The peak of the growing season, which is summer, is when the vegetable garden really shines. While certain crops, like broccoli, spinach, and cauliflower, prefer the milder spring and fall temps, others, like tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers, require hotter climates to grow.
14 greatest summer veggies to cultivate are listed below, along with some advice.
#1. Tomatoes
Source: Farmers’ Almanac
The flavor of freshly cultivated tomatoes at home is hard to compete with. Many months of mild summer weather are necessary for these well-liked veggies to yield a plentiful crop. Tomatoes are strong feeders and require fertile soil and fertilizer to grow and prosper. For the best harvests, pick a location that gets full light, and gives your plants regular watering and extra fertilizer.
#2. Peppers
Source: the Roots Blog – Back to the Roots
Peppers thrive well in a sunny location with fertile soil that drains well. While planting, enrich the soil with an all-purpose fertilizer for vegetables and water the plants consistently. To prevent plants from toppling over or breaking under the weight of the fruit, they will need to be staked or caged.
#3. Berries
Source: Tui Garden
Berries require a minimum of two plants to cross-pollinate, whereas other berries self-pollinate. Put in the full sun, give plants plenty of water during the summer, and when the berries begin to mature, cover them with bird netting.
#4. Cucumber
Source: Bonnie Plants
These heat seekers make a popular crunchy salad ingredient as well as snacks and pickles. Wait till the soil reaches 60 to 70 degrees F before direct sowing seeds for the greatest results. Give these vining plants lots of space or put them on a trellis or fence. Make sure plants get sufficient water on a regular basis to prevent being bitter or deformed. Harvest often to promote fresh fruit produce.
#5. Melons
Source: Kellogg Garden Products
One of the best summertime delights is biting into a slice of sweet, juicy melon. To produce ripe, delicious fruit, melons require a lot of heat, water, quality soil, and fertilizer. Choose a south-facing location that receives heat reflection, and gives the vines plenty of space to spread out. To warm the soil and hasten plant development, employ heat-enhancing techniques like a cloche or black plastic.
#6. Summer Squash
Source: Bonnie Plants
These heat-loving veggies are best consumed fresh since, unlike winter squash, they do not store well. Types include crookneck, straightneck, pattypan, and zephyr as well as green and yellow zucchini. Choose a location with rich, drained soil that is sunny. When the soil reaches 70 degrees F, plant in rows or hills and direct-sow seeds.
#7. Beans
Source: AllThatGrows
Beans are a nutritional powerhouse and one of the greatest sources of plant-based protein. Several bean varieties, including as black, pinto, lima, and fava beans, can be grown in addition to the perennially popular green bean. When the air temperature is between 65 and 85 degrees F and the soil temperature hits 60 F, direct sow seeds outside.
#8. Corns
Source: Plantura
The classic summer crop and a beloved delicacy at picnics and barbecues is fresh sweet corn. For soft, plump kernels, this fast-growing vegetable needs a lot of water and fertilizer.
#9. Eggplant
Source: Clean Green Simple
When planted in the sweltering summer, this tasty crop grows quickly and easily. In winter, use heat-inducing techniques like a cloche or black plastic mulch to warm the soil and hasten development. Provide a lot of sunlight, nutrient-rich soil, and consistent watering. For the finest flavor, pick fruits when they are still fresh.
#10. Salad Greens
Source: Michigan State University
When provided with shade and lots of water, even normal lettuce may be produced throughout the summer heat. Reseed often and harvest when the leaves are young.
#11. Okra
Source: Harvest to Table
This simple-to-grow crop does well in warmer climates because of its high heat and drought tolerance. After germination, edible seed pods are ready in approximately 50–60 days.
#12. Peas
Source: Gardener’s Path
The days to maturity given on the seed packet must be subtracted from your typical first frost date in order to estimate the ideal time to plant. You should also allow an additional week for germination. To hasten germination, seeds can be immersed in water overnight. Water plants often so that they can grow blooms and pods.
#13. Tomatillos
Source: All About Gardening
Tomatillos, which like soil temperatures between 70 and 80 degrees F, are particularly susceptible to cold. 4 weeks before your latest day of frost, start seeds inside or buy plants from a nursery. The majority of cultivars mature in 75–100 days. Grow two or more plants to ensure effective cross-pollination.
#14. Sweet Potatoes
Source: HGTV
This tuberous vegetable, unlike conventional potatoes, is tropical in nature and requires several months of heat to flourish. Plant tuber slips in an area with sunny exposure and rich, well-draining soil as soon as the soil temperature reaches at least 60 degrees F. 1 inch of water every week will keep the surface equally wet. As the foliage starts to turn yellow and 2 to 3 weeks before harvesting, stop watering.
