Summer Vegetable Planting
Summer Planting Guide for a Fall Harvest
Mid-summer is an excellent time to plant fast-growing vegetables that can be harvested before the first frost. When planting in July and August, choose varieties with shorter growing cycles and always follow directions on seed packets or plant tags for best results.
Mid-July Planting
Corn, Lima Beans & Cucumbers
Mid-July is a great time to plant corn, lima beans and cucumbers for a late-season harvest. These warm-season crops thrive in full sun and perform best in rich, well-drained soil with consistent watering during hot weather.
Corn requires plenty of garden space since each stalk usually produces one or two ears. Early varieties like Seneca Snowshoe and Buttergold are good choices. Sweet corn is typically ready about two weeks after silks appear, when silks turn brown and kernels produce a milky sap when pierced.
Lima beans grow best in warm soil and should be planted about 1 to 1½ inches deep. Provide about one inch of water weekly, avoiding overly wet soil which can cause disease. Harvest when pods feel full and firm.
Cucumbers need moist soil, full sun and room to spread. Plant seeds ½ to 1 inch deep and harvest frequently once fruit begins forming. Picking often encourages continued production and removing fruit before it becomes oversized helps prevent bitterness.
Late July Planting
Snap Beans & Zucchini
Late July is ideal for planting snap beans and zucchini. Both crops grow quickly and produce reliable late-season harvests when planted in well-prepared soil enriched with compost or organic matter.
Snap beans prefer light, well-drained soil and typically need about one inch of water per week. Beans should be harvested before seeds inside the pods become large. Frequent picking helps plants continue producing throughout the season.
Zucchini grows best when planted in mounds of loose, fertile soil with plenty of sunlight and consistent watering. Plants grow rapidly and should be harvested when fruit reaches about six inches long for the best flavor and texture. Allowing fruit to grow too large can reduce future production.
Mid-August Planting
Swiss Chard & Cauliflower
Mid-August is a great time to plant cool-season crops like Swiss chard and cauliflower. These vegetables tolerate cooler temperatures and can even handle light frost, making them excellent choices for fall gardens.
Swiss chard is a hardy leafy green that grows well in both sun and partial shade. Seeds should be sown ½ to 1 inch deep and thinned slightly after germination. Harvest outer leaves as needed while allowing inner leaves to continue growing. Flavor often improves as temperatures cool.
Cauliflower prefers full sun, steady moisture and nutrient-rich soil. Transplants should be spaced 18 to 26 inches apart. When heads begin forming, outer leaves can be tied loosely over them to prevent sun damage. Harvest heads while they are firm, compact and before they begin to separate.