{"id":84215,"date":"2009-07-31T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2009-07-31T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.sunset.com\/home-garden\/edible-gardening"},"modified":"2025-07-14T18:27:23","modified_gmt":"2025-07-15T01:27:23","slug":"home-garden-edible-gardening","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.sunset.com\/home-garden\/edible-gardening","title":{"rendered":"Edible Gardening"},"content":{"rendered":"
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When it comes to the vegetable garden, high summer doesn\u2019t mean you\u2019ve missed your chance\u2014it just means the planting rules change. With warm soil, long days, and a little strategic watering<\/a>, July is prime time to tuck in heat-loving, drought-tolerant veggies<\/a> that thrive in the Western sun. Whether you\u2019ve got a patio container or a whole raised bed<\/a> to fill, these plants are built for now\u2014and for the climate realities we\u2019re all gardening through. Fast, flavorful, and (mostly) fuss-free, here are our favorite picks and tips for seasonal gardening success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Heat-Loving, Drought-Tolerant Veggies to Plant Now<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Zucchini\"

Thomas J. Story<\/p><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Think of July as your garden\u2019s second act. While spring gets all the fanfare, high summer is when the heat-loving heroes finally get their moment. These plants not only tolerate the sun\u2014they thrive<\/em> in it. Whether you're squeezing in a second round or starting from scratch, these fast-growing, low-water veggies are built for the job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Armenian Cucumbers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Forget everything you know about cucumbers<\/a>. Armenian cukes (technically melons!) grow long, twisty, and ribbed, with a mild, refreshing flavor that stays crisp even on the hottest days. They love the heat and won\u2019t get bitter like traditional cucumbers. Direct sow them now and give them room to roam or climb\u2014they\u2019re fast, productive, and oddly charming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pole Beans<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s a reason beans are a go-to for warm-season gardens: They grow quickly, love climbing, and need very little fuss. Pole beans<\/a> like \u2018Kentucky Wonder,\u2019 \u2018Blue Lake,\u2019 or heirloom varieties such as \u2018Scarlet Runner\u2019 bring beauty and bounty. Just add a trellis or teepee, and you\u2019ve got a living sculpture that feeds you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Roselle Hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa<\/em>)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re looking for something a little unexpected, this tropical showstopper is your pick. Roselle grows tall and lush, with tart, cranberry-like calyces that can be used for teas, jams, or syrups (hello, garden mocktails<\/a>). It loves the heat, especially in Southern California, Arizona, and the Central Valley. Bonus: The burgundy stems and maple-shaped leaves add serious style to your plot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rainbow Chard<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This cool-weather staple is surprisingly tough. When planted in July, it grows quickly in the heat, especially with a bit of afternoon shade. Harvest baby leaves often to keep plants tender and sweet. The neon stems look good in the garden and on your plate\u2014chard<\/a> is your heat-tolerant, cut-and-come-again MVP.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Zucchini (or Try Costata Romanesco)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re a late-starter, zucchini<\/a> will make you feel like a total garden rock star. Once it gets going, it really<\/em> gets going. Plant seeds directly in the ground, mulch to conserve water, and get ready for more zukes than you know what to do with. For a twist, try Costata Romanesco\u2014an Italian heirloom with ridges, better texture, and nuttier flavor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Malabar Spinach<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This isn't your average spinach. Malabar is a tropical vine with glossy green leaves and deep pink stems that grow wild in the heat. It climbs, covers, and produces all summer, and the leaves are great in stir fries or raw in salads. Perfect for small spaces if you\u2019ve got vertical support<\/a> and a sunny spot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Plant and Care for Late-Summer Vegetables<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Tomato

