Still ample time to plant these seedlings
In the heart of summer, gardeners can still reap the rewards of a bountiful harvest by planting fast-growing and heat-tolerant vegetables. Mercy Kambura shares her advice based on GrowVeg's recommendations and general gardening knowledge.
- Zucchini – Zucchini seeds are quick to germinate and grow aggressively. To prevent rot, plant them at least 2 feet apart, angled on their sides.
- Cucumbers – These versatile vegetables thrive in warm weather and can be planted mid-summer for a successful harvest.
- Bush Beans – Beans are easy to grow and forgiving, making them perfect for late sowing.
- Summer Squash – Similar to zucchini, summer squash can still be planted mid-summer for a late-season crop.
- Salad Greens – Arugula or leaf lettuce, for example, can be planted in mid-summer for a fresh addition to salads.
- Radishes – Fast-growing and ideal for late planting, radishes are a great choice for a quick harvest.
- Beets – Beets are another root vegetable that can be successfully planted mid-summer.
- Kale – Kale is a hardy leafy green that can withstand the heat, making it a suitable choice for mid-summer planting.
- Swiss Chard – This leafy green is also heat-tolerant and can be planted mid-summer for a late harvest.
- Asian Greens – Bok choy, for instance, can be planted mid-summer for a flavourful addition to stir-fries and salads.
For exact planting tips and conditions for each crop, GrowVeg's official YouTube video titled "Ten crops that can be planted mid-summer" provides complete details.
Other gardening tips include starting celery seeds in pots with a clear plastic bag until they sprout, sowing broccoli seeds in small pots and moving them outside when the time's right, and providing at least 2 feet of space for zucchini plants to avoid mildew and allow airflow.
Experimentation is key to a successful garden. Gardeners can still have successful harvests by trying a variety they've never grown, staggering their sowing, or testing direct sowing or transplanting methods. Happy gardening!
- In addition to fast-growing vegetables like zucchini and cucumbers, bush beans can also be planted mid-summer, making your home-and-garden lifestyle produce even more fruits.
- For a late-season crop, consider planting summer squash, similar to zucchini, which can still be sowed in mid-summer for a bountiful harvest.
- Don't forget about leafy greens like arugula or leaf lettuce for a fresh addition to your salads – they can be planted mid-summer as well.
- Radishes and beets are fast-growing root vegetables that are ideal for late planting, ensuring a quick harvest in your garden.
- Kale and Swiss Chard, being heat-tolerant, can be planted mid-summer, extending your harvest time throughout the season.
- Asian greens such as bok choy are another great choice, providing a flavourful addition to stir-fries and salads that can be planted mid-summer.
- For a successful garden, try experimenting with diverse crops, staggering your sowing, or testing direct sowing or transplanting methods – the key to success is diversity and adaptation to your unique gardening conditions.
