August is hot in Alabama, but the garden is not finished. This month is a bridge between summer crops and the fall garden. You can still plant for late summer, and you can also start crops that like cooler weather.

The key is timing. Plant heat-loving crops early enough to beat the first frost. Start cool-season crops now so they are ready when nights begin to cool. Keep new plants watered, shaded when needed, and free from heavy stress.

Vegetables to Plant in August

Alabama has a long growing season. That gives gardeners room to plant more than once each year. August is a good month to keep warm-season crops going while also getting ready for fall.

Warm-Season Crops

• Okra: It loves heat and can keep producing until frost.
• Southern peas: Black-eyed peas, crowder peas, and field peas handle heat well.
• Peppers: Healthy pepper plants often keep making fruit into fall.

Water these crops well during dry spells. A layer of mulch helps keep roots cool and saves moisture.

Cool-Season Crops to Start

August is also the start of fall gardening. Many cool-season crops need a head start before cooler weather arrives.

• Broccoli: Start seed in a cool, bright place or set out sturdy transplants later in the month. Our guide to growing broccoli in Alabama explains the timing in more detail.
• Cabbage: Start plants now for a fall crop. See our guide to growing cabbage in Alabama for planting and care tips.
• Cauliflower: Start early because it needs cool weather to finish well.
• Collards: They handle Alabama winters well and can produce for months.
• Turnips and mustard greens: Sow them directly for a fast fall crop.
• Carrots and beets: Plant seed in loose soil and keep the seedbed evenly moist.

Herbs for Late Summer and Fall

Some herbs still like August heat. Others do better when started near the end of the month.

• Basil: Keep picking it often so plants stay bushy.
• Cilantro: Wait until the worst heat begins to ease.
• Dill: Start late in the month for cooler fall weather.
• Parsley and chives: Both can be planted now if you keep them watered.

Flowers to Plant in August

August can still be a good month for flowers. Pick plants that can handle heat and give them extra care while roots settle in.

Annual Flowers

• Zinnias: They grow fast and bloom until frost.
• Marigolds: They add color and work well near vegetable beds.
• Cosmos: They like sun and need little care once established.
• Sunflowers: Choose quick, smaller types for late planting.

Perennials and Shrubs

Perennials can be planted in August, but they need regular water while roots grow. Coneflowers, coreopsis, daylilies, salvias, and other heat-tough plants can do well. Avoid planting during the hottest part of the day.

Prepare the Soil Before Planting

Good soil makes August planting much easier. Add compost where needed. Make sure water can drain. If you are not sure about pH or nutrients, use an Alabama garden soil test before adding lime or fertilizer.

How to Handle August Heat

• Water early: Morning is best because roots have time to take up water before the hottest part of the day.
• Mulch: Two to three inches of mulch helps keep soil cool and moist.
• Shade new plants: Light shade for a few days can reduce transplant shock.
• Watch for pests: Caterpillars, aphids, and whiteflies can build fast in warm weather.
• Feed lightly: Do not push stressed plants with heavy fertilizer.

A Simple August Garden Plan

Start by checking open space in the garden. Keep healthy summer crops that are still producing. Clear out weak or finished plants. Then use the open ground for fall vegetables, herbs, or flowers.

Plant in small waves instead of doing everything at once. This spreads out the work and the harvest. It also gives you another chance if one planting struggles in the heat.

August Is a Fresh Start

August may feel like the end of summer, but it is also the start of Alabama’s fall garden. You can keep harvesting warm-season crops while planting broccoli, cabbage, greens, roots, herbs, and flowers for the months ahead.

Keep the plan simple. Plant at the right time. Water well. Protect new plants from hard afternoon sun. With a little care, August can lead to one of the best harvest seasons of the year.