August is a fabulous month in the vegetable garden for many of us. The summer crops are overwhelming us with their productivity (hopefully!) and the crops we sowed last month are coming along beautifully. You can still plant in August. For many northern gardeners, the focus will be on fast-maturing cool season crops for fall (as well as planning for winter gardening, if you have a low tunnel or greenhouse to grow in).

Southern gardeners, though still dealing with high temperatures, can start looking forward to some relief as well.

Below are lists, by U.S. region, of which vegetables and herbs you can plant in August. Unless specifically listed as "transplants" the items in this list can be direct-sown in your garden this month.

Northern U.S. and Southern Canada

Central U.S./Midwest

• Arugula
• Beets
• Broccoli (Transplants)
• Brussels sprouts (Transplants)
• Cabbage (Transplants)
• Carrots
• Cauliflower (Transplants)
• Chinese cabbage
• Collard greens
• Kale
• Mustard greens
• Peas
• Radishes
• Spinach
• Swiss Chard
• Turnips

New England and the Mid-Atlantic Region

• Arugula
• Beets
• Broccoli (Transplants>
• Brussels sprouts (Transplants)
• Cabbage (Transplants)
• Carrots
• Cauliflower (Transplants)
• Kale (Transplants)
• Leeks (Transplants)
• Lettuce
• Mache
• Mustard greens
• Peas
• Radishes
• Spinach
• Turnips

North Central U.S., Rocky Mountains

• Arugula
• Beets
• Kale
• Lettuce
• Mache
• Radishes
• Spinach
• Turnips

Pacific Northwest

• Arugula
• Beets
• Broccoli(Transplants)
• Brussels Sprouts (Transplants)
• Cabbage (Transplants)

• Carrots
• Cauliflower (Transplants)
• Cilantro
• Collard greens
• Kale (Transplants)
• Lettuce
• Mache
• Mustard greens
• Radishes
• Spinach
• Swiss Chard
• Turnips

Southern U.S.

Southeast/Gulf Coast Region

• Basil
• Beans
• Beets
• Carrots
• Cilantro
• Collard greens
• Cucumber
• Dill
• Lettuce
• Mustard greens
• Potatoes
• Radishes
• Spinach
• Summer Squash
• Turnips

Southwest

• Basil
• Beans
• Beets
• Broccoli (Transplants)
• Brussels Sprouts (Transplants)
• Cabbage (Transplants)
• Carrots
• Cauliflower (Transplants)
• Cilantro
• Corn
• Cucumber
• Dill
• Lettuce
• Radishes
• Spinach
• Summer Squash (Transplants)
• Swiss Chard
• Tomato (Transplants)
• Turnips

(Sources: Rodale's Successful Organic Gardening: Vegetables, Mother Earth News "What to Plant Now," Personal Experience)