7 crops to start now in August in zones 5 and 6

With fall around the corner, you may think you’ve missed the chance to grow your own food this season. But, did you know there are many vegetable crops that you can start now in August? If you’re living in zones 5 and 6, August is a great month to get crops in the ground. In today’s guide, we present the top 7 fall and winter crops to start now in August in zones 5 and 6. So, pull up a chair and let’s dig in!

Planning backwards

Planning a fall vegetable garden starts with knowing your final frost date of the year. Once you know this date, count backwards 6-8 weeks. This will tell you when you have to get your crops in before damaging frosts. Here in zone 6, our last frost date is usually the end of September or 1st week of October. So for us, the first two weeks of August is our window to get our fall and winter crops planted.

If you live in a warmer growing zone than us, you can still plant a fall garden. But, your final dates to get crops in the ground may be later depending on the growing conditions in your zone. Be sure to check your frost dates and be prepared to adapt to your local growing conditions.

Growing under cover

As you get closer to your expected frost date, some of your crops might need protection. Or, perhaps you want to overwinter some of your crops during the colder winter months. To help protect your crops from damaging frost, consider growing under cover. Possible options are a hoop tunnel, row covers, cold frames, gardener’s fleece, or a greenhouse. Having a cover over your crops is a great way to extend the harvest and keep your vegetable garden thriving.

Top 7 vegetable crops to plant in August in zones 5 and 6

Did you know that there are over 30 different crops that you can plant in August in zones 5 and 6? In today’s guide, we focus exclusively on 7 of the most popular crops to plant at this time of year. We also give you some suggestions on other types of crops that you can safely plant in August in zones 5 and 6.

Brassicas

Brassicas thrive when the temperatures start to cool. So, getting a head start on planting this month will allow them to mature just at the peak of when the temperatures are starting to transition. Crops in this family include broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kohlrabi, and Brussels sprouts. At this time of year, be sure to plant seedlings and not seeds. Seeds take a longer time to germinate and you will run out of days before your final frost. Seedlings will mature faster for you and give you a decent fall harvest. Keep a vigilant eye on water levels and consider using a shade cloth if there is a risk of extreme heat.

Kale

A very versatile vegetable in the kitchen, kale is a great crop to get in the ground in August in zones 5 and 6. Kale is cold hardy making it a great option in the fall and winter vegetable garden. With added row cover protection, you may even be able to successfully overwinter kale in your garden! If you’re not a huge fan of kale, planting it in the fall actually sweetens the flavour. The cooler temperatures help sweeten it and kale can take a light frost. Because you harvest the leaves of this vegetable, you can also plant seeds or seedlings. Make sure that if you are using seeds that you get them planted at least 8 weeks before your final frost. Grow your kale under cover, and you can keep the harvest going well into the winter in zones 5 and 6. Nothing beats the taste of fresh tender greens when there is snow falling all around!

Lettuce

Just like kale, lettuce thrives when temperatures begin to cool making it a great companion to the fall and winter vegetable garden. It is very cold hardy and often tastes better in the fall with the help of cooler temperatures. Light frost and cooler temperatures will not impact its growth. An added bonus is that with the fall temperatures, it is less likely to bolt or turn bitter. Plan on adding lettuce seedlings to your garden about 8 weeks before your final frost date. Continue to plant in succession until about 2 weeks before your final frost. The last plantings could be used as tender baby greens. Or, to extend your harvest, continue growing under cover and harvest later into the fall and winter.

Asian greens

Asian greens are cold hardy and very versatile in a lot of different dishes. These crops also take up very little space in the garden so are a perfect option for container gardening. You can start them from seed in the ground, but be sure to leave at least 8 weeks before your final fall frost. To get a head start, you can also start them indoors and pop seedlings into the garden. Like kale and lettuce, planting in the fall produces tender greens with a sweet flavour. Asian greens also grow great under cover in cold frames, greenhouses, and hoop tunnels.

Carrots

Nothing tastes better with winter meals than carrots plucked fresh from the garden! If you’re growing in zones 5 and 6, August is your month to get started planting your crop. As temperatures start to cool, the starch in the carrots turns to sugar. This makes them sweet when harvested. Since it will still be slightly hot when you sow your carrot seeds, keep an eye on your watering. Don’t let the seeds dry out. Water one or twice a day until germinated and well established. To extend the harvest, use a row cover or cold frame. That way, you can harvest fresh carrots from your garden just in time for the holidays!

Spinach

Planting spinach at this time of year in zones 5 and 6 will truly give you the most bang for your buck! If you plant spinach now in August, you should see your first harvest in October. To keep the harvest going, you can consider covering them. We like to use a cold frame for easy access over winter. The harvest will not be as abundant over winter as the plants go into a semi-dormancy period. When the temperature warms up again in the Spring, your spinach will come alive. Growing your spinach undercover is a great way to ensure that you have access to fresh greens even when the season has ended. Aim to plant your spinach about 8 weeks before your final frost in the fall. Keep planting in succession until 2 weeks before your last frost. The final planting will be the one that you can overwinter.

Beets

If you get started early in August sowing your beets, you will be able to get a great harvest later into the fall. You can sow them in succession, but the last plantings will only produce beet greens. For tender beetroots, get started as early as possible. You will need at least 8 weeks before your final frost. If the greens are what you are after, aim to plant at least 6 weeks before your average last frost date.

Other crops to start in August in zones 5 and 6

Here’s a list of a few other popular crops to grow in August in zones 5 and 6:

• Arugula
• Sorrel
• Radishes
• Turnip
• Parsely
• Leeks
• Radicchio
• Endive
• Parsnips

Final thoughts on crops to grow in August

Hot summer heat got you down? Don’t know what you can possibly plant this month? Fear not gardening friends! For those of us in zones and 5 and 6, August is a great month to get started planting some fall and winter crops. Don’t know where to start? Let today’s guide be your inspiration. Join us on the journey as we learn to grow our own food together.

Have a favourite crop that you are planting this month? Drop a comment below. We always love to hear what you are up in your garden. Until next time, take a chance and plant a fall garden vegetable garden this year. Trust us, you will not regret extending the growing season!