The tough summer heat doesn’t mean your garden needs a time out. A summer gardening project is the perfect way to squeeze in some exercise, spark your creativity, and fill your plate with home-grown superfoods.
What to plant?
There are many vegetable plants that will thrive in summer heat. Warm-weather plants such as squash and melons often require more time to grow than cool-weather plants like spinach and peas, so start planting the seeds in the spring or early summer. Use the following table to help you plan your summer gardening:
| What to plant in May: | What to plant in June: | What to plant in July and August: |
|---|---|---|
| Basil | Herbs | Herbs |
| Herbs like cilantro and oregano | Chiles | Chiles |
| Cucumber | Bell Peppers | Bell Peppers |
| Hard Winter Squash | Eggplants | Cucumber |
| Melons | Tomatoes | Melons |
| Sweet Potatoes | Zucchini | Summer Squash |
| Sunflowers | Cabbage | |
| Tomatoes |
Get Creative!
There are no rules in gardening, so plant what inspires you! Try combining different colors, textures, and shapes to bring your patio to life. In the summer, for example, try an Italian-themed container with a tomato plant in the middle, and oregano and purple basil surrounding it.
From the garden to the dinner table
When your harvest is ready, pick a recipe that will highlight all of your fresh vegetables. For example, if you are growing tomatoes try making a pico de gallo salsa (salsa with fresh, chunky tomatoes and onions). This fresh Mexican tradition is excellent when paired with anything from grilled salmon to tacos. Or, you could enjoy it as a topping on some cucumber slices from your garden. Salsa is a great source of nutrients like Vitamin C, Magnesium, and fiber.
Pico de Gallo
Ingredients:
- 2 medium tomatoes, coarsely chopped
- 1/2 cup finely chopped white onion
- 1-2 tablespoons seeded and finely diced hot peppers (chiles, jalapeño)
- 2 tablespoons coarsely chopped cilantro leaves
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
- Salt
- (Freshly ground) black pepper
Directions:
In a medium bowl, combine the tomatoes with the onion, cilantro, and lime juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Enjoy!!
Store:
In a tightly covered container in the refrigerator.
Note: The amounts for some of the ingredients may be changed because everyone has a different tolerance for heat and cilantro. Experiment to see how you like your salsa!
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