Best Crops to Grow in Summer: Tips For Success

Summer is a great time for gardeners to make the most of the long days and warm weather conditions the season offers by growing a variety of crops.

This blog article explores the best crops to grow in summer, providing you with a list of crops that thrive in summertime’s warm temperatures, as well as tips for growing them to ensure a bountiful harvest despite the summer heat.

10 Best Crops to Grow in Summer

1. Crops to Grow in Summer – Cucumbers

Cucumbers are a quintessential summer crop. This refreshing vegetable thrives in warm weather and can be pickled, enjoyed fresh in salads, or transformed into refreshing beverages like cucumber water or homemade cucumber lemonade.

Cucumbers often flourish in warm soil and air temperatures, so it is best to plant them in the ground when the soil has warmed up, preferably in early summer or late spring. Keep in mind that cucumbers thrive best at relatively high temperatures, between 75 to 85 degrees F, according to the University of Georgia Extension.

This summer vegetables can also be grown in containers. If you’re planting them indoors, position the plant in a greenhouse or next to a sunny window for the best chance of germination. If you’re planting them outdoors as ‘ridge cucumbers’, do so in a spot sheltered from the strong wind but in an area with plenty of direct sunlight.

You can either train the plants onto a trellis or canes or allow their vines to sprawl on the ground as they grow. Cucumber plants require ample water to keep them hydrated, so ensure that the soil is wet but not soggy.

Planting cucumbers in mid-to-late summer can help you avoid insect pressures as you’ll be planting between pest life cycles. If you plant in early July, your harvest should be ready by autumn or just before frost. You would also have the advantage of better pollination as native pollinator populations tend to be highest in late summer.

Some varieties can produce fruit within 50 to 70 days, according to the University of Georgia Extension. Regularly harvesting your cucumbers will promote continuous production. To get the best flavor, though, be sure to harvest them while they are still young and tender.

To be one of the best crops to grow in summer, you need to follow the necessary tips. Learn more from How to Grow Cucumbers in Hot Climates.

2. Crops to Grow in Summer – Summer Squash

Summer squash is a fast-growing, prolific crop that is perfect for summer gardens and is known to produce an abundance of tender fruits. What is more, regular harvesting often encourages further production of the crop.

There are different types of squash as the term is generally used to describe a wide variety of tender foliage and green stems of different large shapes and colors. Zucchinis, crookneck, straight neck, patty pan, and ball types are excellent types to try growing in the summer. Some enjoy adding them to pasta dishes, making a delicious bread with them, or simply grilling thick slices of squash for a healthy side dish.

Squash is one of the best vegetables to grow in summer and is best grown once soil temperatures are at least 70° F, according to the University of Minnesota Extension. As summer squash thrive better in full sun, be sure to expose them to 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily, but if the sun is too hot, protect the plants with some shade to prevent the leaves from getting scorched.

You should also ensure that the soil is not only fertile but also well-drained. Consistent watering for constant moisture is good for squash but 1 to 1.5 inches of water weekly is sufficient. Also, you may need to water more frequently during a heat wave and consider mulching to prevent evaporation.

Note that the larger the plants grow, the “thirstier” they become. Check the stems and leaves for signs of insect damage as intruding pests can negatively affect the development of your squash plants.

Keep an eye out for pests like squash bugs and powdery mildew, and promptly address any issues. With good temperature, trellising, pruning, watering, and pest control, you can be sure to enjoy a bountiful harvest of summer squash, one of the best crops to grow in summer.

3. Crops to Grow in Summer – Beans

Beans are one of the best crops to grow in summer as they offer high yields and are relatively easy to grow. They are a type of pulse crop and comprise different varieties of beans. The pod/snap bean varieties have edible pods and are mostly green in color but can also be red, streaked, yellow, or yellow. The shell and dry bean pods, on the other hand, are grown for their inner seeds, which are removed and consumed.

Beans can also be classified into pole beans and bush bean varieties. In any case, they are generally a great addition to your garden and diet. Beans can be enjoyed in salads, stir-fries, or as a nutritious side dish.

