Learn To Be OK With Summer Gardening
Part 2 of my 2 part series is here, this week you’ll read how you can seize your summer garden. In addition to my winter veggie guide from last week, it’s only fair to cover summer.
Have you ever tried growing something and then learned that it “bolted” or “flowered”? Very frustrating, and that’s exactly what happened to me in the garden last year. One day my lettuce was happily growing, and the next it had these beautiful yellow flowers. Of course, I had no idea lettuce could flower, and after some research I learned that it bolted.
This season, I’m more knowledgeable, and am ready to share what I’ve learned about summer gardening with my readers. Last year, I learned to be OK with summer gardening, and embrace my failures just like I did my successes. This helped me have a great season, even if not everything went the best way.
Continue reading to learn what to grow and how to care for summer gardens.
What To Grow In Summer
Depending on where you live, this list could be different. For Zone 5B, this is what will grow in summer and how to care for it. Always check your zone for recommendations on how to grow.
Truth be told, last year wasn’t great in the garden. I did learn many things, and had some great successes as well. This year, I’m better prepared to grow things that are more suitable for the weather. Not to mention, I plan on adding shade to my garden so my failures of last year won’t be repeated this year.
My garden this year already has potatoes, garlic, onions & tulips in the ground – those went in at the end of last season! In addition, I plan on growing lots of winter squashes. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed eating my squashes from the summer all winter. The winter squashes kept great in my spare room just sitting there which I thought was pretty neat.
While you look at the list of summer veggies, think about what you like to eat, as well as what would store well or what can you transform to store. Having limited space (both freezer and home) meant I had to get creative if I didn’t want to give away all my hard work. For example, I had many zucchini’s last year. I transformed zucchini into zoodles & soups.
Next, I’ll share my best tips for growing in summer.
Really Seize Your Summer Garden With These Tips
Equally important to choosing veggies to grow is ensuring you have a successful growing season. Below you will find my best tips for having a great summer garden. Use these tips and you won’t be disappointed.
- Provide shade, especially during the heat of the day – this allows plants to have a cooler space to grow, which will lead to less bolting – I’m looking at you lettuce!
- Succession plant – if you live in a hot area and want to grow lettuce/spinach/kale all summer long, I recommend succession planting lettuce ever 2-3 weeks. This will ensure a constant harvest. Be sure to start seeds indoors when it’s hot, and cover with shade!
- Keep plants well watered – should be a no brainer, the hotter and dryer it is, the more your plants need water. I found myself watering daily last year to ensure I never had dry plants.
- Mulch or use straw – last year I truly believe adding straw to my garden saved my season. Mulch or straw help keep the ground moist as well as cut down on weeds.
I’m eager to start sharing my garden updates again, but I must be patient for spring to arrive in Zone 5B. While you wait, catch up on all my garden posts.
Catch Up On This Series Today!
- Best Veggies For Heat And Cold Series Announcement
- No Need To Panic These Veggies Are Winter Friendly
- Seize Your Summer Garden With These Popular Veggies
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