August Gardening in Central Texas

Preparing for fall while managing peak summer heat

August remains one of the hottest months in Central Texas, but it also marks the turning point toward fall gardening. While outdoor planting is still limited, this is a crucial month for planning, soil preparation, and starting fall crops indoors. What you do in August directly impacts how successful your fall garden will be.

Success this month comes from patience, preparation, and working around the heat.

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🌱 What Can You Do in August?

August gardening focuses on three main paths:

• Very Limited Outdoor Sowing

• Indoor Seed Starting for fall crops

• Avoiding Transplanting until temperatures moderate

Each path below helps you decide how to move forward without stressing your plants.

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🌿 Outdoor Sowing — August

Outdoor sowing in August should be minimal and carefully timed.

Possible outdoor sowing choices:

• Cover crops

• Southern peas (very limited, early in the month)

Tips for success:

• Sow during cooler periods or before rainfall

• Use shade cloth if possible

• Keep soil consistently moist during germination

👉 Shop August Outdoor Sowing Seeds

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🌱 Start Indoors — August

August is one of the most important months for starting fall crops indoors.

Why start indoors now:

• Protect seedlings from extreme heat

• Get a strong head start for fall planting

• Improve transplant success later

Common indoor starts this month:

• Broccoli

• Cabbage

• Kale

• Cauliflower

• Lettuce

Tips for success:

• Keep seedlings in a cool, well-lit area

• Provide good airflow

• Harden off gradually before transplanting

👉 Start Seeds Indoors — August

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🌼 Transplanting — August

Transplanting outdoors in August is generally not recommended unless conditions are favorable.

If transplanting is unavoidable:

• Choose cloudy days or late afternoon

• Provide shade and extra water

• Monitor plants closely for stress

👉 See August Transplant Options

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🌱 What to Plant in August — Central Texas

August planting should focus on preparing for fall, not expanding summer crops.

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🌿 Outdoor Sowing (August)

• Cover crops

• Southern peas (limited)

👉 Shop August Outdoor Sowing Seeds

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🌱 Start Indoors (August)

• Broccoli

• Cabbage

• Kale

• Cauliflower

• Lettuce

👉 Start Seeds Indoors — August

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🌼 Transplanting (August)

• Avoid unless protected

👉 See August Transplant Options

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🛠️ August Garden Tasks (Worth Doing)

August is a preparation-heavy month.

Helpful tasks this month:

• Improve soil with compost

• Remove spent summer plants

• Plan fall garden layout

• Clean and organize seed-starting supplies

Preparation now saves time and frustration later.

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🌱 New to Gardening?

August gardening can feel slow — that’s normal.

Focus on:

• Starting fall crops indoors

• Preparing soil for cooler months

Fall gardening is often easier and more rewarding.

👉 View the Monthly Gardening Guides

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🌿 Looking Ahead

September brings cooler nights and renewed outdoor planting opportunities. Seedlings started indoors in August will be ready for transplanting as conditions improve.

August is about setting the stage — careful preparation leads to fall success.

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🌱 Ready to Grow?

• 👉 Shop August Outdoor Sowing Seeds

• 👉 Shop August Indoor Seed Starting Seeds

• 👉 View Monthly Gardening Guides