This post shows you edible plants to grow for the late summer and early fall months!
Container gardening is a fun activity but what do you do when you live in a place with extreme heat?
It may seem counter-productive but waiting until the late summer months can offer a unique opportunity for gardeners to enjoy a longer and more ideal growing season.
While the heat may be intense, many plants thrive in the warm weather and long daylight hours of late summer and early fall.
As a bonus, all of these vegetables have been adapted adapted to grow in containers, so you can grow all your favorites right outside your back door.
A few tips for growing vegetables in late summer
Location, location, location. Your location is the biggest factor to determine what to grow. For example, in north Florida, it’s too hot to grow tomatoes during summer because of the intense heat! But it’s perfect during fall.
Start seedlings indoors. Summer is the perfect time to start your seedlings indoors. By the time they are at a mature height, you can transplant them outside to enjoy the late summer warmth.
Research garden calendars. Local organizations and universities publish annual gardening calendars with a list of things to plant that month. Very useful for both beginners and experienced gardeners!
Whether you’re looking to fill gaps in your garden or start a new planting project, there are plenty of fresh options to choose from.
Let’s explore 19 plants that are perfect for growing in late summer!
1. Tomatoes
Late summer is the perfect time to plant tomatoes, as they love the warmth and sunshine.
Choose from a variety of heirloom or hybrid tomato cultivars, including cherry tomatoes, beefsteak tomatoes, and roma tomatoes.
Plant them in well-drained soil and provide support such as stakes or cages to help them thrive as they grow.
2. Peppers
Peppers thrive in the heat of late summer and are an excellent addition to any garden.
Whether you prefer sweet bell peppers or spicy jalapenos, there are plenty of varieties to choose from.
Plant peppers in full sun and provide consistent moisture to encourage healthy growth and fruit production.
3. Eggplant
Another heat-loving vegetable, eggplant is a versatile and delicious addition to late summer gardens.
Choose from traditional purple varieties or explore exotic options like Japanese or Italian eggplants.
Plant eggplant in rich, well-drained soil and provide support for the sprawling vines as they grow.
4. Okra
Okra thrives in hot weather and is a staple of southern cuisine.
Plant okra seeds directly in the garden once the soil has warmed up in late summer.
Space plants 12-18 inches apart in rows and provide ample water to encourage strong growth and abundant yields.
5. Cucumbers
Late summer is the perfect time to plant cucumbers for a fresh supply of crunchy, refreshing snacks.
Choose from slicing cucumbers for salads and sandwiches or pickling cucumbers for preserving.
Plant cucumbers in fertile soil with plenty of organic matter and provide trellises or supports for the vines to climb.
6. Summer Squash
Summer squash, including zucchini and yellow squash, are prolific producers in late summer gardens.
Plant squash seeds directly in the garden once the soil has warmed up, spacing plants 18-24 inches apart in rows.
Harvest squash regularly to encourage continued production throughout the season.
7. Green Beans
Green beans are a quick-growing and productive crop that thrives in the warmth of late summer.
Choose from bush or pole bean varieties, depending on your garden space and preference.
Plant beans in well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter and provide support for pole beans to climb.
8. Herbs
Many herbs thrive in the heat of late summer and are perfect for adding fresh flavor to your meals.
Basil, cilantro, parsley, and oregano are just a few options to consider.
Plant herbs in containers or directly in the garden, ensuring they receive adequate sunlight and water for optimal growth.
9. Lettuce
While lettuce prefers cooler temperatures, many varieties can still be grown successfully in late summer with proper care.
Choose heat-tolerant lettuce varieties such as romaine or butterhead.
Remember to provide shade or afternoon shade to protect them from intense sunlight and heat.
10. Spinach
Like lettuce, spinach prefers cooler temperatures but can still be grown in late summer with a little extra care.
Choose heat-tolerant spinach varieties and plant them in well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter.
Provide shade or afternoon shade to protect spinach from wilting in the heat.
11. Kale
Kale is a cold-hardy vegetable that thrives in the cooler temperatures of late summer and early fall.
Choose from curly kale, lacinato kale, or red Russian kale for a variety of flavors and textures.
Plant kale in rich, well-drained soil and provide consistent moisture to encourage vigorous growth.
12. Swiss Chard
Swiss chard is a versatile and nutritious leafy green that grows well in the heat of late summer.
Choose from colorful varieties such as Bright Lights or Rainbow Chard for a beautiful addition to your garden.
Plant Swiss chard in fertile soil and provide consistent moisture to encourage strong growth and vibrant colors.
13. Radishes
Radishes are quick-growing and easy to grow, making them perfect for late summer planting.
Choose from traditional red radishes or explore exotic options like watermelon radishes or French breakfast radishes.
Plant radish seeds directly in the garden and harvest them as soon as they reach maturity for the best flavor and texture.
14. Carrots
Carrots are another root vegetable that thrives in the cooler temperatures of late summer and early fall.
Choose from traditional orange varieties or experiment with colorful options like purple or yellow carrots.
Plant carrot seeds directly in the garden in loose, well-drained soil and provide consistent moisture to encourage straight, sweet roots.
15. Beets
Beets are a versatile and nutritious root vegetable that grows well in the heat of late summer.
Choose from traditional red beets or explore colorful options like golden or chioggia beets.
Plant beet seeds directly in the garden in fertile, well-drained soil and provide consistent moisture to encourage robust growth and tender roots.
16. Broccoli
Broccoli is a cool-season vegetable that can be grown successfully in late summer for a fall harvest.
Choose heat-tolerant broccoli varieties and plant them in rich, well-drained soil.
Provide afternoon shade or use shade cloth to protect broccoli plants from intense sunlight and heat stress.
17. Cabbage
Like broccoli, cabbage is a cool-season vegetable that can be grown in late summer for a fall harvest.
Choose heat-tolerant cabbage varieties and plant them in fertile soil with plenty of organic matter.
Provide afternoon shade or use shade cloth to protect cabbage plants from heat stress and bolting.
18. Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts are a cool-season crop that thrives in the cooler temperatures of late summer and early fall.
Choose heat-tolerant Brussels sprouts varieties and plant them in rich, well-drained soil.
Provide consistent moisture and use shade cloth to protect Brussels sprouts from intense sunlight and heat stress.
19. Cauliflower
Cauliflower is a cool-season vegetable that can be grown successfully in late summer for a fall harvest.
Choose heat-tolerant cauliflower varieties and plant them in fertile soil with plenty of organic matter.
Provide afternoon shade or use shade cloth to protect cauliflower plants from heat stress and bolting.
Final Thoughts
Late summer is an exciting time for gardeners, offering a range of planting opportunities to extend the growing season and enjoy fresh produce well into fall.
By choosing the right plants and providing proper care, you can create a productive and beautiful garden that continues to thrive as the season transitions into fall
You may also like:
10 Herbs to Grow Indoors When You’re Broke (And How to Make Them Last Forever!)
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