August · Late summer
What to sow in August in Chicago
20 crops are in their window this month in Chicago — timed to your local frost dates.
Last frost≈ 17 Apr
First frost≈ 30 Oct
Frost-free days90 days
August averages68°–81°F
Vegetables
17 in season
Amaranth Greens
Direct sow · pinch tips often for a steady flush of tender greens
Bitter Melon
Start indoors · harvest young and green — riper fruit turns bitter
Bush Beans
Direct sow · sow after soil warms; skip cold, wet spring soil
Carrots
Direct sow · thin seedlings early so roots have room to grow
Collards
Direct sow · more heat- and cold-tolerant than most brassicas
Herbs
3 in season
Basil
Start indoors · loves heat, don't rush it outside before frost
Epazote
Direct sow · cut flower heads early or it self-seeds everywhere
Fenugreek (Methi)
Direct sow · ready to cut in under a month; sow again for more
Fruit · nothing to sow this month