Tomatoes, Garlic, and Peak Summer Bounty
August in the Garden
August is here, and in the garden that means one thing: peak summer abundance. The tomatoes are ripening, the garlic is ready for its moment to shine, and the whole farm feels full of flavor, color, and activity. It’s the best part of summer, even if the heat has some crops slowing down a bit.
At Sweet Farm, we’re making the most of this delicious season by celebrating the harvest with a few of our favorite events. Our upcoming Heirloom Tomato Parties are a chance to taste the incredible diversity of tomatoes we grow here in our regenerative gardens, from juicy classics to colorful and unusual varieties. We’ll also be hosting garlic tasting events, where you can sample different kinds of garlic, learn more about growing it at home, and enjoy one of the most flavorful harvests of the year.
What’s Happening in the Garden
August is a great time to keep up with regular harvesting, especially for crops that produce more when they’re picked often. Tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and herbs are all in full swing right now, and staying on top of harvests helps keep plants productive. If you’re growing at home, this is also the perfect moment to think ahead and start planning for your fall garden.
Even though summer is still going strong, now is the time to start seeds for cooler-weather crops like kale, lettuce, spinach, radishes, and carrots. A little planning now can keep your garden going well into the fall.
Join Us for Tomato and Garlic Season
We’d love to see you at our Heirloom Tomato Parties on August 22 and September 6 as we celebrate biodiversity, flavor, and the joy of eating fresh from the garden. These events are all about tasting, sharing, and appreciating the many varieties that make heirloom tomatoes so special.
Our garlic tasting events are another favorite way to celebrate the harvest. Garlic is one of the most rewarding crops to grow, and these tastings are a fun way to explore the wide range of flavors it can bring to the table. Whether you’re a longtime gardener or just getting started, we hope you’ll join us for a taste of summer at Sweet Farm.
What to do in zone 6b in August
Water deeply and consistently, especially during hot, dry spells.
Weed regularly so unwanted plants do not compete for moisture and nutrients.
Harvest often, especially tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, beans, herbs, and summer squashes.
Check plants for pests and disease, and remove damaged leaves when needed.
Deadhead flowers to encourage more blooming.
Pinch back basil and other herbs to delay flowering and keep them productive.
Prune tomato suckers and remove lower leaves for better airflow.
Support heavy fruiting plants with stakes, cages, or ties.
Side-dress vegetables with compost if they are still producing heavily.
Start planning and sowing fall crops such as lettuce, spinach, arugula, radishes, turnips, and carrots.
Transplant cool-season crops like kale, broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower if you started them indoors.
Divide and replant crowded perennials later in the month if needed.
Collect seeds from healthy flowers, herbs, or vegetables you want to grow again.
Remove spent crops and make space for fall planting.
Garden Tip for August
If you’re growing cucumbers, keep harvesting them regularly — the more you pick, the more they’ll often produce. And if you haven’t started your fall crops yet, don’t worry, there’s still time to get seeds going and keep your garden productive into the next season.
BEGINNER GARDENING SPOTLIGHT: Dog Lover’s Garden Kit
The Dog Lover's Garden Seed Kit is a living tribute for anyone who cherishes the companionship of dogs, containing dogwood tree seeds, a nutrient-rich peat pellet, a biodegradable fiber pot, and easy-to-follow planting instructions. Designed to honor the bond between people and their canine companions, this kit creates a lasting, growing memorial or celebratory gift.