Beans are warm-weather crops but do not tolerate extremely hot or cold temperatures. They are best planted when the soil is warm and has reached a temperature of at least 75^oF.

When the weather is so hot that it could cause beans blossoms to drop, you can provide some form of shade for the plants. Beans are best grown outdoors in well-draining bean beds. Planting them in cold, moist soil may not only delay germination but cause the seeds to rot.

Beans thrive in slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.8. You may also need to mulch the soil for best results.

As opposed to bush beans, which usually grow compactly and do not require the support of a trellis, pole beans often require trellises and stakes to encourage the growth of their vines.  It is also important to weed the soil, water the plants regularly, especially on sunny days, and watch out for pests.

If you would like to harvest your beans all summer, you may need to sow the seeds every two weeks. Under the right conditions, beans should germinate between 8 to 10 days, with bush beans being ready to pick in 50 to 55 days and pole beans growing in 55 to 65 days.

Learn more about growing beans from the University of Minnesota Extension to make your beans one of the best crops to grow in summer!

4. Crops to Grow in Summer – Okra

Okra plants are usually successful in summer because they are heat-tolerant and often do well in warm weather and full sun, producing vibrant green pods that are rich both in flavor and texture. Thus, they are one of the best crops to grow in summer.  

Indeed, this drought-tolerant vegetable is perfect for summer gardening as it can survive soil temperatures ranging from 65 to 70^oF and pH between 6.0 to 6.8, according to The Spruce. Bear in mind, however, that high heat can slow the growth of your okra plants. So, if you live in a hot, arid region, it is essential to keep the plants watered throughout the summer. Regular watering also serves to keep the plants hydrated.

Okra plants prefer soil that is fertile and well-drained. Okra can be planted indoors or outdoors by having its seeds sown directly into moist, organically rich soil. Just be sure to pick a location that gets up to 6 hours of full sunlight every day.

Harvesting okra every other day will encourage its growth. A rule of thumb is to harvest the pods when they are young and tender for the best taste because the longer they remain on the stalk unharvested, the tougher and woodier they become.

Learn more about okra growing from The Spruce and make them one of the best crops to grow in summer!

5. Crops to Grow in Summer – Melons

Summer is synonymous with juicy, sweet melons like watermelon and cantaloupe you may say. It seems that melons were just designed to be grown during the hot, dry, and almost always sunny days of summer.

In fact, the best flavored of these sweet, juicy fruits are often from the hottest regions. Like cucumbers, melons do not only thrive in warm temperatures but are also refreshing to consume in hot weather either on their own, enjoyed in fruit salads, or blended into smoothies. Thus, melons are one of the best crops to grow in summer.

Whether you’re going for watermelons or the late melons such as the Honeydews and Crenshaw, melons are perfect for growing in the summer. You may plant your melons when the soil temperature has gotten to 75oF as they germinate best between 70°F and 90°F, according to the University of Minnesota Extension.

Melons take about 70 to 115 days to mature and require regular watering as well as rich, well-drained soil for optimum growth. Melons need consistent watering to ensure proper fruit development. You also need to pick weeds as they appear and protect the plants from pests and diseases.

Place the plants in a warm spot with full sun. Experts recommend planting melons in hills or flat-topped mounds about 3 to 4 inches high and 2 to 3 feet in diameter with watering basins or furrows around each hill. The foliage and fruit, however, should be kept dry but only watered deeply if they wilt at sunset. Midday wilting, though, is often nothing to worry about.

You can also train the plants to grow on trellises for support if your gardening space is small. According to Gardening at USask, installing a trellis or other support to melons grown vertically not only saves space but also improves air circulation and can prevent or reduce such problems as powdery mildew.

Not sure when to harvest your melons? A good tip is to look out for when the stem begins to dry out and the fruit sounds hollow when tapped. That’s a good time to harvest your melons, one of the best crops to grow in summer.

Learn more from Watermelon Farming – Expert Guidelines for Success.

6. Crops to Grow in Summer – Sweet Corn

Nothing compares to the taste of freshly harvested sweet corn in the summer. This warm-season crop is best planted when the soil temperature reaches 60^oF and can still be grown in early summer.

