By Georgia LynnContributing Writer
Gardening in the summer heat presents unique challenges, but the right vegetables can thrive in high temperatures. Heat-tolerant vegetables not only survive but often flourish during the warmer months, offering a rewarding harvest. Knowing which crops can handle the heat and when they’ll be ready to harvest can ensure a successful growing season. Here’s a list of ten heat-loving vegetables to plant now, along with their harvest timelines, so your garden stays productive all summer long.
1. Okra
Okra is a southern favorite, well-suited for hot climates. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Harvest okra pods 50-60 days after planting, typically when they’re 2-3 inches long.
2. Sweet Potatoes
Loving heat, sweet potatoes grow best in temperatures above 75°F. They need loose, well-drained soil and should be planted after the last frost. Expect to harvest them in 90-120 days when the vines start to yellow.
3. Peppers
Peppers (bell, hot, and sweet varieties) are highly heat-tolerant. Plant them in full sun with well-drained soil. Harvest peppers 60-90 days after planting, depending on the variety and desired ripeness.
4. Eggplant
Eggplants thrive in hot weather and need plenty of sun. They should be grown in rich, well-drained soil. Most eggplant varieties are ready for harvest 70-85 days after planting, once the fruit is glossy and firm.
5. Cucumbers
Cucumbers grow well in hot weather, making them a great summer vegetable. They require full sun and well-drained soil. Typically, cucumbers are ready to harvest within 50-70 days, once they reach the desired size, usually 6-8 inches long.
6. Beans
Both bush and pole beans are excellent heat-tolerant options. Plant them in full sun and well-drained soil. Beans are typically ready to harvest 55-65 days after planting, when pods are plump and tender.
7. Squash
Squash, including summer and winter varieties, thrives in hot conditions. Plant squash in full sun and well-drained soil for optimal growth. Harvest times vary: summer squash takes 50-60 days, while winter squash can take up to 100 days.
8. Tomatoes
Tomatoes are a summer garden staple. They need full sun and well-drained soil to perform well in the heat. Most tomato varieties will be ready to harvest in 60-80 days, depending on the type, once they turn fully ripe and deep in color.
9. Swiss Chard
Swiss chard can handle both heat and light frost, making it a versatile choice. It grows well in partial to full sun and well-drained soil. You can begin harvesting leaves as early as 50-60 days after planting, with new leaves continually emerging.
10. Melons
Melons such as watermelon and cantaloupe thrive in hot weather and need plenty of sun. Plant them in well-drained soil for the best results. Depending on the variety, melons are typically ready to harvest in 70-100 days when the skin becomes tough and the fruit sounds hollow when tapped.
Planting these heat-tolerant vegetables ensures a vibrant garden that can withstand the summer’s intense heat. By selecting crops that thrive in hot conditions, you can enjoy a productive growing season and a bountiful harvest. Happy gardening!