August is the turning point in the South African gardening calendar. With spring just around the corner, it's the perfect time to start prepping your garden — whether you're planting veggies, brightening things up with flowers, or getting your outdoor spaces shade-ready.
🥕 Veggies That Thrive in August
Sow seeds directly into the soil for:
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Beans
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Swiss chard
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Baby marrows
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Patty pans
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Squash
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Cucumbers
Start in trays indoors:
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Eggplants
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Lettuce
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Peppers
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Tomatoes
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Swiss chard
Time to plant out:
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Sweet potatoes
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Final carrot sowing for the season
Also consider planting:
Cabbage, corn, eggplant, lettuce, melons (including watermelon), parsnip, peas, potatoes, pumpkin, radish, and tomatoes.
Potatoes tip:
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Frost-free zones: Plant from August through early June
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Frost-prone zones: Limit planting to August–December
🌼 Flowers to Plant Now
Sow seeds of summer bloomers:
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Marigolds, cosmos, cleome, lavatera, viscaria, candytuft, hollyhocks, scabious, sunflowers
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Alyssum, gaillardia, vinca (seed trays recommended)
Plant out spring seedlings:
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Primulas, calendulas, poppies, snapdragons, stocks
Also worth adding this month:
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Lavender (for a purple summer!)
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Gladioli, amaryllis, arum lilies (summer bulbs)
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Roses — August is ideal for new rose beds
🌿 General Garden Care Tips for August
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Lawn care: Begin sowing lawn seed for spring/summer coverage
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Mulch: Hydrangeas and tree bases to retain moisture
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Stake: New trees before August winds arrive
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Fertilize: Citrus and deciduous fruit trees with organic feed
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Prune: Finish rose pruning and cut back autumn-fruiting berries
☀️ Tip from FacilitiesCo: If you’re spending time in the garden, don’t forget to protect your outdoor spaces. Our shade netting can help reduce heat, protect crops, and keep you cool while you plant.
