6 Veggies That'll Thrive in the Thick of Summer

Ah, the dog days of summer. It’s hot, it’s humid, and the sun seems to shine all day long. If your green thumb is itching to get to work between now and Labor Day, don’t despair. There are plenty of edible plants that thrive in full sun and high temperatures. 

We’ve put together a list of six farm-to-table plants that’ll grow wonderfully, even as temperatures soar. Pick your favorite or try them all!

1. Sweet Potatoes
2. Yard Long Beans
3. Okra
4. Zucchini Squash
5. Eggplant
6. Cucumbers

1. Sweet Potatoes

Delicious, nutritious and relatively easy to care for, sweet potatoes are a great choice for summer gardening. Plant them once it’s hot, and they’ll be ready to harvest in about three months. 

Sweet potatoes are delicious fried, mashed or baked. If you like sweet potatoes even sweeter, pair them with maple syrup, nuts, and butter. If you prefer savory potatoes, try cayenne pepper, cumin, chili powder and lime. 

2. Yard Long Beans

Image Source: Burpee

Yard long beans are summer’s answer to green beans. They have a sweet, complex flavor and adore the sun and heat. You’ll have to be patient, though. It can take two or three months to reap what you sow. 

Yard long beans, also known as Chinese long beans and asparagus beans, are delicious in salads and stir fries. To keep them gorgeously green, try blanching them. 

3. Okra

Love gumbo? You’re in luck! Okra excels in summer, especially dry heat. You’ll want to stay on top of your okra crop, though. Harvest at least every other day to keep the pods happy and tasty. 

Okra can be roasted, stewed with tomatoes, or added to many rice and veggie dishes. Want to make your okra without the slime? Try soaking your crop in vinegar for thirty minutes, then dry and rinse it, and then cook it immediately. 

4. Zucchini Squash

This summer squash is known for growing like crazy--and we’re not complaining. We love it in everything: spiralized noodles, zucchini bread and muffins, soups, kebabs. It’s also wonderful fried!

Zucchini will mature quickly, in about a month and a half, so you can plant it as late as August and still enjoy the fruits of your labor. In fact, many experts recommend waiting to plant this squash until mid-July to avoid certain bugs. 

5. Eggplant

Eggplant truly shines in late summer months. While you can plant the crop in spring, midsummer is just a good of a time to get started, and can help ensure you’re enjoying aubergines well into fall. 

Eggplant is delicious roasted, grilled or fried. Try it in pasta, on top of pizza or in a ratatouille. Try eggplant parmesan, or make a lasagna using grilled eggplant slices instead of noodles. 

6. Cucumbers

Perhaps the most hydrating, refreshing veggie there is, the cucumber is a great summer crop. Cucumbers do prefer rich, fertile soil, so you’ll have to consider that when choosing where to plant it. 

Cucumbers are delicious as a snack, pickled, or chopped into salads. Some people also like them sliced in sandwiches or shredded into slaws.

Planted your veggies but still feel like your garden looks a bit blah? We can help you pick out some decor that makes it pop! At Happy Gardens, we’re here to help via phone or live chat. 

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