Planting the Late Summer Garden in San Francisco

San Francisco is known for our “second summer” in September and October. After pushing through June Gloom and the heavy fog of “Fogust,” we’re rewarded with warm, sunny days at the start of autumn. For San Francisco gardeners and homeowners, this stretch is golden: the warmth helps seeds germinate and gives young plants a strong start before the days grow shorter and cooler.

If you’re planning your fall vegetable garden in San Francisco, August is the perfect time to get crops in the ground. With the right planting strategy, you’ll enjoy fresh harvests well into autumn.

What to Plant in August

🌱 Radishes

Radishes germinate quickly and grow fast, making them one of the easiest late summer crops. You’ll be harvesting crisp, peppery roots in just a few weeks—well before the weather shifts.

🌱 Beets

Sow beet seeds while the soil is still warm to encourage strong germination. Beets take time to size up, so starting them in late summer gives their roots plenty of time to mature for an autumn harvest.

🌱 Kohlrabi

A member of the cabbage family, kohlrabi forms sweet, crunchy bulbs above the soil. Think of it as the tender, juicy heart of a broccoli stalk. Planting in August gives it a head start so you can enjoy it in the cooler months.

🌱 Carrots

Carrots are versatile—you can sow them in late summer for a fall harvest or let them “overwinter” for an early spring crop. If you seed some now, they’ll grow quickly and be ready before winter sets in.

Why Late Summer Gardening Matters in San Francisco

As September and October bring our city’s warmest days, your summer vegetables will reach their final flush of productivity. By leaving space for August sowing, you create a bridge between the warm-season crops fading out and the cool-season ones just beginning.

The reward? A San Francisco garden filled with both late summer squash and cherry tomatoes alongside fresh radishes, beets, carrots, and kohlrabi—all in one season.

San Francisco’s unique coastal climate makes it possible to enjoy this late-summer gift. With the right planting plan, you’ll be harvesting homegrown vegetables well into fall.

Professional Landscaping & Garden Care in San Francisco

At Fyrn Landscapes, we specialize in San Francisco landscaping, edible garden design, and seasonal planting services. Whether you’re starting a fall vegetable garden, maintaining fruit trees, or refreshing your backyard landscape, our expert team can help you get the most out of your outdoor space.

👉 Contact us today to schedule professional landscaping or garden maintenance in San Francisco and enjoy a thriving backyard all year long.