Think it’s Too Late? There’s Still Time to Plant!
As the days stretch long and the summer sun warms Southern New Jersey, many aspiring gardeners might feel like they've missed their window for planting. Perhaps you've been busy, or maybe you're just starting to dream of fresh, homegrown produce. Good news! It's absolutely not too late to plant a successful and bountiful garden right now.
In fact, mid-June in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a/7b is the perfect time to get many warm-season heroes into the ground. These plants love the heat, grow quickly, and will provide you with delicious harvests well into the late summer and fall!
Your Mid-Summer Planting Checklist: What to Grow Now!
Don't let the calendar fool you. Our climate offers a fantastic extended growing season. Here are some top picks that will thrive when planted in June:
1. The Prolific Powerhouses:
Bush Beans & Pole Beans: These are fantastic! Bush beans mature quickly, allowing for succession planting every few weeks for continuous harvests. Pole beans, given a trellis or support, will climb high and produce heavily throughout the summer.
Cucumbers: Direct sow seeds or plant transplants. Cucumbers absolutely revel in the summer heat and will quickly send out vines (or bushes!) laden with crisp, refreshing fruits. Remember to give vining varieties plenty of support!
Summer Squash (Zucchini, Yellow Squash, Patty Pan): Extremely fast-growing and incredibly productive. Direct sow seeds now, and you'll be harvesting in no time. Be prepared for a bountiful yield!
2. Heat-Loving Staples:
Peppers (Bell & Chili): Plant healthy transplants now. Peppers thrive in the heat and sun, and with our long summers, you'll get a fantastic crop that will continue producing until the first frost.
Eggplant: Like peppers, eggplant loves the warmth. Transplants planted now will establish quickly and provide beautiful, versatile fruits through late summer and early fall.
Okra: A true Southern gem that loves the heat and humidity. Direct sow seeds or plant small transplants for pods that are perfect for frying, grilling, or adding to stews.
Sweet Potatoes: Plant slips (cuttings) now. While they take a long time to mature, they thrive in the summer heat and will form delicious tubers beneath the soil until cooler weather arrives.
3. Late-Season Delights (with good timing):
Corn: You can still direct sow early-maturing corn varieties (those that mature in 60-70 days). Plant them in blocks rather than single rows to ensure good wind pollination for full cobs.
Melons (Watermelon, Cantaloupe): For a successful melon harvest, it's best to plant transplants now, especially if you choose early or mid-season varieties. They need plenty of sun, warmth, and space to sprawl.
4. Heat-Tolerant Greens & Herbs:
New Zealand Spinach & Malabar Spinach: These are excellent, heat-tolerant alternatives to traditional spinach, which tends to bolt in summer. They provide fresh greens even when temperatures soar.
Basil: A summer must-have! Plant basil transplants now for fragrant leaves perfect for pesto, salads, and Italian dishes.
Perennial Herbs: Herbs like mint, oregano, thyme, and rosemary are very resilient and can be planted from transplants any time the ground isn't frozen. They'll establish well in the summer heat.
Tips for Summer Planting Success with Harvest at Home:
When planting in June, a few key practices will ensure your garden flourishes:
Prioritize Transplants: While some seeds do great, using healthy starter plants (transplants) for peppers, eggplant, melons, and even some herbs will give you a significant head start.
Water, Water, Water: Young plants going into warm soil need consistent, deep watering to establish their root systems. Avoid shallow, frequent watering; aim for less frequent but thorough soaking.
Mulch is Your Friend: Our expert installation always includes a layer of premium mulch. This is crucial in summer to retain soil moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress pesky weeds.
Sunlight & Shade Management: Most of these plants crave full sun. However, for some heat-sensitive greens, a spot that gets a little afternoon shade can extend their life.
Nutrient-Rich Soil: The foundation of any successful garden is healthy soil. Our custom raised beds are filled with premium, organic, nutrient-rich compost and soil blends designed to give your plants everything they need to thrive.
Ready to Enjoy a Bountiful Summer Harvest?
Don't let the season pass you by! With Harvest at Home, it's never too late to cultivate the garden of your dreams. We handle the design, build, installation, planting, and even ongoing organic tending, so you can enjoy the freshest, most delicious produce without the work.
Schedule your FREE consultation today! Let's transform your backyard into a productive and beautiful edible oasis this summer.
