Planting vegetables in August

On a 1 week vacation, my grandfather would enjoy himself for 3 days. Then, on the 4th day, he would start packing up to go home.

Don't write the summer off already. Early to mid-August is great time to plant a 2nd crop of cool weather plants. The first frost in Boston isn't usually until sometime in early to mid-October, which leaves just about 60 days for some lettuce, spinach or radish to be ready to eat.

This August, I've planted cilantro, parsnips, and bibb lettuce. Having seedlings emerging in the heat of August, is an entirely different game. Make sure everything gets enough water and watch out for rabbits who've been breeding like...well rabbits...all summer and have lots of hungry mouths to feed.

Cilantro at 7 weeks

At 7 weeks after directing sowing on April 15th, the cilantro is ready to eat.

Cilantro at 4 weeks

Cilantro started from seed in the garden April 15th in Boston at 4 weeks old. It took a full two weeks before I saw any sign of life from the seeds.