Planting in the Summer, It's Not Too Late
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Summer is in full swing, and you might think it's too late to plant anything new in your garden.
Well, I'm here to tell you that there's still plenty of time to get your hands dirty and add some vibrant life to those empty spaces.
Whether you're working with a raised bed or a corner of your yard, summer planting can be a great way to start growing your own vegetables or flowers.
So let's talk about what you can still plant in the summer without worrying about the heat.
To learn more about what to grow this summer, check out my guides:
Vegetables to Plant in the Summer
When it comes to summer planting, vegetables are a fantastic choice.
Some vegetables not only tolerate the heat but actually thrive in it, making them perfect for planting in July and beyond.
Here are a few favorites that will do well in the summer heat:
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are a classic summer vegetable that loves the heat.
They require full sun and consistent watering, especially when the weather is hot.
There are many varieties to choose from, including cherry, beefsteak, and heirloom tomatoes.
Make sure to support your tomato plants with stakes or cages to keep the fruit off the ground and to encourage healthy growth.
To keep your tomato plants healthy this summer check out my guide: Quick Homemade Tomato Fertilizer.
Here are the tomatoes I recommend growing:
Peppers
Both sweet and hot peppers thrive in summer's full sun.
Varieties like bell peppers, jalapeños, and habaneros can be planted now and will continue producing until the first frost.
Peppers need well-draining soil and should be watered deeply but not too frequently.
Mulching around the base of the plants can help retain soil moisture and keep the roots cool.
To lengthen your harvest this year, check out my guide: The Art of Preserving Heat: How to Dry Chillies Perfectly.
Here are the peppers I recommend growing:
Beans
Bush beans and pole beans are excellent choices for summer planting.
They grow quickly and can produce a bountiful harvest in a short amount of time.
Beans do well in raised beds or directly in the ground.
Pole beans will need something to climb on, like a trellis or a teepee made from bamboo stakes.
Beans prefer well-drained soil and full sun.
Here are the beans I recommend growing:
Cucumbers
Cucumbers are perfect for summer salads and pickling.
They grow fast and can be very productive in the heat.
Look for varieties that are resistant to common diseases like powdery mildew.
Cucumbers can be grown on the ground or on a trellis to save space.
They require regular watering to keep the fruits crisp and juicy.
Check out my guide: A Guide to Growing Perfect Greenhouse Cucumbers.
Here are the cucumbers I recommend growing:
Squash
Summer squash and zucchini are among the easiest vegetables to grow during the summer months.
They need plenty of space to spread out, so plant them where they have room to grow.
These plants thrive in full sun and well-drained soil.
Regular watering is crucial, especially during dry spells, to keep the plants healthy and productive.
Check out my guide: Maximize Your Zucchini Harvest: Companion Planting Guide.
Here is the zucchini I recommend growing:
Okra
Okra loves the heat and is a staple in many summer gardens.
It grows well in full sun and hot weather.
Okra plants can grow quite tall, so give them plenty of space.
Harvest the pods when they are young and tender for the best flavor.
Regular harvesting encourages the plant to produce more pods.
Here is the okra I recommend growing:
Eggplant
Eggplants are another heat-loving vegetable perfect for summer planting.
They come in various shapes and colors, from the classic dark purple to lighter varieties like Japanese or white eggplants.
They require full sun and regular watering.
Supporting the plants with stakes can help prevent the heavy fruits from weighing down the branches.
Here is the eggplant I recommend growing:
For more garden inspiration, check out my guide:
Watering:
Water deeply and consistently to encourage strong root development.
Early morning or late evening watering can help reduce evaporation.
Another great option for watering is using a soaker hose.
Here is the soaker hose I recommend:
Pest Control:
Keep an eye out for pests like aphids, caterpillars, and beetles in the summer months.
If needed use an insecticidal soap spray.
Here is the one I recommend using:
Harvesting:
Harvest vegetables regularly to encourage continuous production.
Overripe vegetables left on the plant can signal the plant to stop producing.
For tips on harvesting, check out my guides:
For more summer gardening tips, check out my guide:
Flowers to Plant in the Summer
If you're looking to add some color to your garden during the hottest months of the year, there are plenty of flowers that can be planted in the summer.
These blooms not only tolerate the heat but often thrive in it, bringing life to your garden.
Here are some great options to consider:
Marigolds
Marigolds are a summer gardening staple.
These hardy flowers thrive in full sun and can handle the heat and drought conditions typical of the season.
They come in a variety of colors, including bright oranges, yellows, and reds.
Marigolds are also great for companion planting as they help deter pests like nematodes and aphids.
