THE VEGETABLE GARDEN

Summer is the height of the growing season when the vegetable garden comes into its own. While some vegetables such as broccoli, spinach, and cauliflower prefer the cooler temperatures of spring and autumn, others such as tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers need hotter weather in order to thrive.

Here are the best summer vegetables to grow, along with some tips to get you started.

Tomatoes

These favourite vegetables require months of warm weather to produce a bountiful harvest and rich soil and fertilizer to thrive. Choose a sunny site and provide regular water and supplemental fertilizer for high yields. Transplant outdoors when nighttime temperatures are at least 55 degrees F. Trellis, cage, or stake to support fruits.

Peppers

Because of the long growing time, plants will need to be started indoors or purchased as nursery starts. Plant outdoors when 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 on planting and keep plants moist. Stake or cage to support the weight of the fruit.

Berries

Although not vegetables, berries are a must-have addition to any edible landscape. Choose varieties that produce fruit at different times during the 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 well watered during summer and cover with bird netting when berries start to ripen.

Cucumber

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

Beans

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 autumn, while bush types can be sown every couple of weeks throughout summer. Utilise space-saving trellises and containers to maximize production.

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Melons

Melons need lots of heat, water, rich soil, and fertilizer to develop 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.

Okra

A staple in Southern cuisines, okra is used to thicken soups, stews, and Creole gumbo. It 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. Okra produces better yields with regular water. Harvest a few days after flowering when pods are still small.

Summer Squash

Unlike winter squash, summer squash do not store well and are best eaten fresh. 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 - 2 inches of water per

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Aubergine

Plant 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 sun, rich soil, and regular water. Harvest fruits when they are young.

Greens

Greens are normally a cool weather crop. 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’.

Peas

Peas are normally a cool weather crop but can be replanted in mid to late summer. 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 seedlings from sun during the day and mulch with organic matter to reduce soil temperature. Keep plants well watered.

Sweet Potatoes

A rich source of beta-carotene, vitamin A, vitamin C, fiber, and trace minerals. Tropical in origin, they need 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 moist with 1 inch of water per week. Cease watering 2 to 3 weeks before harvesting when foliage begins to turn yellow.