Pennsylvania’s late-summer window allows for planting cold-hardy greens and root vegetables that grow well in cooling temperatures. Finding the best vegetables to plant in august in pennsylvania means focusing on crops that mature quickly or can handle a light frost. August is not too late to start a fall garden, and with the right choices, you can harvest fresh produce well into November.
This guide covers exactly what to plant, when to plant it, and how to care for your late-season garden. You’ll get a clear plan for success, even if you’re new to gardening in the Keystone State.
Best Vegetables To Plant In August In Pennsylvania
August in Pennsylvania brings warm days but cooler nights, especially in the northern and central regions. The key is to choose vegetables that thrive in shorter daylight hours and dropping temperatures. Here are the top picks for a productive fall garden.
Leafy Greens For Quick Harvests
Leafy greens are the easiest and fastest crops to plant in August. They germinate quickly and tolerate light frosts, which makes them perfect for Pennsylvania’s unpredictable autumn weather.
- Lettuce – Choose loose-leaf varieties like Black Seeded Simpson or Red Romaine. They mature in 40–50 days. Sow seeds directly in the ground, about 1/4 inch deep. Keep soil moist for even germination.
- Spinach – Spinach actually prefers cooler soil. Plant seeds 1/2 inch deep, 2 inches apart. It grows best when temperatures stay below 75°F. Harvest outer leaves first for continuous growth.
- Kale – This is a superstar for fall gardens. Kale gets sweeter after a frost. Sow seeds 1/2 inch deep, 12 inches apart. Varieties like Lacinato and Red Russian do well in Pennsylvania.
- Arugula – Spicy and fast-growing, arugula is ready in 30–40 days. Scatter seeds on the soil surface and cover lightly. It self-sows easily if you let a few plants go to seed.
- Swiss Chard – Colorful and productive, Swiss chard handles both heat and cold. Plant seeds 1 inch deep, 6 inches apart. Harvest outer leaves when they reach 6–8 inches tall.
Root Vegetables For Storage
Root vegetables are ideal for August planting because they store well and can be left in the ground until you need them. They develop best in the cool, moist soil of early autumn.
- Carrots – Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep, 2 inches apart. Thin seedlings to 2–3 inches apart. Varieties like Nantes or Danvers mature in 60–70 days. Cover with row fabric to keep soil moist.
- Beets – Plant seeds 1 inch deep, 3 inches apart. Beets are actually clusters of seeds, so thin to one plant per spot. They grow well in Pennsylvania’s clay soils if you add compost.
- Radishes – These are the fastest root crop. Plant seeds 1/2 inch deep, 1 inch apart. They’re ready in 25–30 days. Succession plant every two weeks for continuous harvest.
- Turnips – Both the root and greens are edible. Plant seeds 1/2 inch deep, 4 inches apart. Varieties like Purple Top White Globe mature in 50–60 days. Harvest when roots are 2–3 inches wide.
- Parsnips – These need a long season but are worth it. Plant seeds 1/2 inch deep, 3 inches apart. They taste best after a frost. Harvest in late October or November.
Brassicas For Cold Tolerance
Brassicas, or cole crops, are naturally cold-hardy and thrive in Pennsylvania’s fall weather. They can handle light freezes and even improve in flavor after frost.
- Broccoli – Start seeds indoors in July or buy transplants in August. Space plants 18 inches apart. Side-dress with nitrogen fertilizer when heads begin to form. Harvest before flowers open.
- Cauliflower – Similar to broccoli but more sensitive. Space plants 24 inches apart. Blanch heads by tying outer leaves over them when they reach 2 inches across. Harvest when heads are tight.
- Cabbage – Plant transplants 12–18 inches apart. Varieties like Early Jersey Wakefield mature in 60–70 days. Cabbage stores well in a cool root cellar.
- Brussels Sprouts – These need a long growing season but are very cold-tolerant. Plant transplants 24 inches apart. Harvest sprouts from the bottom up after a frost.
Legumes For Soil Health
Beans and peas are not just for spring. Some varieties work well for August planting in Pennsylvania, especially if you choose quick-maturing types.
- Bush Beans – Plant seeds 1 inch deep, 2 inches apart. Varieties like Provider or Contender mature in 50–55 days. They don’t need staking. Harvest every few days for continuous production.
- Snow Peas – These tolerate cool weather. Plant seeds 1 inch deep, 2 inches apart. Provide a trellis or netting. Harvest when pods are flat and before seeds swell.
- Snap Peas – Similar to snow peas but with thicker pods. Plant in early August for a late September harvest. They need consistent moisture to develop well.
Herbs And Alliums
Herbs and alliums add flavor to your fall meals and are easy to grow from seed or transplants in August.
- Cilantro – Plant seeds 1/4 inch deep, 2 inches apart. It bolts quickly in heat, so August planting is perfect. Harvest leaves before flowers appear. Let some go to seed for coriander.
- Parsley – Soak seeds overnight before planting. Sow 1/4 inch deep, 4 inches apart. It grows slowly at first but picks up in cool weather. Harvest outer stems.
- Green Onions – Plant sets or seeds 1/2 inch deep, 1 inch apart. They mature in 50–60 days. Pull when tops are 6–8 inches tall. They store well in the refrigerator.
