Summer is often associated with a flourishing garden that is loaded with blossoming plants ready for harvest. If you are looking for the different types of vegetables to plant in summer, here are some of the options you can try. We also share some tips and tricks to transform your garden into a bountiful harvest heaven. In addition, gardening is also a great senior activity that can help you stay active.
Cucumbers
Cucumbers are perfect for eating straight off the vine, pickling, or tossing in salads. They are prolific producers, and some types are hard to find in stores. Lemon cucumbers, Persian cucumbers, and cucamelons are some examples you can explore with. Plant cucumbers in rich soil and place your pots in full sun in the spring. In the summer, water regularly to enjoy season-long harvests. Cucumbers are also rich in water, hence they can keep you hydrated all day long to help maintain your senior health.
Tomatoes
A summer garden is not complete without tomatoes. They both go hand-in-hand and are great for eating fresh in salads. For slicing, beef steak tomatoes are highly recommended whereas Romas tomatoes are great for soups, roasting, and adding in sauces. Tomatoes need plenty of heat and full sun and require a long growing season. As soon as the weather starts to warm up, you can start planting your tomatoes for the best results.
Peppers
You can grow peppers alongside your tomatoes. They both have similar growing needs so you can better manage their health when planted together. Peppers also need rich soil, full sun, and consistent deep watering just like tomatoes. You can use a thumb-controlled watering nozzle and make sure the water level of your peppers is always near soil level. Aside from peppers, other plants that have similar growing needs like tomatoes include squash, radishes, carrots, and garlic or onion.
Squash
There are many types of squashes. Cousa, Delicata, Pattypans, Crookneck, Zucchini, and Summer squash are all great options for you to start planting. Plant them early in soil that is well-drained from seeds and give them consistent deep watering and plenty of sun. You can harvest them regularly to encourage continued flowers and fruit. Among other plants, corn, cucumbers, and beans are also great to plant side-by-side with squash.
Sorrels
Sorrels are cold-hardy perennials that bloom throughout the hottest days of summer. They are refreshing and have a great tangy flavor for soups and salads. To enjoy a striking foliage of sorrels, plant them in a strategic way. Other companion plants that can be planted in close proximity to sorrels include cabbage, tomatoes, and strawberries.
Beans
Runner beans, pole beans, and bush beans are equally delightful because there are always a few beans to pick nearly every day once they begin producing fruit. For beans, consider rotating their planting locations so you can enjoy the benefits of their abilities to fix nitrogen in soil. Hence nitrogen in soil is replenished by the beans as they grow due to their symbiotic relationship with rhizobium bacteria. They grow up instead of out just like cucumbers, hence correct spacing is key.
