By August, California gardeners stay busy harvesting, weeding, and keeping their gardens hydrated. But late summer still offers plenty of planting opportunities. With the right choices, you can grow tasty, nutrient-rich crops that thrive in short seasons and refresh your garden beds with cool-season blooms. Once you know what crops to grow in California this August, your garden can stay productive and vibrant, even as the temperatures begin to dip.
Vegetables to Grow in August
Looking for the best crops to grow in California? August is the perfect month to kick off your fall harvest plan with fast-growing and cool-season crops.
Beets
Beets are a fantastic choice for a fall garden in California. When planted in late summer, they develop richer color and a sweeter taste, especially after a light frost. Direct sow them 8 to 12 weeks before the first expected frost in your area. Beets grow well in full sun but can tolerate some shade. Retain the soil moisture by applying mulch to help regulate temperature, which also enhances and promotes growth.
Carrots
For a flavorful fall harvest, plant carrots in late summer, once the intense California heat starts to ease. Since carrots struggle to germinate in temperatures above 85°F, August gives them a better start. Their taste improves even more after a light frost. Direct sow seeds 8 to 12 weeks before your region’s expected first frost. In California’s milder climates, you can even leave carrots in the ground throughout winter for a fresh harvest straight from the soil.
Lettuce
Leafy greens, such as lettuce, handle light frost well. Whether you’re making fresh salads, wraps, or burger toppings, homegrown lettuce offers unbeatable taste and saves you money. Depending on the variety, lettuce matures in just 30 to 45 days, making it ideal for succession sowing.
Pro Tip: You can even grow salad greens all winter using a mini greenhouse made from a clear plastic storage container!
Spinach
When sown in late August, spinach grows quickly and delivers a fresh crop of tender leaves by October. As winter arrives, the plants often go dormant but bounce back in early spring with another flush of growth. In California, spinach thrives when directly sown into well-prepared, fertile soil. Keep it watered during warm days to prevent bolting, and once temperatures dip, protect it with a low cloche to keep it going strong.
Radish
Radishes grow fast—making them one of the easiest crops to succession sow through August. Start planting in mid-to-late summer, and as the weather cools, their flavor becomes even more pronounced. You can enjoy crisp, peppery radishes in just a few weeks.
Herbs to Grow in August
Here are some easy-to-grow herbs you can sow in August in California.
Basil
Basil is one of the simplest and easiest herbs to grow from seed and thrives in California’s late summer warmth. Sow seeds in August for a steady supply of fragrant leaves before cooler nights arrive. You can grow basil almost anywhere—in containers, garden beds, raised beds, or even on a sunny windowsill. Just be sure to offer some afternoon shade when temperatures rise above 90°F to prevent the plant from wilting or bolting.
Cilantro
Cilantro doesn’t love the summer heat—it bolts quickly in hot conditions—so August is the perfect time to start sowing it for a fall harvest. As the weather cools, cilantro grows faster and develops a stronger flavor. Since it matures quickly, try planting it about a month before your area’s first frost for best results.
Dill
In California, dill grows well in August, especially along the coast or in cooler inland zones. Direct sow seeds into well-draining soil with full sun exposure. Keep the soil evenly moist while seeds germinate, and thin the seedlings once they’re a few inches tall. Dill appreciates regular watering and a light fertilizer boost. A layer of mulch locks in moisture and keeps the roots happy through warmer spells.
Fruits to Grow in August
Here are some easy-to-grow fruits you can sow in August in California.
Strawberries
Strawberries are an excellent choice for California gardens in August. They thrive in containers, hanging baskets, or garden beds—as long as they get at least six hours of sunlight each day. These sweet, nutrient-packed fruits are easy to grow and store, making them a favorite for home gardeners.
Give strawberry roots plenty of room to spread. Many varieties send out runners that develop into new plants. You can trim these runners to encourage larger fruit or let them grow if you want to expand your patch.
Figs
Figs love California’s sunny, dry climate and grow beautifully in August when planted in the right spot. They require at least 6 hours of sunlight a day and thrive even in drought-prone areas. These low-maintenance plants eventually grow into beautiful trees that bring charm to your landscape. While spring and early fall are the traditional times to plant figs, California’s mild zones allow a bit more flexibility.
