Vegetable Gardening in the Summer

Plan ahead for a summer garden.

Summer often brings a bountiful harvest to many gardens. Whether you are a seasoned gardener or just beginning, the steps that will bring you a summer garden are the same. Know how to plan and care for a vegetable garden in the summer so that you can enjoy a full, productive garden.

Preparing the Garden

Plan your garden early so that you can have good growth for a summer vegetable garden. If you have not had a garden, start by picking your garden location. Work the soil in fall or spring, adding fertilizer or compost for a good nutrient base in the soil. Some gardeners choose to plant gardens in containers or in raised beds. In these types of gardens, growers should purchase quality soil for optimal nutrients.

Planting

Summer gardens usually contain vegetables such as tomatoes, cucumbers and squash. Determine which vegetables you want to grow and decide if you will purchase seeds or young plants. If you choose to plant seeds, follow the guidelines on the seed packet to determine the best time to plant. Most seeds can be planted after the last frost, or you can start the seeds indoors before then. If you purchase young plants for transplantation, plant only after the threat of frost is over. Most plants for a summer garden should be in the ground by May or June.

Watering

During the summer months, many areas have little rainfall, so you should examine the soil to determine if you should water. "If the soil is dry when scratched to a depth of 1 to 2 inches, watering is necessary," according to North Carolina State University. Water the garden in the morning hours during summer months to limit evaporation, and be careful not to splash water on the leaves of the plants since this may induce leaf scorch.

Weeds

In summer, weeds bloom and spread to other areas in the garden. A garden with many weeds may result in a significantly lower vegetable harvest since weeds will use up nutrients in the soil. Pull weeds as they appear in the garden, and spread mulch over the top of the soil. This will keep weeds down and also help keep moisture in the soil. Gardeners commonly use organic mulches that contain wood chips, pine needles and other materials.

Fall Vegetables

During the summer, you may decide to prepare a section of the garden for a fall vegetable harvest. Preparing the soil and selecting plants will be the same process you went through for your summer garden. Typically, you should plant these seeds or plants in mid- to late summer. Carrots, lettuce and radishes are good choices for a fall harvest.

References

• North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension: Home Vegetable Gardening
• Iowa State University: Planting a Home Vegetable Garden