August · Late summer
What to sow in August in Houston
18 crops are in their window this month in Houston — timed to your local frost dates.
Last frost≈ 5 Mar
First frost≈ 15 Nov
Frost-free days106 days
August averages78°–95°F
Vegetables
14 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
Cucumbers
Direct sow · trellis vines to save space and straighten fruit
Eggplant
Transplant seedlings · harvest young for tender, less bitter fruit
Malabar Spinach
Direct sow · vigorous vine — give it a trellis to climb
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
1 in season
Ground Cherries
Transplant seedlings · let ripe fruit drop; husks turn tan and papery