Whether you choose to grow the standard, sugar-enhanced, or super sweet varieties, bear in mind that sweet corn needs 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily and grows best when the soil temperature is at least 60°F (16°C), or 65°F (18°C) for super-sweet varieties. So, choose a site that has full sun and that can expose the plants to sufficient wind for pollination.

Go for loose, well-drained, rich soil with a pH of 6.2 to 6.8. Even though sweet corn thrives in warm temperatures, its growth can be stunted by temperatures above 90^oF, so stick to the 60^oF to 95^oF range for optimal growth. The soil also needs to be kept consistently moist as adequate watering is crucial during the development of the ears.

Corn is wind-pollinated, so plant it in blocks rather than in single rows for better pollination. You may need to water the plants more when the temperature gets warmer but try not to get the stalk wet so as not to disturb pollination.

Watch out for pests such as corn earworms and armyworms, as well as diseases such as corn smut. Sweet corn can be harvested in 50 to 75 days. Harvest them when the kernels are plump and release a milky liquid when punctured.

7. Crops to Grow in Summer – Herbs

Herbs are another choice for the best crops to grow in summer. Not all herbs thrive in warm temperatures. Some do better in cool weather and prefer shade. The best herbs to grow in summer include rosemary, cilantro, fennel, basil, and mint, among others.

Herbs require constant watering all summer long but should not be overwatered. They should be planted in fertile, well-drained soil. They also need to be nourished and weeded regularly so they can produce better.

Ensure that these aromatic plants get at least 4 hours of light daily as they thrive in full sun. Regularly pruning and picking the leaves will also encourage the growth of the plants throughout the summer.

If you ensure that the soil is neither too dry nor too wet, that the plants are not too crowded in the garden bed or container, and that the temperature is just the temperature needed, you can be sure to have a bountiful harvest of herbs in the summer.

You can infuse your harvested herbs into refreshing beverages like herbal iced tea or preserve them for a wide array of culinary, beauty, or medicinal purposes. You may also want to look at our previous article on the best herbs to grow in your garden.

8. Crops to Grow in Summer – Eggplants

Eggplants, with their glossy purple skin and creamy flesh, are a fantastic choice for the best crops to grow in summer. Eggplants prefer hot weather and full sun with a minimum of 6 hours of sunlight daily. They often thrive in warm daytime temperatures of 80^oF to 90^oF and nighttime temperatures of 60^oF to 65^oF.

Whether you choose to grow your eggplants with seed directly or from transplants, ensure that the soil is nutrient-rich, well-drained, and with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.2.

You may need to stalk the plants with bamboo poles to keep them upright and the fruits clean. Eggplants also require regular watering, so, water the plants consistently especially when they are fruiting. Just ensure that the soil is kept moist but not soggy. You may also consider mulching to conserve moisture.

Weed regularly and watch out for pests, such as beetles and spider mites. Harvest eggplants when they are glossy and firm. Eggplants often sprout between 8-10 days and come in purple, streaked pinkish-purple, and white varieties. You can enjoy them roasted, grilled, or incorporated into delicious dishes like ‘Eggplant Parmesan’ or ‘Baba Ganoush.’

9. Crops to Grow in Summer – Peppers

One of the best crops to grow in summer, peppers are highly tolerant of the hot weather. Peppers come in a variety of types including bell peppers, chili peppers, and sweet peppers. In planting peppers, pick a location that receives 6 to 12 hours of sunlight daily.

Peppers prefer a soil pH of 6.0 to 6.8. If the pH is below 6.0 add limestone to the soil; if the pH is above 8.0 add aged compost to lower the pH. A safe bet is to always work aged garden compost into beds prior to planting.

The optimal soil temperature for peppers is 65°F (18°C) or warmer. As a principle, do not expose your pepper plants to temperatures that are either too hot or too cold. Go for temperatures between 65^oF and 80^oF during the day and 60^oF to 70^oF at night.

