What to plant in August in California
In California (CA), August is the heart of the growing season - about 25 weeks after the last frost (February 20) and 15 weeks before the first (December 1). The state averages 284 frost-free days a year (last frost February 20, first frost December 1; USDA zones 5a, 6b, 7b, 8b, 9b, 10a, 10b).
9 crops have a sowing or planting window this month, including brussels sprouts, rutabaga, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, cucumber.
Dates here come from California frost dates (last frost Feb 20, first frost Dec 1). For one crop in detail, see when to plant broccoli, cabbage or cauliflower in California.
California covers a very wide range of climates, so dates near you can be two weeks or more either side of these. Enter your ZIP code in the planting calendar for dates tuned to your town.
California: planting activity through the year
For fall and winter harvests (8)
Sowings counted back from California's first fall frost, so the crop matures before the cold - or, for garlic and similar, planted after it.
| Crop | What to do | Window | This month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brussels Sprouts | Start transplants for fall | Aug 1 – Aug 18 | Aug 1 – Aug 18 |
| Rutabaga | Sow for a fall crop | Aug 15 – Sep 1 | Opens Aug 15 |
| Broccoli | Start transplants for fall | Aug 22 – Sep 8 | Opens Aug 22 |
| Cabbage | Start transplants for fall | Aug 22 – Sep 8 | Opens Aug 22 |
| Cauliflower | Start transplants for fall | Aug 22 – Sep 8 | Opens Aug 22 |
| Cucumber | Sow for a fall crop | Aug 29 – Sep 15 | Opens Aug 29 |
| Fennel (Bulb) | Sow for a fall crop | Aug 29 – Sep 15 | Opens Aug 29 |
| Zucchini / Summer Squash | Sow for a fall crop | Aug 29 – Sep 15 | Opens Aug 29 |
Keep sowing (succession)
Repeat sowings of crops already in the ground, for a steady harvest instead of a glut.
- Cucumber: sow again on Aug 21
- Zucchini / Summer Squash: sow again on Aug 14
- Basil: sow again on Aug 21
Harvesting in August
First harvests expected this month from crops sown or planted on time earlier in the season.
Planting dates for popular crops in California
Every crop has its own full-year dates for California: indoor start, transplant or direct sowing, and harvest.
Peak growing season: August garden jobs in California
- Water deeply two or three times a week rather than a little every day - about an inch a week, more in heat. See watering a vegetable garden.
- 15 weeks until the average first frost (December 1). Fall crops start now: brussels sprouts, rutabaga, broccoli, cabbage. See the fall and winter garden guide.
- Check the undersides of leaves twice a week - catching pests early is most of the battle (pest identification guide).
- Harvest often: luffa (loofah gourd), chayote should be coming in. Picking regularly keeps beans, squash and cucumbers producing.
USDA zone chart for California
California spans USDA zones 5a, 6b, 7b, 8b, 9b, 10a, 10b. Colder zones, usually higher or further inland, have a later last spring frost and an earlier first fall frost than the state average.
Questions gardeners ask
What vegetables can I plant in California in August?
9 crops have a window in August: brussels sprouts, rutabaga, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, cucumber, fennel (bulb), zucchini / summer squash. The tables above give the exact dates for each.
Is it too late to plant garlic in California in August?
Not too late - it's actually a little early. In California the next garlic window opens around December 12: plant in fall, after first frost.
Is it too late to plant tomatoes in California in August?
Not too late - it's actually a little early. In California the next tomato window opens around December 26: start seeds indoors.
When is the first frost in California?
The statewide average first fall frost is around December 1 and the last spring frost around February 20. California covers a wide range of climates, so local dates can differ by two weeks or more - look yours up by ZIP code.
What can I harvest in California in August?
From plantings made on time: luffa (loofah gourd), chayote.
What to plant in August in other states
Dates are computed from California’s statewide average frost dates (from NOAA/NCEI climate normals) and each crop’s timing in our crop database. Your garden may be a week or two either side - for dates tuned to your ZIP code, use the planting calendar.