13 Veggies You Can Start in August RIGHT NOW! | 2023

Summary

In this gardening video, the host debunks the myth that August is too late for planting. Featuring insights from expert gardeners, the video suggests 12 plants suitable for various climates, including celery, Brussels sprouts, and winter squash. Tips on planting, germinating, and caring for these plants are provided, ensuring a bountiful late-summer harvest.

Takeaways

• 📝 August is a great time to start planting for fall gardens, debunking the myth that nothing can be planted late in the summer.
• 🌲 The video offers advice from various gardeners, including Jacques and special guests Dagny and Meg, who share their expertise in different climates.
• 🌱 12 different plants are recommended for planting in August, proving that there are still many options for late summer gardening.
• 🍀 Celery, known to be challenging to grow, can be successfully grown by starting in August with the right variety and method, such as the Utah variety.
• 🌺 Brussels sprouts, a vegetable that matures slowly, benefit from being planted in August to avoid hot springs and pests.
• 🌷 Tendergreen mustard, part of the chicory family, is a cold-hardy plant that matures quickly and is perfect for fall gardens.
• 🍋 Beets, often disliked in childhood, are highlighted as rewarding and simple to grow, with Golden being a sweeter variety.
• 🍆 Carrots thrive in cool fall conditions and are ideal for planting in August, with varieties like Shin Kuroda and Danvers 126 recommended for dense soils.
• 🍌 Swiss Chard is a versatile plant that withstands moderate freezes, making it suitable for cooler climates and providing both visual contrast and edible stalks.
• 🍎 Winter squash, such as the Lakota variety, is a great storing squash that can be planted in August and harvested later with a hard skin for winter storage.
• 🍍 Radishes, especially French Breakfast and Daikon varieties, are quick to grow and can be harvested in as little as 21 days for smaller varieties.
• 🍕 Snap peas are a delicious addition to any fall garden, with varieties like Sugar Daddy and Purple Sugar Magnolia requiring proper trellising and about 70 days to harvest.
• 🍇 Endive, with its unique texture and flavor, is recommended for partial shade and improves after light frosts, adding a touch of class to salads and meals.
• 🌿 Snapdragons are not only visually appealing but also attract bees and have edible flowers, making them a valuable addition to any garden for both aesthetics and pollinators.

Q & A

What is the main message of the video?

The main message of the video is that August is a great time to plant certain crops despite the common belief that the gardening season is over. The host provides recommendations for what can be planted in August across different climates.

What is the first plant recommended by the host for August planting?

The first plant recommended by the host for August planting is celery, specifically the Utah variety, which is suitable for warmer climate zones.

Why is celery sometimes difficult to grow?

Celery can be difficult to grow because it requires consistently mild temperatures and can suffer from being too stringy, salty, or dry if not grown under the right conditions.

What is the significance of starting Brussels sprouts in August?

Starting Brussels sprouts in August is significant because they take a long time to grow and produce. Planting them in August ensures they will be ready by springtime, avoiding the heat and pests of early spring.

Why is Tendergreen mustard a good choice for a fall garden?

Tendergreen mustard is a good choice for a fall garden because it is part of the chicory family, grows quickly, is cold hardy, and prefers cooler temperatures.

What is special about beet seeds mentioned in the script?

Beet seeds are special because they are compound seeds, meaning one seed can sprout multiple plants, sometimes up to four.

Why are carrots a good choice for planting in August?

Carrots are a good choice for planting in August because they love cool fall growing conditions and are used in many comfort meals during the colder seasons.

What is the benefit of soaking parsnip seeds before planting?

Soaking parsnip seeds before planting helps speed up germination, which can otherwise take more than two weeks, by preparing the seeds to absorb water more readily.

How does Swiss Chard provide contrast to a garden?

Swiss Chard provides contrast to a garden with its large, luscious, deep green leaves and the fact that the whole stalk is edible, adding both color and texture.

What is the advantage of growing winter squash like Lakota in August?

Growing winter squash like Lakota in August is advantageous because it allows the squash to mature and harden its skin before winter, making it suitable for long-term storage.

Why are snap peas recommended for the garden?

Snap peas are recommended for the garden because they are vigorous vining plants that add texture, can be used in various dishes, and are also a perfect garden snack.

What is unique about the way snapdragon seeds should be handled during germination?

Snapdragon seeds are unique in that they want to be exposed to light as they germinate. They should be pressed into the soil surface and slightly depressed but not covered up.