Summer vegetable gardening is a great way to utilize outdoor space to grow all types of seasonal plants, from fruits, vegetables, and flowers to ornamental grasses. You may plant any vegetable from the late summer to early fall months and harvest in early spring or late winter. However, it is more productive to plant early in the season, in a warm climate, before the soil becomes too compacted to support many growing plants.
There are a few basics for planning your summer vegetable garden ahead of time. First, select the best growing season for your area. This will ensure that your planting area receives the greatest amount of sun all year round. Choose an area that has a bright morning and afternoon sun as much as possible. Avoid areas that are blocked with shade from nearby trees or buildings. Different zones of light require different light sources, so be sure to choose seeds for your summer planting that will germinate in those zones.
Secondly, set up your summer vegetable garden for success by watering anduning the plants carefully before they start growing in the soil. While some seeds like moist soil, other seeds need dry soil to germinate. Keep your eyes open for moisture on your plants as well as the soil temperature, because seeds require specific temperatures to germinate. If your soil temperature is very cold or very hot, chances are your seeds won’t germinate at all.
One great thing about summer vegetable gardens planted in sunny climates is that you can move the garden to different locations in the yard as the seasons change. This will allow you to alternate vegetables between containers and the soil. You don’t have to wait for the vegetables to get the proper amount of sun and moisture before transplanting them. In addition, your vegetables will grow quickly, allowing you to enjoy fresh summer vegetables right away. Some of your favorite vegetables such as zucchini, carrots, summer squash, onions and potatoes love the warmer months better, but you can be sure they will grow just as well if you plant them in your warm weather vegetables garden during the colder times of the year.
Another great tip for successful summer vegetable gardening in a warm climate is to put down a thick layer of fertilizer at the beginning of each season. One good product to consider that will help your sweet potatoes and zucchini grow much better is “All Season Farm Direct Fertilizer”. Put this fertilizer by the edge of your sweet potato bed, follow the directions on the box, and apply two applications per square foot of your veggies’ growing area.
Finally, your summer vegetable garden won’t be successful if you don’t replant your seeds each year. It’s usually best to plant larger varieties in your garden, so you’ll be prepared if they don’t survive. Some varieties don’t do well in partial shade and some varieties are better when planted in a deeper soil. If you’re not certain about which variety is best for your climate, try some of the many guides available that will help you choose the varieties that will best sustain your garden through the different seasons of the year.
