5 Summer Plants You Need To Grow in Your Garden Right Now

There’s something incredibly satisfying about watching your garden flourish and knowing that you played a part in it. Over the years, I’ve discovered a few standout plants that not only thrive in the summer heat but also add beauty and bounty to my garden. These plants are easy to grow, offer a range of uses, and bring a touch of summer magic to any space.

Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting, incorporating these summer plants into your garden will make a big difference. They’re not only visually appealing but also practical, providing fresh produce and vibrant flowers throughout the season. Here are my top picks for summer plants that you should consider growing right now.

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Tomatoes

There’s nothing quite like the taste of a homegrown tomato. The flavor, aroma, and texture of garden-fresh tomatoes are unmatched by anything you can buy at the store. One of my favorite varieties to grow is the Cherokee Purple tomato. This heirloom variety has a rich, complex flavor that balances sweetness and acidity perfectly. The fruits have a deep, earthy taste with a hint of smokiness, making them perfect for salads, sandwiches, or just eating fresh with a sprinkle of salt.

To get the best results, plant your tomatoes in a sunny spot and provide them with plenty of water and nutrients. Stake or cage the plants to support the heavy fruit, and be sure to prune regularly to promote healthy growth. With a little care, you’ll be rewarded with an abundance of delicious tomatoes all summer long.

Basil

No summer garden is complete without basil. This versatile herb is easy to grow and adds a burst of fresh flavor to a wide range of dishes. Whether you’re making pesto, adding it to salads, or using it to garnish your favorite pasta, basil is a must-have in the kitchen. There are many varieties to choose from, including sweet basil, Thai basil, and purple basil, each with its unique flavor and appearance.

Basil loves warm weather and full sun, so plant it in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Water regularly and pinch back the tips to encourage bushy growth. Harvest the leaves frequently to keep the plant producing throughout the season. Not only will you enjoy fresh basil all summer, but the plant’s fragrant leaves and delicate flowers will also attract beneficial pollinators to your garden.

Zucchini

Zucchini is a summer garden staple that’s incredibly productive and easy to grow. This fast-growing plant can produce an abundance of fruit, which can be used in a variety of dishes from grilled zucchini to zucchini bread. The plants also have large, attractive leaves and bright yellow flowers that add visual interest to your garden.

Plant zucchini in a sunny spot with rich, well-drained soil. Space the plants well apart to give them room to spread, and keep the soil consistently moist. Zucchini plants are heavy feeders, so provide them with plenty of compost or a balanced fertilizer. Harvest the fruit regularly when they are small and tender to encourage more production and prevent them from becoming too large and tough.

Sunflowers

Few plants capture the essence of summer quite like sunflowers. These towering plants with their bright yellow blooms bring a touch of sunshine to any garden. Sunflowers are easy to grow and come in a variety of sizes and colors, from the classic tall yellow varieties to smaller, multi-colored ones.

Sunflowers thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. They are relatively drought-tolerant once established but will benefit from regular watering, especially during dry spells. Plant the seeds directly in the ground after the last frost, and thin the seedlings to give each plant plenty of space to grow. Sunflowers can also attract pollinators and provide seeds for birds and other wildlife.

Related: Summer Vegetables To Plant in Your Garden

Cucumbers

Cucumbers are another fantastic summer plant that’s both productive and easy to grow. Fresh cucumbers are perfect for salads, pickles, and cooling summer drinks. They grow quickly and can produce a large harvest, especially if you choose a high-yielding variety.

Cucumbers prefer warm weather, full sun, and well-drained soil. Plant them in hills or rows, and provide a trellis or support to keep the vines off the ground and improve air circulation. Keep the soil consistently moist and fertilize regularly to support their rapid growth. Harvest cucumbers when they are young and tender for the best flavor and texture.

Marigolds

Marigolds are a great addition to any summer garden, not just for their vibrant colors but also for their pest-repellent properties. These hardy flowers come in various shades of yellow, orange, and red, and they bloom profusely throughout the summer. Marigolds can help protect your vegetables by repelling pests like aphids and nematodes, making them a natural companion plant.

Plant marigolds in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. They are very easy to grow from seed and require minimal care once established. Regular deadheading will encourage continuous blooms. Besides their pest-repellent benefits, marigolds add a bright splash of color that can enhance the visual appeal of your garden.