East Tennessee sees frost sooner than the western part of the state. Check your local frost date and count backward from there using the “days to maturity” listed on seed packets. Add a week or two for slower growth in cooler fall weather.
Best Vegetables To Plant In August In Tennessee
These vegetables are proven winners for August sowing across the Volunteer State. They tolerate heat, germinate quickly, and produce before winter sets in.
Leafy Greens For Quick Harvests
Leafy greens are your best bet for August planting. They grow fast and can handle light frosts, which actually sweetens their flavor.
- Lettuce – Choose loose-leaf or romaine types. They mature in 45-55 days. Sow seeds directly in soil, keep them moist, and thin seedlings to 6 inches apart. Varieties like ‘Black Seeded Simpson’ and ‘Red Sails’ work well.
- Spinach – Spinach loves cool weather but germinates poorly in hot soil. Soak seeds in water for 24 hours before planting, then refrigerate them for a week. Sow 1/2 inch deep, 2 inches apart. ‘Bloomsdale’ and ‘Space’ are reliable.
- Kale – This superfood thrives in fall. Direct sow seeds 1/2 inch deep, 12 inches apart. Harvest outer leaves once plants reach 8 inches tall. ‘Lacinato’ and ‘Red Russian’ handle Tennessee heat well.
- Swiss Chard – Similar to kale but more heat-tolerant. Plant seeds 1 inch deep, 6 inches apart. You can harvest leaves continuously. ‘Bright Lights’ adds color to your garden.
- Collard Greens – A Southern staple. Sow seeds 1/2 inch deep, 18 inches apart. They need 60-80 days to mature but tolerate frost beautifully. ‘Georgia Southern’ is a classic choice.
Root Vegetables For Fall Storage
Root crops planted in August develop slowly in cooler soil, resulting in sweeter, crisper produce. They store well into winter.
- Carrots – Direct sow seeds 1/4 inch deep, 2 inches apart. Keep soil consistently moist until germination, which can take 14-21 days. ‘Danvers’ and ‘Nantes’ varieties mature in 65-75 days.
- Beets – Soak seeds overnight to speed germination. Plant 1/2 inch deep, 3 inches apart. Both roots and greens are edible. ‘Detroit Dark Red’ and ‘Golden’ beets are excellent.
- Radishes – The fastest crop. Some varieties mature in just 25-30 days. Sow seeds 1/2 inch deep, 1 inch apart. ‘Cherry Belle’ and ‘French Breakfast’ are perfect for August.
- Turnips – Grow for both roots and greens. Plant seeds 1/2 inch deep, 4 inches apart. ‘Purple Top White Globe’ is a reliable Tennessee favorite.
- Parsnips – They need a long season (100-120 days) but taste sweeter after frost. Sow seeds 1/2 inch deep, 3 inches apart. ‘Hollow Crown’ is a good choice.
Brassicas For Cool Weather
Broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower are best started indoors in late July and transplanted in August. But you can still direct sow some varieties.
- Broccoli – Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your first frost date. Transplant seedlings 18 inches apart. ‘Green Goliath’ and ‘Waltham 29’ are heat-tolerant.
- Cabbage – Similar to broccoli. Start indoors or buy transplants. Space plants 12-18 inches apart. ‘Early Jersey Wakefield’ matures in 60-70 days.
- Cauliflower – More finicky than broccoli. Start indoors and transplant carefully. ‘Snow Crown’ and ‘Amazing’ are good for fall.
- Brussels Sprouts – These need a long season (90-100 days) but improve with frost. Start indoors in July. ‘Long Island Improved’ is a standard variety.
Legumes For Soil Health
Beans and peas fix nitrogen in the soil, benefiting your garden for next spring. They grow quickly in August warmth.
- Bush Beans – Direct sow seeds 1 inch deep, 3 inches apart. They mature in 50-60 days. ‘Provider’ and ‘Contender’ are heat-tolerant. Avoid pole beans; they take too long.
- Snow Peas – Also called sugar peas. Plant seeds 1 inch deep, 2 inches apart. They need trellising but mature in 60-70 days. ‘Oregon Sugar Pod II’ works well.
- Snap Peas – Similar to snow peas but with thicker pods. ‘Sugar Ann’ is a dwarf variety that doesn’t need staking.
Other August-Friendly Crops
These vegetables also perform well when planted in August across Tennessee.
- Green Onions – Also called scallions. Plant sets or seeds 1/2 inch deep, 2 inches apart. Harvest when tops are 6-8 inches tall.
- Garlic – Plant cloves in late August for harvest next summer. Separate cloves and plant 2 inches deep, 6 inches apart. ‘German Extra Hardy’ is a good choice.
- Potatoes – Plant seed potatoes 4 inches deep, 12 inches apart. They need 90-120 days. ‘Yukon Gold’ and ‘Red Pontiac’ work for fall.
- Kohlrabi – A fast-growing brassica. Sow seeds 1/2 inch deep, 4 inches apart. Harvest when bulbs are 2-3 inches wide. ‘Early White Vienna’ matures in 50-60 days.
