A List of Plants That Will Grow Best in the Summer

Understanding Warm vs. Cool-Season Crops

Now that summer is almost here, you may want to break out that shovel and hoe from your gardening shed and get to work on this year’s garden. Before you start, you should consider what plants will actually grow well this summer, and maybe find out why they haven’t been doing well in the past. Understanding your crop’s temperature needs is the first step toward a successful harvest.

First things first, you will need to plant species that like warm weather, and may even require it in order to grow well. Keep in mind, some plants can survive hot weather, but actually taste bitter or don’t grow well because of it (a common issue with lettuce, a cool-season crop). There are two “seasons” that vegetables are designated to: the “warm-season” and “cool-season”. Warm season vegetables will often die very easily if ever exposed to a frost and require soil temperatures above 60°F to germinate and thrive.

FAQ: What are warm-season vegetables and why should I plant them in summer?

Warm-season vegetables are plants that thrive in high temperatures and are easily damaged or killed by frost, such as tomatoes, peppers, and beans. They are ideal for planting in the summer because they require long, hot days to produce fruit and develop their best flavor and yield. Starting them after the last frost is essential for successful growth.

Here are a few warm season vegetables perfect for the peak heat:

Essential Warm-Season Crops to Plant Now

1. Green Beans (or string beans)

Green beans (or string beans) come in two varieties: either a bush, which is self-supporting, or climbing varieties that will need a pole or trellis to vine to. Bush beans mature faster, while pole beans offer a higher yield over a longer season. You can harvest these 50 to 70 days after planting.

2. Corn

Make sure your corn variety does well in the summer heat. When planting, ensure to plant your corn seeds in parallel rows. Corn is wind-pollinated, so planting in short, parallel rows or blocks, rather than a single long row, greatly increases successful kernel development. You can harvest 60 to 100 days after planting. For successful germination, the soil temperature should be at least 60°F.

3. Cucumbers

There are many different Cucumber varieties, including long green slicers, small varieties for pickling, and even mild-flavored lemon cucumbers, which are often yellow. Cucumbers are vigorous growers and benefit greatly from vertical gardening, saving space and reducing disease risk. You can harvest 50 to 100 days after planting; but make sure to pick them often to keep your plants growing more. Leaving mature cucumbers on the vine signals the plant to stop producing.

Planting and Harvesting Popular Summer Vegetables

4. Melons

The most common melon planted in the summer is the Cantaloupe. They ripen the fastest which makes them the easiest melons to grow. Watermelons and Honeydew require longer, hotter seasons. Melons are heavy feeders and require consistent moisture and nutrient-rich soil to develop sweet fruit. You can harvest 70 to 115 days after planting. Monitor for a change in color or a gentle slip from the vine (in the case of Cantaloupe) to determine ripeness.

5. Peppers

There are sweet peppers, which come in many different varieties and have a range of colors, shapes, and sizes (like Bell Peppers). And then there are hot peppers, which also come in many different sizes, colors, and spiciness (like Jalapeños). Both types thrive in full sun and heat. You can harvest 60 to 95 days after planting. For a higher quantity of peppers, pick them while they are green; for a sweeter or hotter flavor, allow them to ripen fully to their intended color (red, yellow, etc.).

6. Squash

There are two basic types of squash: summer squash, which grows in a bush and is harvested young, and winter squash, which is a vine and harvested when mature. Zucchini, Crookneck, and Pattypan are examples of summer squash grown in the warmer months. You can harvest 50 to 60 days after planting.

Maximizing Yields for Beans, Corn, and Cucumbers

7. Tomatoes

Tomatoes are notoriously easy to grow and grow in plenty. There are a huge amount of varieties, from the small cherry types, all the way to 2-pound giants. This fruit grows in all sorts of colors including red, yellow, orange, and sometimes pink. For the best results, put a stake by each plant or wire cylinders around them to support them as they grow. This practice prevents the fruit from touching the ground, reducing the risk of pests and disease. For varieties with resistance to common blights, consider checking out resources from your local extension office, like the University of Maryland Extension on Tomato Diseases.

• Watering:Tomatoes need consistent watering, especially once fruit sets, to prevent blossom end rot.
• Fertilizing: Use a fertilizer with lower nitrogen and higher potassium and phosphorus to encourage flowering and fruiting, not just leafy growth.
• Pruning: Remove suckers (small shoots growing between the main stem and a leaf branch) to improve air circulation and focus the plant’s energy on fruit production.

By focusing on these seven warm-season vegetables, and giving them the full sun, deep watering, and rich soil they crave, you are setting yourself up for a bountiful summer harvest. Ready to get started? We have high-quality Heirloom Tomato Seeds available to plant now.

Let’s get to growing,

Corryn