12 Plants to Grow in the Heat of July for a Bountiful Late Summer Garden

Gardening in the heat of July can be challenging, but with the right plants, you can still enjoy a bountiful harvest come late summer. Here are twelve plants that thrive in the heat and will ensure your garden remains productive and beautiful.

1. Tomatoes

Tomatoes are a classic summer crop and thrive in hot weather. They need plenty of sunshine, well-drained soil, and regular watering to produce juicy, flavourful fruits.

• Varieties to try: 'Roma', 'Cherry', 'Beefsteak'
• Planting tips: Space plants about 2 feet apart. Use stakes or cages to support the plants as they grow.
• Harvesting: Pick tomatoes when they are fully coloured and slightly soft to the touch.

2. Peppers

Peppers, whether sweet or hot, love the heat. They are easy to grow and can be very productive.

• Varieties to try: 'Bell Pepper', 'Jalapeno', 'Habanero'
• Planting tips: Plant in well-drained soil with full sun. Space plants are about 18 inches apart.
• Harvesting: Harvest peppers when they reach the desired size and colour.

3. Cucumbers

Cucumbers are another summer favourite that thrives in warm weather. They can be grown on the ground or on trellises to save space.

• Varieties to try: 'Marketmore', 'Lemon Cucumber', 'Armenian Cucumber'
• Planting tips: Plant in full sun with well-drained soil. Space plants about 12 inches apart if growing on the ground.
• Harvesting: Pick cucumbers when they are firm and a good size for the variety.

4. Squash

Both summer and winter squash grow well in the heat of July. They need plenty of space to spread out and lots of sunlight.

• Varieties to try: 'Zucchini', 'Butternut', 'Acorn Squash'
• Planting tips: Plant in hills spaced about 3 feet apart. Provide ample water and full sun.
• Harvesting: Harvest summer squash when they are small and tender. Winter squash should be harvested when the skin is hard and the fruit has reached full size.

5. Beans

Beans are a great addition to any summer garden. They grow quickly and can produce a large harvest.

• Varieties to try: 'Bush Beans', 'Pole Beans', 'Runner Beans'
• Planting tips: Plant in well-drained soil with full sun. Space bush beans are about 4 inches apart and pole beans 6 inches apart.
• Harvesting: Pick beans when they are young and tender for the best flavour.

6. Okra

Okra is a heat-loving plant that produces edible pods. It’s a staple in many southern dishes and is easy to grow.

• Varieties to try: 'Clemson Spineless', 'Red Burgundy', 'Annie Oakley II'
• Planting tips: Plant in full sun with well-drained soil. Space plants are about 12 inches apart.
• Harvesting: Pick okra pods when they are about 3 inches long.

7. Eggplant

Eggplants love the heat and can produce a large harvest of glossy, purple fruits.

• Varieties to try: 'Black Beauty', 'Japanese Eggplant', 'Fairy Tale'
• Planting tips: Plant in full sun with well-drained soil. Space plants about 2 feet apart.
• Harvesting: Harvest eggplants when the skin is glossy and firm.

8. Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes thrive in hot weather and can be a very rewarding crop to grow.

• Varieties to try: 'Beauregard', 'Covington', 'Garnet'
• Planting tips: Plant in well-drained soil with full sun. Space plants are about 12 inches apart.
• Harvesting: Harvest sweet potatoes about 90 to 120 days after planting, when the leaves start to yellow.

9. Corn

Corn is a summer staple that loves the heat. It needs plenty of space and sunlight to grow tall and produce ears.

• Varieties to try: 'Silver Queen', 'Golden Bantam', 'Honey Select'
• Planting tips: Plant in full sun with well-drained soil. Space plants are about 8 inches apart.
• Harvesting: Pick corn when the silks turn brown and the kernels are plump.

10. Melons

Melons, including watermelons and cantaloupes, thrive in hot weather and produce sweet, juicy fruits.

• Varieties to try: 'Sugar Baby Watermelon', 'Hale's Best Cantaloupe', 'Crimson Sweet Watermelon'
• Planting tips: Plant in full sun with well-drained soil. Space plants about 3 feet apart.
• Harvesting: Harvest melons when they emit a sweet aroma and the fruit easily detaches from the vine.

11. Sunflowers

Sunflowers are not only beautiful but also useful. They can provide shade for other plants and attract pollinators to your garden.

• Varieties to try: 'Mammoth', 'Autumn Beauty', 'Sunrich Lemon'
• Planting tips: Plant in full sun with well-drained soil. Space plants about 2 feet apart.
• Harvesting: Cut sunflowers when the petals start to wilt and the back of the flower head turns yellow.

12. Basil

Basil loves the heat and is an essential herb for many dishes. It’s easy to grow and can be very prolific.

• Varieties to try: 'Genovese', 'Thai Basil', 'Lemon Basil'
• Planting tips: Plant in full sun with well-drained soil. Space plants are about 12 inches apart.
• Harvesting: Pick basil leaves as needed, preferably before the plant flowers for the best flavour.

Tips for Successful Summer Gardening

1. Water Wisely: Water your plants early in the morning or late in the evening to reduce evaporation. Deep watering is better than frequent shallow watering.
2. Mulch: Use mulch to retain moisture in the soil and keep the roots cool. It also helps reduce weeds.
3. Fertilize: Feed your plants with a balanced fertilizer to ensure they get the nutrients they need to thrive.
4. Pest Control: Keep an eye out for pests and take action early to prevent infestations. Use organic methods if possible.
5. Shade Cloth: For particularly hot days, consider using shade cloth to protect delicate plants from excessive heat.

Conclusion

Growing a garden in the heat of July may seem daunting, but with the right plants and a bit of care, you can enjoy a bountiful late summer harvest. From tomatoes and peppers to sunflowers and basil, there are plenty of options to keep your garden thriving. Happy gardening!

This guide provides you with a simple, easy-to-follow plan to grow a variety of plants that will flourish in the summer heat. Whether you are a seasoned gardener or a beginner, these tips and plant choices will help you achieve a productive and beautiful garden. Enjoy the fruits (and vegetables) of your labour and make the most of the summer growing season!