Thomas J. Story<\/p><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

1. Start with Warm Soil<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

July\u2019s sun is your ally\u2014no waiting for soil temps to rise. Direct sow most of these picks (no need for transplants). Seeds<\/a> planted now will sprout quickly and grow with confidence, taking full advantage of summer\u2019s long daylight hours. This is the shortcut season\u2014less fuss, more results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Water Deep, Not Often<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Early-morning watering helps reduce evaporation. Add mulch (straw, compost<\/a>, or shredded bark) to lock in moisture.  Deep, infrequent watering encourages roots to grow down where it\u2019s cooler and more stable. Think of mulch as your garden\u2019s sunhat\u2014it cools the soil, conserves water, and keeps weeds at bay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Shade the Base, Not the Face<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Use taller plants to shield roots and create microclimates\u2014pole beans or tomatoes can provide afternoon shade for shorter companions. A little intentional plant placement can cool down an entire garden bed. When your garden mimics a layered ecosystem, everything thrives with less effort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Containers Count<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If your garden is on a balcony or a sunny stoop, you can still plant. Just choose deep pots, water regularly, and feed every couple of weeks. Warm-season crops like zucchini, beans, and chard grow beautifully in containers<\/a>\u2014you just need a little space and consistency. Treat your pots like mini raised beds, and they\u2019ll return the favor with homegrown abundance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Harvesting Hacks<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Harvested

Thomas J. Story<\/p><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

1. Fast Growers, Fast Gratification<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Many of these plants germinate in under a week and produce in under 60 days\u2014ideal for impatient or first-time gardeners. You don\u2019t have to wait all season for rewards\u2014beans, zucchini, and Armenian cucumbers are overachievers when it comes to speed. It\u2019s the perfect way to build gardening confidence before the seasons shift again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Pick Early, Pick Often<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Harvesting<\/a> young keeps plants producing longer (especially beans and zucchini) and the flavor tender. Think of it as garden encouragement\u2014the more you pick, the more the plant gives back. Smaller harvests often taste sweeter, cook faster, and don\u2019t overwhelm your kitchen counter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Fertilize Lightly, Consistently<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A diluted organic liquid fertilizer<\/a> every 2\u20133 weeks keeps plants thriving without overfeeding. In warm weather, a little steady nourishment goes a long way. Overdoing it can stress plants, while a gentle rhythm of nutrients helps them stay strong and productive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Save the Seeds, Start Again<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In frost-free zones, you can succession plant through late summer. In cooler regions, some varieties will produce well into fall. Keep the momentum going by sowing a second round of fast growers in August for late-season harvests. Gardening isn\u2019t one-and-done\u2014especially when your climate gives you extra innings.<\/p>\n","post_title":"It's Not Too Late to Plant These Veggies in Your Summer Garden","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"vegetables-to-plant-in-summer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-06-24 18:49:03","post_modified_gmt":"2025-06-25 01:49:03","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.sunset.com\/?p=189834","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"stories_row_1_bottom":[{"ID":189567,"post_author":"99","post_date":"2025-06-19 03:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2025-06-19 10:00:00","post_content":"\n

Sure, summer gardens<\/a> are often designed to dazzle the eyes\u2014bursts of color, big blooms, and dramatic textures. But what about the scents? That one plant that stops you mid-step, or the breeze that carries a little floral something you can\u2019t quite name (but wish you could bottle). Fragrance<\/a> is the most under-appreciated garden layer, and in the hot, dry summers of the West, it\u2019s also one of the most rewarding. Whether it\u2019s a citrus tree blooming near the patio, lavender<\/a> spilling over a path, or night-blooming jasmine perfuming the air after sunset, scent invites us to slow down and breathe it all in. In this guide, we\u2019re celebrating the aromatic all-stars of the season, including native favorites, heat-lovers<\/a>, and unexpected picks like spicy basil and sacred datura, along with planting ideas and design tips for every region in the West.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

California: Mediterranean Magic<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Outdoor

Thomas J. Story<\/p><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

California summers are dry, hot, and long\u2014and that's exactly what makes this region a paradise for fragrant plants that thrive on sunshine and tough love. From native sages that smell like hiking trails<\/a> after a heatwave to citrus blossoms that float on the breeze, scent is everywhere if you know what to plant where<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fragrant Plants to Try:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n