Soil Preparation For August Planting
Tennessee soil varies from clay in the west to loam in the east. August heat can dry out soil quickly, so preparation matters.
Test And Amend Your Soil
Before planting, test your soil pH. Most vegetables prefer a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Add lime to raise pH or sulfur to lower it. Work in 2-3 inches of compost to improve drainage and fertility. For clay soil, add coarse sand or perlite to loosen it.
Moisture Management
August is hot and often dry in Tennessee. Water deeply once or twice a week, aiming for 1 inch of water per week. Use drip irrigation or soaker hoses to keep foliage dry and prevent disease. Mulch with straw or shredded leaves to retain moisture and cool the soil.
Succession Planting
Plant small batches every 2-3 weeks to extend your harvest. For example, sow a row of radishes now, then another row in two weeks. This gives you a steady supply instead of a glut.
Pest And Disease Management
August pests can be aggressive. Watch for these common issues in Tennessee gardens.
Common Pests
- Aphids – Spray with a strong stream of water or use insecticidal soap.
- Cabbage Worms – Cover brassicas with row covers. Handpick caterpillars.
- Flea Beetles – Use diatomaceous earth around plants. They love hot, dry conditions.
- Slugs and Snails – Set out beer traps or use iron phosphate bait.
Disease Prevention
Fungal diseases like powdery mildew thrive in humid Tennessee summers. Space plants for good air circulation. Water at soil level, not overhead. Remove infected leaves immediately. Rotate crops yearly to prevent soil-borne diseases.
Harvesting And Storage Tips
Knowing when to harvest is key. Most leafy greens are ready when leaves are large enough to eat. Pick outer leaves first to encourage more growth. Root vegetables should be harvested when they reach mature size but before they become woody. Carrots and beets can stay in the ground through light frosts if mulched heavily.
Store root crops in a cool, dark place. Remove tops before storing. Greens keep best in the refrigerator in a plastic bag with a damp paper towel. Beans and peas should be picked regularly to encourage more production.
Frequently Asked Questions
What vegetables can I plant in August in Tennessee for a fall harvest?
You can plant leafy greens like lettuce, spinach, and kale, root crops such as carrots, beets, and radishes, and legumes like bush beans and snow peas. Brassicas like broccoli and cabbage can be started indoors and transplanted later.
Is it too late to plant tomatoes in August in Tennessee?
Yes, it is generally too late for tomatoes. They need 70-90 days to mature and require warm nights. Focus on quick-growing crops instead.
How do I protect August-planted vegetables from heat?
Use shade cloth during the hottest part of the day, water deeply in the morning, and mulch heavily. Some crops like lettuce benefit from being planted in partial shade.
Can I plant potatoes in August in Tennessee?
Yes, you can plant potatoes in late August for a fall harvest. Use seed potatoes and plant them 4 inches deep. They need 90-120 days, so choose early varieties.
What are the best fast-growing vegetables for August in Tennessee?
Radishes (25-30 days), lettuce (45-55 days), and bush beans (50-60 days) are the fastest. Spinach and kale also grow quickly if kept moist.
Regional Considerations For Tennessee
Tennessee spans three USDA hardiness zones: 6b in the east, 7a in the middle, and 7b in the west. This affects your planting dates and variety choices.
East Tennessee (Zone 6B)
First frost typically arrives in mid-October. You have about 60-70 days from August 1st. Focus on fast-maturing crops like radishes, lettuce, and bush beans. Start brassicas indoors in late July.
Middle Tennessee (Zone 7A)
First frost comes in late October. You have 80-90 days. Plant a wider range, including carrots, beets, and kale. You can also try snow peas and kohlrabi.
West Tennessee (Zone 7B)
First frost arrives in early November. You have 90-100 days. This region can plant longer-season crops like parsnips and Brussels sprouts, as well as garlic and potatoes.
Step-By-Step August Planting Guide
- Check your local frost date. Write it down.
- Count backward using days to maturity for each crop. Add 14 days for fall slowdown.
- Prepare your soil by testing pH and adding compost.
- Choose varieties suited to Tennessee’s climate. Look for heat-tolerant and disease-resistant labels.
- Sow seeds at the correct depth. August soil is warm, so germination is faster.
- Water immediately after planting. Keep soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Thin seedlings to proper spacing once they have two true leaves.
- Mulch around plants to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
- Monitor for pests weekly. Act quickly if you see damage.
- Harvest regularly to encourage continued production.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Planting too late. Always count backward from your frost date.
- Overwatering. August heat can cause fungal issues if soil stays wet.
- Ignoring soil temperature. Some seeds like spinach need cooler soil to germinate.
- Not thinning seedlings. Crowded plants produce smaller harvests.
- Forgetting to mulch. Bare soil dries out fast in August sun.
Conclusion
August is a productive month for Tennessee gardeners. By choosing the right vegetables and following proper planting techniques, you can enjoy fresh produce well into fall. Focus on quick-growing greens, root crops, and legumes. Prepare your soil, manage moisture, and watch for pests. With a little planning, your August garden will reward you with a bountiful harvest before winter arrives.
Remember to check your specific zone and adjust planting dates accordingly. Happy gardening in the Volunteer State!