- Garlic – Actually planted in October, but you can start preparing the bed in August. Add compost and aged manure. Order garlic bulbs now for fall planting.
Planting Calendar For August In Pennsylvania
Timing is everything for a successful fall garden. Pennsylvania spans USDA zones 5a to 7b, so adjust planting dates based on your location. Use this calendar as a general guide.
Early August (First Two Weeks)
- Plant quick-maturing greens like lettuce, arugula, and spinach.
- Sow root vegetables like carrots, beets, and radishes.
- Transplant broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower if you started them indoors.
- Plant bush beans for a late September harvest.
Mid-August (Third Week)
- Continue planting greens and root crops.
- Plant kale and Swiss chard for fall harvest.
- Sow turnips and parsnips for late-season roots.
- Plant cilantro and parsley for fresh herbs.
Late August (Fourth Week)
- Plant radishes and arugula for quick harvests.
- Sow spinach for a late October crop.
- Plant green onions for fall use.
- Prepare beds for garlic planting in October.
Soil Preparation And Care
Good soil is the foundation of a productive fall garden. August soil can be dry and compacted, so take time to prepare it properly.
Testing And Amending
Test your soil pH before planting. Most vegetables prefer a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Add lime if your soil is too acidic, or sulfur if it’s too alkaline. Mix in 2–3 inches of compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil structure and fertility.
Watering Strategies
August is often hot and dry in Pennsylvania. Water deeply and consistently, especially during germination. Use drip irrigation or soaker hoses to keep foliage dry and prevent disease. Water in the morning to reduce evaporation.
Mulching For Moisture
Apply a 2-inch layer of organic mulch like straw or shredded leaves around your plants. Mulch keeps soil cool, retains moisture, and suppresses weeds. It also protects roots from early frosts.
Pest And Disease Management
Fall gardens have fewer pests than spring gardens, but some problems still occur. Be proactive to protect your crops.
Common Pests
- Aphids – Spray with a strong stream of water or use insecticidal soap. Attract beneficial insects like ladybugs with dill and fennel.
- Cabbage Worms – Cover brassicas with row fabric. Handpick caterpillars. Use Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) if needed.
- Slugs And Snails – Set out beer traps or use diatomaceous earth around plants. Remove debris where they hide.
- Flea Beetles – Use row fabric on young plants. Apply neem oil if infestations are heavy.
Disease Prevention
- Space plants properly for good air circulation.
- Water at soil level, not on leaves.
- Remove diseased plants immediately.
- Rotate crops each year to prevent soil-borne diseases.
Harvesting And Storage Tips
Knowing when and how to harvest extends your garden’s productivity. Many fall vegetables store well for weeks or months.
Harvesting Greens
Harvest leafy greens by cutting outer leaves when they are 4–6 inches tall. Leave the inner leaves to continue growing. This method gives you multiple harvests from the same plant. For spinach and arugula, you can cut the whole plant at the base if you prefer a single harvest.
Harvesting Root Vegetables
Root vegetables are ready when their tops are visible above the soil. Carrots should be 1/2 to 1 inch wide at the top. Beets are best at 2–3 inches wide. Radishes are ready when they push up from the soil. Pull them promptly to avoid woody texture.
Storing Your Harvest
- Store leafy greens in plastic bags in the refrigerator. Use within a week.
- Root vegetables store well in a cool, dark place. Remove tops before storing.
- Carrots and beets can be left in the ground under a thick layer of mulch for winter harvest.
- Brassicas like cabbage and Brussels sprouts store best in a root cellar or cold basement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Plant Tomatoes In August In Pennsylvania?
It’s too late for full-sized tomatoes, but you can plant determinate varieties for a fall harvest if you use transplants and protect them from early frost. Cherry tomatoes are a better bet.
What Is The Best Vegetable To Plant In August For Beginners?
Radishes are the easiest. They germinate in 3–5 days and are ready in 25–30 days. Lettuce and spinach are also beginner-friendly.
How Late Can I Plant Vegetables In Pennsylvania?
You can plant cold-hardy vegetables like kale, spinach, and turnips until mid-September in most parts of Pennsylvania. Use row covers to extend the season.
Do I Need To Fertilize Fall Vegetables?
Yes, but use a balanced fertilizer with lower nitrogen than spring. Too much nitrogen encourages leafy growth at the expense of roots and fruits. Apply a slow-release fertilizer at planting time.
Can I Reuse Spring Garden Soil For Fall Planting?
Yes, but refresh it with compost or aged manure. Remove any diseased plant debris. Rotate crop families to reduce pest and disease buildup.
Final Thoughts For Your August Garden
Planting a fall garden in Pennsylvania is a rewarding way to extend your growing season. Focus on cold-hardy greens, root vegetables, and brassicas for the best results. Prepare your soil well, water consistently, and protect your plants from pests and early frosts.
With the right choices and a little care, you can enjoy fresh vegetables from your garden well into November. Start planting now, and you’ll be glad you did when the supermarket prices rise in winter.
Remember to check your local frost dates and adjust planting times accordingly. Keep a garden journal to track what works best in your area. Each season teaches you something new, and August planting is no exception.
Happy gardening in Pennsylvania’s beautiful late-summer window. Your fall harvest awaits.