Summer is in full bloom, but is your garden? It’s not too late to get a gorgeously growing garden this summer by planting these flowers and produce.
Vinca
Vinca, known also as Periwinkle or Myrtle, is the ideal summer flower to plant because this annual is very tolerant of both heat and drought. It will bloom all summer long, and even in frost, so you can keep it in your garden year-round. This flower is perfect for novice green thumbs, as it requires little to no attention and little water. It will generally reseed itself as well.
Aster
This tough flowering plant is much like the Vinca in that it will bloom all summer long and into fall so long as it is pruned of its wilted flowers on a regular basis. It does require more water than the Vinca, however, and it thrives best in a location with part- or full-sun exposure.
Purple Coneflower
This flower, similar to the daisy, is a gorgeous addition to a summer garden. It grows up to five feet tall, so it can provide a nice contrast to shorter flowering plants. This plant requires six hours of full sunlight a day, though in very hot areas it will do best in afternoon shade when the weather is at its peak heat, and flourishes in poor soil — no need to use the enriched stuff for this little gem.
Other fast-growing flowers to plant in June include sunflowers, marigolds, zinnias, and cosmos.
Fruiting Plants
At the onset of summer, get your fruiting plants, such as tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant into the ground, as they grow and produce quickly when planted in warm soil.
Lettuce
It’s a great time to plant lettuces, such as mild mustards, “salad” mix, mesclun, and beet and chard greens that you can cut and enjoy all summer long. When they flourish, trim them for a salad and they’ll continue to serve as light and healthy meal bases throughout bikini season! They require bright light, but not direct sun.
Herbs
Flavorful ingredients like basil, marjoram, oregano, thyme, sage, and chives love the summer sun, but be sure to keep their soil beds moist. Water them in the early morning or late at night when the sun has gone down to allow them to drink it in before it evaporates.
Keeping a summer garden is a fantastic way to ensure your summertime meals are full of healthy, delicious produce. It’s also a great activity for kids who are on summer break. Stave off boredom by turning them into little green thumbs or entertain them with these other outdoor ideas. But before planting anything this summer, consult with an expert at a local nursery on flowers and produce to grow in your specific area and weather conditions to ensure success in your summer garden.
Feature image courtesy of rpavich