Planting vegetables and flowers in August will give your garden a mid-summer pick-me-up just as spring-planted vegetables and flowers begin to lose their luster.

Tomatoes: Plant a second crop of tomatoes in full sun from starter plants. As current tomato plant production begins to wane, new plants will start to produce and ripen by November.

 

Other Late Summer Vegetables to Plant: Plenty of vegetables can be planted in August with a fall harvest target date. They include beans, celery, corn, cucumbers, lima beans and summer squash. Use starter plants instead of seeds for best results.

 

Plant Herbs: An assortment of herbs can be planted in August and still provide a hearty harvest. Plant basil, oregano, parsley, rosemary, thyme and mint from transplants. The plants will thrive through fall.

 

Plant Summer Blooming Trees: Some trees can be planted even in summer heat. These summer blooming trees include Jacaranda, Magnolia Grandiflora and Crape Myrtle.

 

Plant Your Annuals: Plant summer annuals including cosmos, zinnias and marigolds from transplants for quick color. Trim dead flowers daily to keep plants producing longer. Plant seeds for cool season annuals. Start them indoors to better control sun and temperature exposure. These annuals include calendula, delphiniums, pansies and snapdragon.

Trim Perennials: Perennials may begin to look scraggily about this time. Consider pruning to only a few inches. These hearty plants will bounce back quickly later in the year or next spring with healthier and fuller growth.

 

Water Wisely: Watering plants can take up most of your garden time in August, especially if hand watering. Remember to water early in the morning, two-to-three times a week. Water should soak in at least five or six inches below the surface. Container plants that are always wilting despite constant watering should be moved to a shadier location.