To learn more about this, check out my guide: How to Pair Marigold Companion Plants.
Plant them in borders, beds, or containers for a splash of color.
Here are the marigolds I recommend growing:
Zinnias
Zinnias are another excellent choice for summer planting.
These bright and cheerful flowers bloom all summer long and come in a wide range of colors.
They are easy to grow from seed and do best in full sun with well-drained soil.
To learn more, check out my guide: How to Grow Zinnias in Pots: From Seed to Colorful Blooms.
Zinnias attract pollinators like butterflies and bees, making them a great addition to any garden.
Here are the zinnias I recommend growing:
Check out my guide:
Sunflowers
Sunflowers are synonymous with summer.
These towering plants love the sun and can grow quite tall, adding a little flair to your garden.
There are also shorter varieties suitable for containers or smaller spaces.
Sunflowers are easy to grow and can handle hot weather with ease.
They also provide food for birds and other wildlife with their seeds.
Here are the sunflowers I recommend growing:
Cosmos
Cosmos are delicate, daisy-like flowers that bring a touch of elegance to the garden.
They are easy to grow and do well in poor soil conditions, making them low-maintenance.
Cosmos thrive in full sun and can tolerate dry, hot weather.
They come in a range of colors, from white and pink to deep crimson, and their feathery foliage adds a soft texture to the garden.
Cosmos are also great for cutting and bringing indoors.
Check out my guide: Container Cosmos: How to Grow Cosmos in Small Spaces.
Here are the cosmos I recommend growing:
Petunias
Petunias are versatile and available in many colors and patterns.
They can be planted in beds, borders, hanging baskets, and containers.
Petunias prefer full sun and well-drained soil.
Regular deadheading (removing spent flowers) will encourage more blooms throughout the summer.
They are also relatively drought-tolerant once established, making them ideal for hot summer days.
To learn more, check out my guide: How to Fertilize Petunias So They Bloom Like Never Before.
Here are the petunias I recommend growing:
Lantana
Lantana is a heat-loving flower that thrives in the summer sun.
These plants produce clusters of small, brightly colored flowers that can attract butterflies and hummingbirds to your garden.
Lantana is very drought-tolerant and can handle the harsh conditions of summer.
It is great for borders, containers, and ground covers.
Be aware that in some regions, lantana can be invasive, so check local guidelines before planting.
Here is the lantana I recommend:
Black-eyed Susans
Black-eyed Susans are a classic summer flower known for their bright yellow petals and dark centers.
They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil and are relatively drought-tolerant.
These flowers can grow quite tall, making them perfect for the back of flower beds or along fences.
They bloom from midsummer to early fall, adding long-lasting color to your garden.
Here is the Black-eyed Susan I recommend growing:
Tips for Successful Flower Planting in the Summer
Deadheading:
Regularly remove spent flowers to encourage new blooms and maintain the plant's appearance.
Learn more about this with my guide: How to Deadhead Dahlias for Stunning Blooms.
Fertilizing:
Use a balanced fertilizer to provide essential nutrients and promote healthy growth and abundant flowering.
Here is the one I recommend:
For more garden advice, check out my guide:
Tips for Successful Summer Planting
Planting in the summer does come with its challenges, especially with the heat.
Here are some tips to ensure your new plants thrive:
Choose a Cloudy Day:
Planting on a cloudy day can reduce transplant shock.
Water Regularly:
Keep an eye on soil moisture, especially in the first week after planting.
Use Shade Cloth:
Protect young plants from the harsh midday sun.
Here is the one I recommend:
Check Root Balls:
Ensure they're well-hydrated before planting.
Quick FAQS
Is it okay to plant grass in the summer?
Yes, you can plant grass in the summer, but it's best to choose a variety suited for heat and drought.
Keep it well-watered until it's established.
Can I plant trees in the summer?
Planting trees in the summer can be challenging due to the heat.
It's crucial to keep the root ball moist and water the tree regularly.
What about planting potatoes in the summer?
Potatoes can be planted in the summer, especially in cooler climates or if you use mulch to keep the soil temperature down.
For more potato growing tips, check out my guide: How Long Do Potatoes Take to Grow?
Can I still plant perennials in the summer?
Absolutely!
Many perennials can be planted in the summer.
Just ensure they get enough water and consider using shade cloth to protect them from intense sun.
Wrap-Up
Summer isn't just about enjoying the fruits of your spring labor; it's also a great time to add new plants to your garden.
With the right care and attention, your garden can flourish even in the hottest months.
So grab some of your favorite plants, and enjoy the rest of the gardening season.
