August is a Great Time to Plant
Weather conditions and soil temperatures matter more after a planting, than on the day of planting. There’s always a lot of discussion and consternation about what day to put the seed in the ground. For example, “It’s going to rain on Tuesday, but be dry from Wednesday through Friday, when should I plant?” What really matters is the conditions that are coming in the six weeks after a planting.
Here’s a list of reasons why I think August 2026 is a great time to plant:
- August and September this year, will not be like the last two years – We will get rain in August and September 2026. We are not going to have a fall drought like 2024 and 2025.
- Soil temperatures start their downward trend in mid-August – Soil temperatures drop about 15 degrees from 8/15 – 9/30. In the spring, soil temperatures rise about 20 – 25 degrees from 5/1 – 6/15. That’s what makes a spring planting so tough.
- Leaves are not falling yet – Leaves falling on a new seeding are a big problem. I cringe when we sell shade mixes at the end of September or into October. Towards the end of August the leaves will turn yellow on locusts, willows, etc., which is always a reminder of what’s coming.
- The seed doesn’t know the date, only the conditions – Nothing magical happens on September 1st I promise.
- The best seeding window of the year – The best growing conditions will occur from 8/15 – 10/15. Don’t miss half of that window by waiting till mid-September.
- Lower soil temperatures
- Soil temperatures are less conducive to weeds and more friendly to cool season grasses.
