Late Summer Vegetables: What to Plant and Harvest in August in the San Luis Valley

As we move into August, San Luis Valley gardeners shift focus to planting and harvesting late summer vegetables. With proper planning and an understanding of our unique growing conditions, you can ensure a bountiful harvest well into the fall. This article provides guidance on what to plant and harvest in August, including a few heat-tolerant varieties and succession planting strategies.

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Understanding the San Luis Valley’s Unique Climate

The San Luis Valley sits at an elevation of about 7,600 feet, which means cool nights and warm, sunny days. Choosing plants that can survive these temperature fluctuations is a must. The end of summer is typically warm, but frosts can arrive unexpectedly (anyone else remember the snowstorm of early September 2020?), so gardeners must be prepared for sudden weather changes.

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Planting in August: Heat-Tolerant Veggies

August is a great time to plant certain vegetables that thrive in the remaining warmth of summer and can mature before the first frost. Here are some heat-tolerant vegetable varieties suitable for the San Luis Valley:

1. Leafy Greens

• Swiss Chard: This leafy green is highly tolerant of both heat and cold, making it an excellent choice for August planting. Varieties like 'Bright Lights' offer colorful stems and leaves.
• Kale: Another resilient green, kale can handle the temperature swings of the San Luis Valley. Varieties such as 'Lacinato' or 'Red Russian' are particularly hardy.

2. Root Vegetables

• Beets: Beets are a great choice for late summer planting. Varieties like 'Detroit Dark Red' and 'Golden' can mature quickly.
• Carrots: Opt for fast-maturing varieties such as 'Nantes' or 'Chantenay.' These can be harvested before the first hard frost.

3. Legumes

• Bush Beans: These can be planted in early August for a late fall harvest. Varieties like 'Contender' and 'Blue Lake' are reliable choices.

4. Cruciferous Vegetables

• Radishes: Quick-growing radishes like 'Cherry Belle' can be sown multiple times in August for a steady harvest.
• Turnips: Varieties like 'Purple Top White Globe' are quick to mature and can withstand cooler temperatures as fall approaches.

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Succession Planting Strategies

Succession planting essentially means continuously planting to maximize your garden's productivity. By following these planting strategies, you can ensure a continuous harvest throughout the growing season and reduce waste by not having all your veggies ready to harvest at the same time. Here are some strategies tailored for the San Luis Valley:

1. Staggered Planting

Plant small amounts of seeds every two weeks. This ensures that as one crop is harvested, another is maturing, providing a steady supply of fresh vegetables without overwhelming your kitchen.

2. Interplanting

Combine fast-growing crops with slower-maturing ones. For example, plant radishes (which mature quickly) alongside carrots (which take longer). The radishes will be harvested first, allowing more space for the carrots to grow.

3. Relay Planting

After harvesting a quick-growing crop, immediately replant the area with another crop suitable for the remaining season. For example, after harvesting early spring lettuce, plant bush beans in its place.

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Harvesting in August

August is also a prime time for harvesting many summer vegetables. Here are some common crops that should be ready for picking:

1. Tomatoes

Tomatoes should be in full swing by August. Ensure you harvest them when they are fully colored and slightly soft to the touch. Varieties like 'Early Girl' and 'Sun Gold' are popular choices in the San Luis Valley.

2. Peppers

Both sweet and hot peppers should be ready for harvest. Look for firm, brightly colored peppers. Varieties such as 'Bell Boy' and 'Jalapeno' perform well in this region.

3. Summer Squash

Zucchini and yellow squash are typically prolific producers. Harvest them when they are small to medium-sized for the best flavor.

4. Cucumbers

Cucumbers should be picked when they are uniformly green and firm. Varieties like 'Marketmore' and 'Lemon' cucumbers are well-suited to the area.

5. Eggplants

Eggplants should be glossy and firm to the touch when harvested. Varieties such as 'Black Beauty' and 'Rosa Bianca' do well in the San Luis Valley's climate.

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Preparing for Frost

As August progresses, it’s wise to keep an eye on the weather forecast for early frost warnings. Consider using row covers or cloches to protect sensitive plants. Additionally, start planning for the transition to cool-season crops like spinach, lettuce, and broccoli, which can be planted in late August or early September.

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Conclusion

Gardening in the San Luis Valley requires attention to our unique climate conditions, but with the right strategies, August can be a productive month. Focus on heat-tolerant varieties, employ succession planting techniques, and be prepared for sudden frosts to ensure a continuous and abundant harvest. Happy gardening!

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