What can I plant in August in zone 8a?

In USDA hardiness zone 8a (last spring frost around Mar 29, 2026, first fall frost around Nov 8, 2026), August is a good time to direct sow outside annual ryegrass, crimson clover, hairy vetch, rye.

What to plant in August in zone 8a

4 crops to start indoors, direct sow, transplant, or harvest in August in USDA hardiness zone 8a. Typical last spring frost around Mar 29, 2026, first fall frost around Nov 8, 2026 — exact dates vary by location within the zone.

Want exact August dates for your address in zone 8a, a drag-and-drop bed layout, and sowing reminders? Enter your ZIP:

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Direct sow outside

Sow these straight into the garden bed this month.

Annual Ryegrass
Crimson Clover
Hairy Vetch
Rye

Keep going

Full zone 8a planting calendar →
What to plant in August (all zones) →
Succession planting for a continuous harvest →

Timings use NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals for a representative location (ZIP 20372) in zone 8a, computed with the same engine as GardenDraft’s in-app schedule. Guidance, not guarantees — your exact dates depend on your address.