Summer is upon us and the garden season is in full swing, but does that mean you missed out if you haven’t begun planting yet? Not at all. There are still many vegetables, herbs, and flowers you can plant right now and enjoy into the fall season. Get your garden gear ready and grab a selection of these plants to get in the ground right now.
01 of 07
Lettuce
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Lettuce is a cool-season crop, but getting heat-tolerant varieties and supplying shade can make growing it during the summer season a breeze. “Due to their fast growth rate, heat-resistant lettuce and greens are a great option to sow in your veggie garden this time of year,” says Lotte Berendsen, an expert gardener from the Plantin app.
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She says you need to ensure the varieties you choose are heat-resistant (you can ask your local garden center about this) to prevent bolting in the summer heat of July. Another tip she recommends is applying shade cloth or mulch to help protect your greens against summer heat and drought. You also need to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
“Harvest your lettuce as a cut-and-come-again crop, meaning you can continuously harvest the oldest leaves while keeping your plant in the ground to keep on growing,” she says.
02 of 07
Tomatoes
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Berendsen says that depending on your region, it’s best to start your tomatoes from transplants rather than seeds when you plant them in June or July. Opt for varieties with a shorter maturity time to ensure you can still harvest them in time.
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“Plant your tomatoes in full sun to encourage healthy and plump fruits on your plant,” Berendsen says. “These veggies need quite a few nutrients, so ensure you fertilize them frequently with a 20-10-10 NPK fertilizer. Make sure you apply a trellis, like a tomato cage, to keep your tomato plants from toppling over.”
03 of 07
Sunflowers
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Berendsen says sunflowers are the perfect fast-growing addition to any vegetable garden or flower bed. Some species can reach 10 feet in height, and before the flowers open up, the buds will move with the sun.
“Growing healthy, strong sunflowers is all about providing plenty of sunlight,” Berendsen says. “They should get at least 6-8 hours of light a day. They need a nutrient-rich and fertile soil, and won’t perform well when grown in poor or dense soil mixes.”
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She recommends watering sunflowers when the soil is dry. “You will be rewarded with stunning and vibrant sunflowers all the way until fall,” Berendsen says.
04 of 07
Summer Squash
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Summer squash is a tasty, versatile vegetable that’s easy to grow and can be used in various recipes. Berendsen says that summer squashes are fast-growing and easy-maintenance crops that should be ready before the end of fall. However, the ripening time will depend on the variety of squash you choose to grow.
Berendsen advises growing your squashes in well-drained soil that’s rich in compost, preferably in full sun. “In shaded and humid areas, squashes are prone to diseases like mildew or fungal leaf spot,” she says. “Ensure that you remove any decaying foliage from your plant to keep it growing healthy and strong.”
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You need to water summer squashes about an inch per week and harvest them before the outer rind of your squashes begin to harden, which is when they may turn bitter and lose flavor.
05 of 07
Basil, Sage, Thyme, and Oregano
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If you’ve been wanting to start an herb garden but thought you missed your chance this year, you’re wrong. Berendsen says that heat-loving herbs are the perfect addition to your garden in June or July.
“Given their fast growth rate, these flavorful plants will be ready to harvest within 1 to 2 months,” she says. “They make wonderful plants for containers or raised beds, and their scents can even help repel pests from your veggie crops.”
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She adds that it’s important to give your herbs well-drained soil, partial to full sun exposure, and plenty of water to keep the soil from drying out. You can harvest the leaves by cutting or pinching off healthy, mature leaves from the top. She also recommends moving potted perennial herbs indoors during the winter so they’ll grow back in spring.
06 of 07
Green Beans
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Green beans are one of the best things to plant right now. Berendsen says if you sow green beans in your garden in June or July, you’ll have fresh beans by the start of fall. Green beans can grow incredibly fast as long as you provide them with plenty of sun and water.
“Applying fertilizers is not needed, as green beans have nitrogen-fixing compounds in their roots, making additional fertilizing excessive,” she says. “Make sure your soil is rich in compost and drains well, and your beans will be golden.”
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The downside to growing green beans is that they’re notorious for being susceptible to pests. “Aphids, whiteflies, bean beetles, and slugs are bugs that are commonly found on bean plants,” Berendsen says. “To combat these unwanted guests, consider releasing natural predators like ladybugs, spiders, assassin bugs, or predatory wasps in your garden.”
07 of 07
Lavender
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Lavender’s beautiful blooms will add a touch of elegance to any type of garden you’re growing. Plus, it provides a sweet floral scent that both you and pollinators can enjoy. “This plant makes a stunning addition to your vegetable garden, flower beds, or any kind of wildflower garden,” Berendsen says. “The flowers on lavender plants are known to attract pollinators, further adding to their appeal and benefits.”
To grow flourishing flowers on your lavender plants, she says you will need to provide well-drained, fertile soil, and full sun exposure. “Water the soil deeply when it’s gotten dry and apply a slow-release fertilizer once to twice a year to promote growth,” Berendsen says. “Prune the blossoms after they’re done blooming in summer, and you’ll find abundant new growth in the following spring.”
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