What to Plant in August in Maryland (Zone 7): Late Summer & Fall Garden Guide
Maryland gardeners, this one's for you! Whether you’re just getting started or looking to squeeze in a few more plantings before the season shifts, knowing what to plant right now can make the difference between a struggling garden and a thriving one.
Here’s your go-to guide for what to plant this month in Zone 7, including quick wins, cool-season staples, and low-maintenance favorites.
🗓️ Timing is Everything: What Month Are We In?
If you’re reading this in late July through early August, you’re smack in the middle of what we call the second wind of the growing season. Summer crops are going strong, but now’s the time to start planning (and planting!) for fall abundance.
🥕 Veggies to Direct Sow Now
These crops love the warm soil but can handle the cooler nights ahead:
Carrots – Look for fast-maturing varieties (~60 days) so they’re ready before frost.
Beets – Easy to grow and perfect for both roots and greens.
Radishes – Quick to mature and great for succession planting.
Bush Beans – Still time for a last round if you plant in early August.
Lettuce – Try heat-tolerant varieties now; cooler-loving types by mid-August.
Spinach – Wait until late August to sow for best germination.
Turnips & Rutabagas – Start now for a sweet, earthy fall harvest.
🌱 Transplants to Put In the Ground
If you’ve got seedlings ready or can grab starts from a local nursery:
Broccoli – Plant mid to late August for a strong fall crop.
Cabbage – Loves the cooling days ahead.
Kale & Collards – Tough, tasty, and frost-hardy.
Cauliflower – A little fussier, but worth it with the right timing.
🌼 Bonus: Herbs & Pollinator Boosters
Fall is a perfect time to tuck in a few perennial or self-seeding herbs:
Parsley – Will overwinter in many Maryland gardens.
Cilantro – Bolts in heat but thrives as the weather cools.
Chamomile – Sow now and it may return next spring.
Calendula – A cheerful edible flower that loves fall sun.
👩🌾 Tips for Success
Water deeply and consistently. Young seedlings need help establishing in summer heat.
Use shade cloth (or even a light bedsheet) to protect seedlings during hot afternoons.
Don’t forget row covers later in the season to extend your harvest beyond frost.
🍂 Looking Ahead
Gardening in Zone 7 gives you an edge: with a little planning, you can keep harvesting well into November (and beyond if you use row covers or cold frames). Start now, and you’ll be rewarded with fresh greens, crunchy roots, and a garden that just keeps giving.
Want a full Fall Planting Calendar or help creating a customized plan for your garden? Schedule a consultation!
Let’s grow something delicious—season after season!