14 VEGETABLES TO PLANT IN SUMMER GARDENS

TOMATOES

It’s hard to beat the taste of fresh homegrown tomatoes. These favorite vegetables require several months of warm summer weather to produce a bountiful harvest. Tomatoes are heavy feeders, needing rich soil and fertilizer to thrive. Choose a site that receives full sun and provide regular water and supplemental fertilizer for the highest yields. Wait to transplant outdoors until nighttime temperatures are at least 55 degrees F. Plants will need trellising, caging, or staking to support fruits.

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PEPPERS

This versatile warm weather vegetable comes in hundreds of different varieties, from mild to screeching hot, to suit every taste. Because of the long growing time, plants will need to be started indoors or purchased as nursery starts. Wait to plant outdoors until nighttime temperatures are consistently 60 degrees F or above. Peppers thrive in a sunny site with rich well-draining soil. Add an all-purpose fertilizer formulated for vegetables to the soil at the time of planting and keep plants evenly moist. Plants will need staking or caging to keep from bending over or breaking from the weight of the fruit.

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BERRIES

Though they are not vegetables, berries are a must-have addition to any edible landscape. Choose varieties that produce fruit at different times during the summer for a longer harvest. For those with limited space, select dwarf varieties that can be grown in containers. Blueberries need at least two plants for cross pollination, while other types are self-pollinating. Make sure to research cultural needs for each type. Plant in full sun, keep plants well watered during summer and cover with bird netting when berries start to ripen.

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CUCUMBER

These heat lovers are a favorite crunchy addition to salads, as well as for snacking or pickling. For best results, wait to direct sow seeds until the soil warms up to 60-70 degrees F. Train these vining plants on a fence or trellis, or allow them plenty of room to sprawl. Make sure plants receive plenty of regular water to keep fruit from becoming bitter or misshapen. Harvest frequently to encourage new fruit.

MELONS

Biting into a sweet, juicy melon slice is one of summertime’s greatest pleasures. Melons need lots of heat, water, rich soil, and fertilizer to develop ripe, succulent fruit. Choose a south-facing site that receives reflected heat and allow plenty of room for vines to sprawl. Wait to sow seeds until soil temperature is 65-70 degrees F, or plant from nursery starts. Use heat-enhancing methods such as a cloche or black plastic to warm the soil and speed plant growth.

SUMMER SQUASH

Unlike winter squash, these heat-loving vegetables do not store well and are best eaten fresh. Types include green and yellow zucchini, crookneck, straightneck, pattypan, and zephyr. Choose a sunny site with rich, well-draining soil. Plant in rows or hills and direct sow seeds when soil temperature reaches 70 degrees F. Plants need 1 to 2 inches of water per week. Use drip irrigation to reduce the risk of foliar disease. Male flowers are followed by female flowers that bear fruit.

BEANS

A powerhouse of nutrition, beans are one of the best sources of vegetative protein. Beyond the ever-popular green beans, there are other types to grow, including black, pinto, lima, and fava beans. Direct sow seed outdoors when soil temperature reaches 60 degrees F and air temperature is 65 to 85 degrees F. Pole beans can be harvested from mid-summer into fall, while bush types can be sown every couple of weeks throughout summer for a continuous crop. Utilize space-saving trellises and containers to maximize production.

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CORN

Fresh sweet corn is the quintessential summer crop, a favorite treat at barbecues and picnics. This fast-growing vegetable needs plenty of fertilizer and water to produce tender, plump kernels. Plant in 4 x 4 foot squares or multiple rows to ensure successful cross-pollination. Harvest just before eating, freezing, or preserving for the best flavor. For a unique twist, grill fresh ears and try different toppings such as aioli, pesto, mayonnaise, or fresh herbs.

EGGPLANT

This delicious vegetable is prolific and easy to grow when planted during the heat of summer. In cooler climates, use heat-enhancing methods such as a cloche or black plastic mulch to warm the soil and speed growth. Provide plenty of sun, rich soil, and regular water. Harvest fruits when they are young for the best flavor. For a quick and easy side dish, brush eggplant slices with olive oil and grill on the barbecue. Season with salt and pepper and garnish with fresh herbs, cheese, pesto, or other condiments.

GREENS

Though salad greens are normally a cool weather crop, there are still ways to enjoy fresh greens throughout the summer. Choose varieties such as Malabar spinach and New Zealand spinach that thrive in heat. Mustard, collards, and Swiss chard are both heat and cold tolerant. Even regular lettuce can be grown during the heat of summer when given shade and plenty of water. Re-sow every couple of weeks and harvest when leaves are young. Germination rate decreases when soil temperature exceeds 80-85 degrees F. Heat-resistant lettuce varieties include ‘Jericho’, ‘Red Sails’, and ‘Buttercrunch’.

OKRA

A staple in Southern cuisines, okra is used to thicken soups, stews, and Creole gumbo. This easy-to-grow vegetable thrives in warmer regions due to its extreme tolerance to heat and drought. Edible seed pods are produced in just 50-60 days from germination. Directly sow seeds outdoors in rich, well-draining soil when soil temperature reaches 65-70 degrees F. Though okra is drought-tolerant, it produces better yields when receiving regular water. Harvest a few days after flowering when pods are still small for best texture and productivity.

PEAS

Though peas are normally a cool weather crop, they can be replanted in mid to late summer for a fall crop. To calculate the best time to plant, determine your average first frost date, subtract the days to maturity listed on the seed packet, and allow an extra week for germination. Seeds can be soaked in water overnight to speed germination. Shade new seedlings from sun during the hottest part of the day and mulch with organic matter to help reduce soil temperature. Keep plants well watered to develop flowers and pods.

SWEET POTATOES

This nutrient-dense vegetable is a rich source of beta-carotene, vitamin A, vitamin C, fiber, and trace minerals. Unlike regular potatoes, this tuberous vegetable is tropical in origin, needing several months of heat to thrive. Once soil temperature reaches at least 60 degrees F, plant tuber slips in a sunny site with rich, well-draining soil. Keep evenly moist with 1 inch of water per week. Cease watering 2 to 3 weeks before harvesting when foliage begins to turn yellow.

TOMATILLOS

Small rounded green fruits of this tomato relative grow inside papery husks. The tart fruits are a staple ingredient in Mexican cuisine, used to make green salsa or enchilada verde sauce. Tomatillos are especially cold-sensitive, preferring soil temperatures of 70-80 degrees F. Start seed indoors 4 weeks before your last frost date or purchase nursery-grown plants. Most varieties take 75-100 days to mature. Make sure to grow two or more plants for successful cross-pollination.