What Are The Best Crops For Summer?

“I’m really passionate about making the most out of my backyard farm this summer. I’ve got a decent-sized plot and want to make sure I plant crops that will thrive during the hot months. I’m especially interested in veggies that will keep my family well-fed and maybe even some fruit or herbs that could add a bit of variety. I’m also curious about how to care for these plants to get the best yield. Could you offer some suggestions on what to grow and any tips for success?” Thanks a bunch, Nancy, Denver, USA.

What Are The Best Crops For Summer?

When it comes to backyard farming during the summer, it’s important to choose crops that can handle the heat and possibly limited water supply. By picking the right plants, you can ensure a bountiful harvest to enjoy all season long. Here are some top recommendations for summer crops, why they’re great choices, and tips to help you get the most out of your garden.

1. Tomatoes

Tomatoes are a summer garden staple. They thrive in warm weather and produce abundant fruits, making them a favorite for backyard farmers.

• Varieties: Consider growing cherry tomatoes, beefsteak, or heirloom varieties.
• Planting Tips: Start seeds indoors about six weeks before the last frost date or buy young plants from a nursery. Plant them deeply, burying two-thirds of the stem to encourage strong root growth.
• Care: Water regularly, but be careful not to overwater. Mulch around the base to conserve moisture and deter weeds. Stake or cage plants to support the heavy fruit.
• Harvesting: Pick tomatoes when they are fully colored and slightly soft to the touch.

2. Peppers

Peppers, both sweet and hot varieties, love the summer heat and can add vibrant color and flavor to your meals.

• Varieties: Bell peppers, jalapeños, and habaneros are all excellent choices.
• Planting Tips: Like tomatoes, you can start peppers from seed indoors or purchase young plants. Plant them in well-draining soil with plenty of sunlight.
• Care: Ensure consistent watering and use mulch to keep the soil moist. Peppers can be susceptible to pests, so keep an eye out for aphids and caterpillars.
• Harvesting: Pick peppers when they reach the desired size and color, which can range from green to red, yellow, or orange depending on the variety.

3. Cucumbers

Cucumbers are another summer favorite that can be used in salads, pickled, or enjoyed as a refreshing snack.

• Varieties: Try growing slicing cucumbers or pickling cucumbers based on your preference.
• Planting Tips: Sow seeds directly into the ground or transplant seedlings after the last frost. Cucumber plants need full sun and well-draining soil.
• Care: Water regularly, aiming to keep the soil consistently moist. Support vining varieties with a trellis to save space and keep the fruit off the ground.
• Harvesting: Pick cucumbers when they are firm and before they turn yellow. Regular harvesting encourages more fruit production.

4. Zucchini and Summer Squash

Zucchini and summer squash grow rapidly and produce a plentiful harvest, perfect for summer meals.

• Varieties: Yellow squash, pattypan squash, and various zucchini varieties.
• Planting Tips: Sow seeds directly into the ground once the soil has warmed up. Space plants adequately to allow for their spreading habit.
• Care: Water these plants deeply and regularly. Mulching can help keep weeds at bay and maintain soil moisture.
• Harvesting: Harvest squash when they are young and tender for the best flavor. Zucchini is typically best when it’s about 6-8 inches long.

5. Beans

Beans are easy to grow and can provide a continuous harvest throughout the summer.

• Varieties: Green beans, pole beans, and bush beans.
• Planting Tips: Directly sow bean seeds after the last frost date. Pole beans will need support to climb, while bush beans are more compact.
• Care: Water regularly, especially during dry periods. Beans generally don’t need much fertilizing, especially if the soil is already rich.
• Harvesting: Pick beans when they are young and tender. Frequent harvesting encourages more bean production.

6. Corn

Nothing says summer like fresh corn on the cob. Corn requires a bit more space but is well worth the effort.

• Varieties: Sweet corn, sorghum, and ornamental corn for decoration or popping.
• Planting Tips: Plant corn in blocks rather than rows to ensure better pollination. Corn needs full sun and rich, well-draining soil.
• Care: Water deeply and consistently, especially during the silking stage. Corn is a heavy feeder, so fertilize regularly.
• Harvesting: Harvest corn when the silks are brown and the kernels are plump and milky.

7. Herbs

Herbs can add incredible flavor to your cooking and are quite easy to grow in the summer.

• Varieties: Basil, oregano, thyme, mint, and rosemary.
• Planting Tips: Herbs can be grown from seeds or plants. Plant them in well-draining soil with plenty of sunlight.
• Care: Water regularly, but be cautious not to overwater. Trim the herbs regularly to encourage new growth and prevent them from flowering too early.
• Harvesting: Harvest herbs by cutting the leaves as needed. Use immediately for the freshest flavor, or dry and store them for later use.

8. Berries

Berries, while perennial, can provide delicious fruits during the summer months and are perfect for snacking or desserts.

• Varieties: Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries.
• Planting Tips: Berries usually benefit from being planted in raised beds or well-amended soil. They need full sun and consistent watering.
• Care: Mulch around berry plants to conserve moisture and control weeds. Prune annually to encourage healthy growth and fruit production.
• Harvesting: Pick berries when they are fully ripe and deep in color. Regular picking will help prevent mold and encourage continuous fruiting.

9. Melons

Melons like watermelon, cantaloupe, and honeydew are quintessential summer fruits, perfect for cooling snacks and desserts.

• Varieties: Choose from watermelon, cantaloupe, and honeydew based on your preference.
• Planting Tips: Sow seeds directly in the garden or start indoors and transplant. Melons require full sun and fertile, well-draining soil.
• Care: Water melons consistently, especially as the fruits grow. Mulch to retain moisture and reduce weeds.
• Harvesting: Melons are ready to harvest when they have a sweet aroma and the stem easily separates from the fruit.

10. Leafy Greens

Even though leafy greens are typically cool-weather crops, certain varieties can manage well in the summer heat with the right care.

• Varieties: Swiss chard, kale, and some types of lettuce like Butterhead.
• Planting Tips: These greens can be direct-seeded or transplanted into your garden. Provide partial shade if possible to protect from intense sun.
• Care: Water consistently to keep the soil moist, and consider using shade cloth to protect from the hottest part of the day.
• Harvesting: Pick outer leaves as needed, or harvest entire plants when they reach the desired size.

General Tips for a Successful Summer Garden

A few extra tips can help maximize your summer garden’s output:

• Watering: Water deeply and thoroughly in the early morning or late evening to reduce evaporation and help plants deal with the daytime heat.
• Mulching: Use organic mulch like straw, wood chips, or grass clippings to retain soil moisture, regulate temperature, and inhibit weed growth.
• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer to support plant growth and development. Be sure not to over-fertilize, as this can harm plants.
• Pest Management: Keep an eye out for pests and diseases. Use natural methods like neem oil or insecticidal soap to manage infestations without harming beneficial insects.
• Planting Schedule: Stagger planting times for crops like beans and lettuce to ensure a continuous harvest throughout the summer.

Final Thoughts…

Nancy, thanks for reaching out with such a thoughtful question. Summer is a fantastic time for backyard farming, and with the right crops and a bit of care, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest. Remember to keep an eye on your plants, water them well, and enjoy the fruits (and vegetables) of your labor. Happy gardening!