What's in My Garden: Early Summer

Early summer is the ideal time in the garden for growing fruits, flowers, veggies, and herbs. This is the start of peak growing season when the vegetable (and fruit) garden comes into its life. From enjoying soft evenings of long days and sinking your hands in the soil to picking delicious harvests to cook or eat, early summer gives gardens the most excellent chance to catch moments. Longer days and warmer weather during this season create ideal growing conditions for heat-loving plants like peppers, tomatoes, zucchini, and basil. Also, it's the time of year when spring flowers are nearly over, and summer blooms are ready to appear in all their glory. The breezes bring their delicious scents to your garden.

So, what flowers, vegetables, and fruits should you include in your garden in early summer? Read on and check out all the delicious crops you'd love to grow this year for a beautiful and fruitful summer garden.

Vegetables

Here are the vegetables to grow in warmer weather.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes are the gardeners' favorite and popular vegetables that require months of warm summer weather to yield a delicious harvest. Tomatoes are unsurpassed when they are ripe and picked fresh from the garden. No vegetable can beat the taste of freshly homegrown tomatoes.

Most tomato plants, such as cherry tomatoes, are ideal for growing in pots or containers on patios and other areas as long as they receive enough sunlight. Tomatoes are heavy feeders, so they require regular watering, full sun, fertilizer for high yields, and stakes or cages for support.

Learn how to grow tomatoes.

Peppers

Peppers ripen in various colors, including green, yellow, orange, and red. They are rich in potassium, which is beneficial to the skin, and are also high in vitamins C and A. Warm-season bell peppers grow well in full sunlight and well-drained, wet soil. They can yield fruit even in the 90s temperatures, but if temperatures exceed 95°F, cover your peppers with shade cloth. These hot-season vegetables taste fantastic in summer salads.

Learn how to grow Bell Peppers.

Potatoes

Potatoes are also planted in warm early summer soil. They are an excellent beginner crop because they are simple to plant, quick to grow, and fun to dig up. You can eat them boiled, baked, fried, mashed, and scalloped, making them versatile vegetables in the kitchen.

Learn how to grow potatoes.

Cucumbers

Cucumbers are a popular crunchy addition to salads, snacks, and pickles. These fast-growing, heat-loving vegetables can be harvested as early as 6 weeks after planting. Cucumbers grown in a home garden are fresher and tastier than those purchased at the store. They are highly low-maintenance and vigorous. Ensure plants get water regularly to prevent producing bitter or deformed fruit. Harvest frequently to promote new fruit.

Zucchini

Zucchini is another delicious, heat-loving vegetable you should plant in early summer. It thrives when planted with easy-to-grow plants such as garlic, mint, and tomatoes. Plant this veggie in rows and direct sow seeds when the soil temperature reaches the 70s.

Zucchini plants are heavy feeders, so water and fertilize them regularly as they mature. Use drip irrigation to irrigate and fertilize plants efficiently. They can grow to very large sizes, but a bigger size does not mean better taste. Harvest them when they are small or medium in size for the best flavor.

Learn how to grow zucchini and squash.

Beans

Beans are nutritional vegetables and are one of the best sources of vegetable protein. Peas and beans grow best when seeded directly in the garden. Direct sow seed outdoors when the soil temperature reaches 60 degrees Fahrenheit, and the air temperature ranges from 65 to 85 degrees. In addition to popular green beans, you can cultivate other varieties, such as black, pinto, lima, and fava beans. Pole beans can be harvested from mid-summer to fall. Bush varieties can be sowed every couple of weeks throughout the summer for a consistent crop.

Bush beans are ideal for a container garden, and pole beans require less garden space because they grow vertically.

Learn how to grow green beans.

Berries

While not considered vegetables, Berries are a must-have fruiting plant in every edible landscape. Strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries are sweet and juicy additions to your summer garden. These are the fastest fruits to grow. Choose the species that produce fruit at different periods in summer for a longer harvest. For gardeners with limited growing space, consider planting compact varieties that can be grown in containers.

Plant strawberries in hanging baskets or vertical boxes for better air circulation and aesthetics. Blueberries require at least two plants for cross-pollination, whilst other types self-pollinate. Plant berries in the full sun, keep them hydrated in the summer and cover them with netting when they begin to ripen.

Herbs

Herbs are nutritious, easy to grow, need little space, and bring freshness and taste to your meals. Plant herbs near the kitchen for easy access or consider growing them inside for easy access. Start your summer herb garden with these easy-to-grow and versatile plants.

Basil

Basil is a versatile herb that can thrive everywhere, such as in-ground flower beds, containers, raised beds, and sunny windowsills. It enhances the flavor of nearby plants and pairs well with tomato plants. Basil is a popular ingredient in Mediterranean cuisine and pesto, making it an excellent addition to your summer garden.

Thyme, Mint, Rosemary and Other Herbs

Oregano, mint, sage, rosemary, and thyme are all from the same family. These plants originated in the Mediterranean and are used to hotter weather. They can tolerate hot summers; just provide some afternoon shade in the middle of the day. You do not need to overwater them to keep them alive. These herbs smell divine and grow readily.

The Best Flowers to Add in Your Summer Garden

There are many gorgeous flowers you can plant in early summer gardens. They can stand the heat and won't wilt on hot days. Plant flowers on borders, edges of raised garden beds, and in pollinator gardens to fill your garden with color and fragrance. Here is a list of flowers to grow in your summer garden.

• Marigolds
• Zinnias
• Geraniums
• Begonias
• Artichokes
• Hollyhocks
• Achellia
• Gladioli

What is Considered Early Summer for Gardening in the US

In many parts of the United States, early summer begins in late May and lasts into June. It's when the temperature is warm but not too hot, and the soil is ideal for planting. However, the timing of early summer planting varies by region or zone. For example, southern states may experience early summer in May, whereas northern areas may not see early summer until mid-June.

Early Summer Gardening Tips

Here are some growing tips to start your garden in early summer.

• Select plant varieties that will thrive in your region. If the growing season is short, choose types that mature quickly. Choose heat-tolerant varieties in hotter climates.
• Water plants consistently, deeply, and infrequently rather than frequently shallow watering. The best way to water your plants deeply without wasting water is to set up a drip irrigation system.
• Place a layer of mulch, such as compost or other organic matter, around the plants. This will help save water, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperatures.
• Cover your warm season crops with shade cloth to protect them from excessive sunlight and temperatures exceeding 85°F. In warmer climes, crops like beets, broccoli, peas, and greens benefit from partial shade during the hot part of the day.
• Harvest produce early or late in the day. Produce picked in the heat will be crisper, fresher, and more flavorful than vegetables picked in the afternoon.

That's the wrap for a wonderful early summer garden. Early summer is the best time to plant new crops, enjoy your outdoor space, and harvest. Fill your garden with beautiful and delicious plants to harvest consistent produce from June to September. Happy gardening!