August Vegetable Garden Tasks: Managing Heat and Preparing for Fall

ByStephen Albert

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August is often the toughest month in the vegetable garden. Heat stress, dry soil, and tired plants are common, yet this is also peak harvest season. The goal now is to protect soil, keep productive plants going, and prepare beds for the coming transition to fall.

1. Prioritize Consistent Watering

August heat demands steady moisture.

  • Water deeply and regularly to prevent stress
  • Check soil moisture daily during heat waves
  • Avoid shallow, frequent watering

Consistency now prevents blossom end rot and bitterness.

2. Maintain and Rebuild Mulch

Mulch is essential in late summer.

  • Replace broken-down mulch to maintain coverage
  • Use compost, straw, or leaf mold
  • Keep soil shaded and biologically active

Healthy soil buffers plants from extreme temperatures.

3. Support Heavy, Mature Plants

Late-summer growth can overwhelm supports.

  • Reinforce tomato cages and stakes
  • Tie up heavy branches and fruiting vines
  • Prevent breakage from wind or weight

Good support protects weeks of future harvest.

4. Remove Spent and Diseased Plants

Not every plant will make it through summer.

  • Pull finished spring or failing summer crops
  • Remove diseased plants promptly
  • Clear beds to reduce pest and disease pressure

Clean beds are easier to transition into fall.

5. Continue Feeding Fruiting Crops

Plants are still producing heavily.

  • Side-dress tomatoes, peppers, and squash with compost
  • Avoid high-nitrogen feeds late in the season
  • Support fruit ripening rather than new leafy growth

Balanced nutrition extends productivity.

6. Harvest Often and Completely

Frequent harvest keeps plants productive.

  • Pick fruits before they become oversized or overripe
  • Harvest early mornings for best quality
  • Preserve or process surplus quickly

Regular harvesting prevents plant exhaustion.

7. Monitor for Late-Season Pests

Heat favors pests.

  • Watch for mites, aphids, and caterpillars
  • Hose off pests early in the day when needed
  • Encourage beneficial insects

Late-season problems can escalate quickly.

8. Prepare Beds for Fall Crops

August is a transition month.

  • Refresh soil with compost where crops are removed
  • Lightly cultivate or top-dress beds
  • Plan spacing and succession timing

Preparation now makes fall planting smoother and more successful.

Stephen Albert is a horticulturist, master gardener, and certified nurseryman who has taught at the University of California for more than 25 years. He holds graduate degrees from the University of California and the University of Iowa. His books include Vegetable Garden Grower’s Guide, Vegetable Garden Almanac & Planner, Tomato Grower’s Answer Book, and Kitchen Garden Grower’s Guide. His Vegetable Garden Grower’s Masterclass is available online. Harvesttotable.com has more than 10 million visitors each year.

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