August: What to Plant in Your Garden Right Now in Tennessee

Are you just starting a garden or looking to add to an existing one?

August is one of Tennessee’s hottest months so it’s a great time to plant vegetables and florals that thrive in the heat.

Vegetables to Plant in August

Okra: Okra loves warm weather and grows well in Tennessee’s climate. It’s a popular vegetable in Southern cuisine. We suggest classic fried okra.

Peppers: Both sweet peppers and hot peppers can be planted in August. Choose varieties that mature quickly to ensure a good harvest before the first frost.

Tomatoes: Although it’s getting late for starting tomatoes from seeds, you can still plant seedlings in August for a late-season crop. Look for varieties with shorter maturation times.

Cucumbers: Sow cucumber seeds in early August to have a fall harvest. Choose disease-resistant varieties for better results.

Squash: Summer squash varieties like zucchini and yellow squash can still be planted in August. They grow quickly and produce abundant harvests.

Green beans: Bush beans can be planted in August for a fall harvest. Look for varieties that mature within 50-60 days.

Herbs: You can continue planting herbs like basil, cilantro, dill, and parsley in August. These herbs generally enjoy warm weather and can be a great addition to your garden and cooking lineup. This plant will also help deter mosquitos.

Flowers to Plant in August

Marigolds: Marigolds are hardy annuals that can tolerate heat and bloom throughout the summer. They come in various vibrant colors and can add a pop of color to your garden. This plant will also attract butterflies to your garden and deter mosquitos so you can enjoy your warm summer nights on the porch.

Zinnias: Zinnias are another heat-tolerant flower that thrives in Tennessee. They offer a wide range of colors and bloom until the first frost. Another plant that will attract butterflies to your garden!

Sunflowers: Sunflowers are a favorite for late summer and early fall. They not only provide stunning blooms but also attract pollinators to your garden.

Vinca: Vinca is a low-maintenance flower that thrives in hot and dry conditions. It produces beautiful blooms in shades of pink, red, purple, and white.

Cosmos: Cosmos is a charming flower that blooms in late summer and continues until fall. They have delicate, daisy-like flowers in various colors, including pink, white, and purple.

Gaillardia: Gaillardia, also known as blanket flower, is a native wildflower that thrives in hot weather. It displays striking, daisy-like flowers with vibrant colors, including shades of red, orange, and yellow.