August planting is a wonderful way to enjoy the bounties of your late summer garden, and we're here to help with this guide to growing some tasty late-season veggies and herbs. Here's how to dig into fall flavor and keep the growing going!

Maximizing Your Summer Harvest

Your garden is still producing here in Bettendorf, so make the most of your summer crops by harvesting regularly. Not only does this ensure a steady supply of fresh produce, but it also encourages your plants to continue producing. Consistent harvesting is essential for an abundant yield, and picking your produce continually signals to the plants that they need to keep growing and producing more. This is particularly true for crops like beans, cucumbers, and tomatoes, which thrive on regular picking.

Crop rotation is another excellent strategy for August planting, as it helps maintain soil health and prevent pests. Different plants have varying nutrient needs and pest resistances, so rotating them helps avoid depleting the soil of nutrients and reduces the likelihood of pest infestations. For example, plant light feeders like leafy greens after heavy feeders like tomatoes to keep your soil balanced.

Planting for a Longer Season

Extend your garden's life with quick-growing crops like radishes, lettuce, and herbs. These cool-weather companions are among the best vegetables to plant in August and will keep your meals full of fresh produce and flavor as the seasons change.

Radishes:

Radishes are a fantastic choice for August planting. They grow quickly, maturing in as little as 25 to 30 days, making them perfect for late-season crops. Radishes thrive in cooler temperatures and can be sown directly into the ground. Plant them in well-drained soil, and keep them consistently moist for the best results.  

Lettuce:

Lettuce is another excellent option but requires a bit more attention, especially in the late summer heat. Opt for heat-tolerant varieties like Butterhead or Romaine, which are more resilient to bolting, and provide shade using row covers or by planting them in the shadow of taller crops to keep them cool. Succession planting is key here; plant small batches every two weeks to ensure a continuous harvest. Leaf lettuce mixes are great for late summer planting. 

Herbs:

Herbs like basil, cilantro, and parsley make wonderful additions to any garden and can be planted in late summer for a fresh supply throughout the fall. Basil thrives in warm weather but will continue to produce until the first frost. Cilantro and parsley, on the other hand, prefer cooler temperatures and will flourish as the weather begins to chill. Plant them in well-drained soil and keep them evenly watered.

 

Maximizing Your Fall Harvest

As we transition from summer to fall, it's crucial to understand when to plant your crops. Here's a planting calendar for your fall vegetable planting:

• Beets: Plant beets from early to mid-August, as they need about 55 to 70 days to mature. Beets prefer cooler temperatures, so planting your seeds in early August gives them enough time to mature during the cooler temperatures. 
• Swiss Chard: Plant Swiss chard in mid to late August. This hardy green can tolerate light frost and will continue producing into the fall. It matures in about 50 to 60 days.
• Kohlrabi: Plant kohlrabi in mid-August. This unique vegetable matures in about 50 to 60 days and can withstand cooler temperatures, making it perfect for a fall harvest.
• Kale: Plant kale in mid to late August. It thrives in cooler weather and can even become sweeter after a light frost. Kale takes about 55 to 75 days to mature.
• Leaf Lettuce: Plant leaf lettuce in late August. It matures quickly, in about 40 to 50 days, and prefers the cooler temperatures of fall.
• Spinach: Spinach is a fast-growing green that can handle light frost and matures in about 40 to 50 days, so plant it in late August to early September.
• Radishes: Plant radishes throughout August, adding a fresh row of seeds every couple of weeks to ensure a continuous harvest. They mature quickly, in about 25 to 30 days, and can be harvested well into the fall.

 

Bettendorf Iowa Gardening Tips for Germination:

Promoting seed germination during the hot, dry conditions of late summer can be challenging, but it's not impossible. Here are some strategies to help:

Soil Preparation: Ensure your soil is well-prepared before planting. Loosen it to a depth of at least 6 inches and mix in compost to improve moisture retention.

Moisture Management: Keep your soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, gently and frequently watering your seeds until they germinate.

Mulching: Mulch helps retain moisture and keep your soil cool. However, it's best to wait until you see your seeds germinate before applying mulch, as you can accidentally cover the seeds and prevent proper germination. Straw, grass clippings, or shredded leaves are all excellent mulch options.

Shade: Use row covers or shade cloth to protect newly planted seeds from the intense late summer sun.

By focusing on maximizing your summer harvest and strategically planting a few cool-weather crops, you can enjoy fresh produce well into the fall. Don't be afraid to experiment with different varieties and planting times in your August planting to find what works best for your garden.

Stop by Wallace's Garden Center today to stock up on fall plants and veggies for your garden, get expert advice, or start shopping for fall home and garden decor! We're the place to be for all things fall fabulous in the Quad Cities!