What are the best plants to grow in summer?

Summer is the best time to grow some beautiful plants in your garden that like warm weather. Whether one has a large backyard garden or a small balcony garden, easy-to-grow summer plants can add a pop of colour to any space.

Here is a list of plants that flourish when planted in summer and provided sufficient water and perfect soil condition.

Green Beans

Green beans are one of the best plants to grow in summer. They come in two varieties- bush (self-supporting) and climbing variety (that needs a pole or trellis to vine). Most of the varieties produce green beans all at once, so they should be planted in succession at two-week intervals. The green beans can be harvested 50 to 70 days after planting.

Corn

Corn is a traditional summer crop that can be harvested 60 to 100 days after planting. Make sure to plant organic, non-GMO corn seeds directly in the garden and in parallel rows. It needs lots and lots of water. A couple of weeks after the first round of corn, another round of crop should be planted to extend the harvest.

Cucumbers

The summer garden can never be complete without cucumbers. They are easy to grow and are bountiful. The cucumbers should be planted in the section of the garden that receives full sun and has evenly moist, fertile soil. They demand a steady supply of water and plenty of organic matter to retain moisture throughout the season.

Herbs

Basil, mint, and parsley are the common herbs that do really well in summers. Basil will grow well in shade or partial shade. It can be added to soup, salad, pasta, and sandwiches. Mint grows like a weed, so it should be planted in a confined space, such as a raised bed. Like basil, mint also grows well in shade or partial shade. The parsley should be grown from seed indoors and then transferred outside in the garden in summer.

Okra

Okra grows in ordinary garden soil but does best in fertile soil. It needs full sunlight. Use fresh soaked seed overnight and sow them half an inch deep in light soil & 1-inch deep in heavy soil. It should be watered during dry spells and side-dressed with compost every 3 to 4 weeks. About 50-60 days after planting, edible pots start to appear. Harvest daily with a sharp knife and the plant will keep producing.

Peppers

The peppers should be planted in a bed that receives bright full sun. They should be planted in a sandy, loam soil that drains well and contains plenty of organic matter. Depending on the size of varieties, the spacing between the peppers should be 12-18 inches apart. The sweet peppers generally mature in 60-90 days while the hot peppers can take up to 150 days.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes are quite easy to grow, and they grow in plenty. They grow in all shades of colours, including red, yellow, orange, and sometimes pink. Make sure to choose heat-tolerant tomato varieties that can produce fruit even as temperatures climb. Try to grow tomatoes at a spot in the garden that receives morning sun and then filtered sun or light during the rest of the day.

Get set to growing these plants and transform the garden into beautiful summer heaven.