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Late-Summer Gardening: What to Plant in August
As summer starts to wind down, there’s still plenty of time to enjoy your garden! August is a perfect month to plant cool-season crops and colorful blooms that will carry you into fall. Whether you have a spacious backyard or a sunny porch corner, there are plenty of ways to keep your garden thriving in the late-summer season.
Hardy Vegetables You Can Plant Now
If you’re looking to grow your own veggies, August is a great time to plant hardy, cool-loving varieties that can handle the changing temperatures. Kale, spinach, and Swiss chard are leafy greens that grow well in the cooler weather ahead. Carrots and beets can also be planted now, giving you a fresh harvest in early fall. For best results, plant these vegetables in well-drained soil and make sure they get plenty of sunlight—at least 6 hours a day.
Even if you don’t have garden beds, these veggies can do well in large pots or deep container boxes. Just make sure to keep the soil moist and give them room to grow!
Perennials to Establish Before Fall
Perennials are plants that come back year after year, and August is a great time to get them started. In Colorado’s climate, hardy perennials like echinacea (coneflowers), black-eyed Susans, and coreopsis (tickseed, a daisy-like flower) can be planted now. Getting them into the ground before the first frost gives their roots time to establish, so they’ll return even stronger next year.
If space is limited, try planting perennials in decorative pots or large containers. They’ll add vibrant color to your patio or porch and can easily be moved to a sunnier spot if needed.
Late-Blooming Flowers for Seasonal Color
Want to keep your garden looking bright and cheerful into the fall months? Planting late-blooming flowers like chrysanthemums (mums), asters, and pansies will do the trick. These flowers are perfect for Colorado’s cooler evenings and will bring fresh pops of color to your yard, porch, or even window boxes.
For a small-space option, consider creating a mini “fall garden” with a mix of mums and pansies in a large container. It’s an easy way to bring seasonal charm to a balcony or front stoop.
Enjoy Every Corner of Your Garden
No matter how much space you have, late-summer gardening is a wonderful way to enjoy the changing season. From large backyard beds to sunny porch pots and window boxes, there are plenty of ways to plant and grow. So grab your gloves, pick up a few new plants, and keep your garden blooming right into fall!
At Meridian Ranch, enjoying the outdoors is part of everyday life. Whether you’re planting a garden in your backyard, or exploring our scenic open spaces, our community is designed to connect you with nature. It’s easy to grow roots and make lasting memories here. Contact us today to learn more about finding your perfect home at Meridian Ranch!