Peppers generally do well in warm temperatures but too much sun can scald the leaves and result in wilting or complete leaf drop. To avoid this, moderately water your pepper plants especially when you notice drooping leaves.

Keep in mind too that although peppers are known to thrive in the summer sun, not all varieties mature at the same time or are best suited for high temperatures. For instance, varieties like Pimento, Banana, and Gypsy, as well as other hot and sweet peppers, can still produce well in high temperatures as opposed to bell peppers, which require about 70^oF to germinate (usually within 60 to 90 days).

Jalapenos grow fast, requiring about 75 days to mature. Thai chili peppers can survive in the height of summer between 80 to 85^oF and can mature in about 100 days. Banana peppers can be harvested in 60 to 75 days and often thrive in temperatures above 60^oF.

Ensure that you plant your peppers in well-drained soil. Weeding and regular watering are also important. Mulching can help to retain moisture and prevent weed growth.

10. Crops to Grow in Summer – Tomatoes

Tomatoes are warm-season crops that are undoubtedly the star of many summer gardens. With their wide range of varieties, colors, and flavors, tomatoes offer endless possibilities. From cherry tomatoes to beefsteak tomatoes, these heat-loving plants can be planted in early summer in pots or in-ground.

Tomatoes require well-drained soil as well as plenty of sunlight and warmth, so, grow your plants in spots where they can receive morning sun but filtered or light shade during the day. You may need to create a shade for your tomato plants during very hot temperatures.

Although tomatoes love warm temperatures, high heat is bad for them as they often drop their flowers, and thus halt both pollination and fruiting when temperatures soar as high as 85^o to 90^oF during the day or above 75^oF at night.

You can go for heat-resistant varieties like ‘Summer Set’, ‘Heat Master’, and ‘Solar Fire’ or grow determinate varieties that tend to ripen quickly before serious heat arrives. According to the Home Depot, varieties such as ‘Sungold’ cherry, ‘Better Boy’, and ‘Celebrity,’ will mature in less than 70 days.

Be sure to water your plants regularly to keep the soil moist. Drip irrigation may be best, as well as putting a mulch layer around your tomato plants.

For more tips on planting tomatoes in hot weather, see the article Is It Too Hot for Tomatoes?

The Bottom Line

As the temperature rises in summer, you needn’t worry about gardening as your garden has the potential to flourish with a variety of crops that thrive in the summer heat.

Knowing the crops to grow in summer, which can survive and even thrive in the weather is a great way to start. From tomatoes and cucumbers to peppers, summer squash, sweet corn, and melons, you can have an abundance of fresh produce and vibrant blooms this summer.

Remember to provide your summer plants with proper care, including adequate sunlight, water, and soil conditions. Even with minimal effort and a diverse selection of crops, you can create a thriving garden that will be a source of delight, flavor, and beauty throughout the warm summer season. Happy summer gardening!

Sources

Growing Cucumbers in the Home Garden. University of Georgia Extension.

 How to Grow Cucumbers in Hot Climates. Growing in the Garden. https://growinginthegarden.com/growing-cucumbers-in-arizona/

Growing summer squash and zucchini in home gardens. University of Minnesota Extension.

What pH Level Do Beans Require to Grow?. https://www.weekand.com/home-garden/article/ph-level-beans-require-grow-18053294.php

How to Grow and Care for Okra. The Spruce.

Growing outdoors. Gardening at USask.

Planting, Growing, and Harvesting Sweet Corn. https://www.almanac.com/plant/corn

Maximize yields by adjusting soil pH. https://www.farmprogress.com/corn/maximize-yields-by-adjusting-soil-ph

How to Plant and Grow Hot Peppers. https://harvesttotable.com/how_to_grow_hot_peppers/#:~:text=Peppers%20prefer%20a%20soil%20pH,18%C2%B0C)%20or%20warmer.

When to Plant Tomatoes. https://www.homedepot.com/c/ah/when-to-plant-tomatoes/9ba683603be9fa5395fab9016646231b

Is It Too Hot for Tomatoes? https://www.tomatodirt.com/too-hot-for-tomatoes.html