August might sound late, but in Texas, it’s actually prime time to plant a bunch of tasty veggies. I’ve had great luck starting fresh this month—peppers, greens, even beans bounce back fast in the heat.
The trick is knowing which ones can handle it, and this list covers 18 champs that are up for the challenge. You’ll get a second harvest before things cool down, and trust me, it’s worth the effort.
Grab your seeds, beat the heat, and let’s keep that garden going strong!
1. Kale
Ready to boost your garden’s nutrition factor? Texas gardeners love this leafy superstar because it actually gets sweeter after a light frost hits.
Plant kale seeds now in partial shade to protect from the August heat. The sturdy leaves will keep producing well into winter across the Lone Star State, giving you months of fresh greens.
2. Radishes
Looking for almost instant garden gratification? These crisp, peppery veggies go from seed to harvest in just 3-4 weeks, making them perfect for impatient gardeners.
Sow radish seeds directly in Texas soil every two weeks for continuous harvests. Their quick growth cycle means you’ll be enjoying fresh, crunchy radishes in salads while other veggies are still developing.
3. Carrots
Sweet, crunchy, and packed with vitamins! August planting gives these root vegetables time to develop before Texas winter arrives. The cooler fall temperatures actually improve their flavor.
Loosen your soil deeply before planting carrot seeds in rows. Texas gardeners find that covering seeds with a board for the first week helps maintain moisture until germination occurs, ensuring better success rates.
4. Spinach
Want leafy greens that thrive in cooler weather? August is perfect timing for spinach in Texas gardens, especially with some afternoon shade protection.
Sow seeds directly and keep soil consistently moist until established. Texas gardeners can enjoy multiple harvests by picking outer leaves first, letting the plant continue producing through the mild southern winter months.
5. Lettuce
Crisp, fresh, and so versatile! Loose-leaf varieties are particularly well-suited for Texas fall gardens since they mature quickly and can be harvested leaf by leaf.
Plant lettuce seeds in shallow rows and keep soil consistently moist. Texas gardeners find success with afternoon shade during August’s heat, gradually enjoying full sun exposure as temperatures drop through fall.
6. Broccoli
Garden-fresh broccoli tastes nothing like store-bought! Start seeds indoors or find transplants at local Texas nurseries for a head start on your fall crop.
Plant in full sun with rich, well-draining soil. Texas gardeners appreciate broccoli’s ability to produce a main head followed by smaller side shoots, extending the harvest throughout the cooler months.
7. Cauliflower
These impressive veggies love Texas’s fall growing season! The cooling temperatures help develop those perfect white heads without the bitterness that summer heat can cause.
Start with transplants for best results in the Lone Star State. When heads begin forming, gently fold the large outer leaves over the developing head to protect it from sun, keeping it beautifully white.
8. Beets
Both beautiful and delicious! Texas gardeners get a two-for-one deal with beets – nutritious roots below and tasty greens above ground.
Sow seeds directly in well-loosened soil about half an inch deep. The Lone Star State’s extended growing season means you can enjoy multiple plantings, with fall-planted beets developing sweeter flavor than spring crops.
9. Bush Beans
Quick-growing and prolific producers! Bush beans planted in August can yield a bountiful harvest before the first frost hits Texas gardens.
Direct sow seeds in full sun after the worst summer heat passes. Texas gardeners find these compact plants perfect for small spaces, with varieties like ‘Provider’ and ‘Blue Lake’ performing especially well in the southern climate.
10. Collard Greens
A true Southern classic that thrives in Texas fall gardens! These nutritious greens actually improve in flavor after light frosts, making them perfect for extended harvests.
Plant seeds or transplants in rich soil with full sun. The Lone Star State’s mild winters mean collards often produce straight through to spring, providing months of hearty, vitamin-packed leaves for your table.
11. Swiss Chard
Bring vibrant color to your fall garden! Rainbow varieties add stunning reds, yellows, and pinks that brighten Texas garden beds while providing nutritious greens.
Direct sow seeds in August for a continuous harvest throughout fall. Texas gardeners appreciate chard’s heat tolerance and ability to keep producing through mild winters, making it one of the most reliable leafy crops.
12. Turnips
Underrated and easy to grow! August-planted turnips develop sweet, tender roots perfect for roasting, while their greens make delicious quick-cooked sides.
Sow seeds directly in loose, well-draining soil. Texas gardeners can harvest baby turnips within a month or wait for full-sized roots, making them versatile for planning your Lone Star State fall harvest schedule.
13. Cabbage
Cool-weather champion with impressive heads! August-planted cabbage develops slowly through fall, forming tight, flavorful heads as temperatures drop across Texas.
Start with transplants for best results in the Lone Star State. Choose varieties like ‘Fast Ball’ or ‘Early Jersey Wakefield’ that mature quickly enough for Texas’s growing window between summer heat and winter frosts.
14. Mustard Greens
Spicy, distinctive flavor that adds zip to any meal! These fast-growing greens are perfect for Texas fall gardens, ready to harvest in just 4-6 weeks.
Direct sow seeds in rows with full sun exposure. The Lone Star State’s mild climate means you can continue harvesting the outer leaves throughout fall and winter, letting plants keep producing for months.
15. Kohlrabi
Quirky-looking but delicious! These alien-like vegetables form round, above-ground bulbs with a crisp texture similar to apples and mild cabbage flavor.
Plant seeds directly or use transplants in Texas gardens. The Lone Star State’s extended growing season is perfect for kohlrabi, which matures quickly and tolerates light frosts, developing sweeter flavor as temperatures cool.
16. Cilantro
Fresh herbs elevate any dish! Cilantro actually prefers cooler temperatures, making August planting ideal for Texas gardens after summer’s intense heat.
Sow seeds directly and keep soil consistently moist. The Lone Star State’s mild fall creates perfect conditions for cilantro to thrive without bolting, providing months of fresh herbs for your favorite Tex-Mex recipes.
17. Arugula
Peppery greens ready in weeks! This fast-growing leafy vegetable brings sophisticated flavor to Texas fall gardens and can be harvested just 30 days after planting.
Direct sow seeds in rows or broadcast them over a bed. The Lone Star State’s cooling temperatures enhance arugula’s flavor without the bitterness that develops in summer heat, making fall-grown crops especially delicious.
18. Peas
Sweet and satisfying straight from the vine! August-planted peas race to produce before Texas winter arrives, offering a delicious fall crop.
Provide support for climbing varieties and plant seeds directly in the garden. The Lone Star State’s cooling fall temperatures create ideal conditions for peas, which struggle in summer heat but thrive as days grow shorter.