If you started brassica seeds in late July, you may have some seedlings that look ready to transplant in late August, but temperatures can be searingly hot, so deciding when to transplant brassica seedlings, such as broccoli and cabbage, into vegetable beds will always be a judgement call dependent on the weather. Err on the side of caution and hold off until later in the month. Brassica and any other transplants will appreciate some shade protection from late afternoon heat and on days with extreme heat.
Keep any seeds planted this month evenly moist to help germination rates.
Continue steady, deep irrigation to summer vegetables. Pick produce regularly to encourage production to the end of the season. Plan when to pull summer vegetables and consider fall legumes and ‘green manure’ plantings to replenish soil nitrogen. Plan crop rotations to discourage common pests within families of vegetables.
YOLO COUNTY VEGETABLES RECOMMENDED FOR AUGUST
Plant throughout August
Lettuce – Seed
The following brassicas are best started in shaded seed trays or pots and transplanted out in late September/October.
Broccoli – Seed - shade
Cabbage – Seed - shade
Cauliflower – Seed - shade
Plant in the first three weeks of August
Carrots – Seed – can be very slow to germinate – be patient.
Plant in the first two weeks of August
Rutabaga - Seed
Plant in the last three weeks of August
Turnips – Seed
Plant in the last two weeks of August
If you have well developed seedlings from a July seeding of the following brassicas transplant in cool weather and provide shade until established.
Broccoli – transplants - shade young transplants
Brussel Sprouts – transplants - shade young transplants
Cabbage – transplants - shade young transplants
Cauliflower – transplants - shade young transplants
ADDITIONAL SACRAMENTO AREA RECOMMENDED VEGETABLES FOR AUGUST
Plant throughout August
Beets – Seed
Cabbage (Chinese) – Seed
Celariac – Seed
Lettuce – Seed
Mustard – Seed
Onion - Seed
Parsley Root – Seed
Parsnips – Seed
Potatoes – Slips from tubers
Plant in the last two weeks of August
Chard (Swiss) – Seed
Collards – Seed
Endive – Seed
Fennel (Florence) – Seed
Kale – Seed
Kohlrabi – Seed (shade sheltered)
Leeks – Seed
Radish (Daikon) - Seed