Temperatures have been soaring across the country. And right here in the Carolinas, we are close to entering into the triple digits. Charlotte has already seen steady temperatures in the 90's. But, does all the heat impact your veggie garden?
The N.C. Cooperative Extension says there are certain plants that can take in all the heat. The Extension serves as a resource that connects research and education. Their goal is to provide ways to improve everyday life.
While you may not have a green thumb, the experts say having a vegetable garden may help you make fewer trips to the grocer's produce aisle. And could keep a few more dollars in your pocket. The key to gardening is to keep it well-stocked. It's necessary to know what the best things are to plant in North Carolina and when to plant them.
Here are a few of the best plants to grow during the summer months.
What to Plant Plants of brussel sprouts and collards can be set out in mid-July. You can begin your fall vegetable garden this month. Plant beans, carrots, Brussels sprouts, and tomatoes in July. Start broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower plants in peat pots to transplant into the vegetable garden in mid-August. Begin repotting overgrown houseplants.
Read more at: https://henderson.ces.ncsu.edu/JulyGardenCalendar-NCMountains/
Sweet potatoes
This is personal thanksgiving must have. This produce grows abundantly in about 90 days (about 3 months). Sweet potatoes are natural anti-inflammatory, good for vision health and are said to have cancer fighting properties. For the best results, plant them when it’s the perfect amount of heat. These potatoes are versatile. They can be both sweet and starchy.
Southern Peas
You all have seen these before, all year round it's available and now we know why. The southern pea is also known as snap peas. These green peas are the pods are still young before the mature state of the plant. Most people make this into a cute side dish or salad, but don’t be afraid to get creative and store them for the long months.
Hot Peppers
Ranking at number 3 is a charcuterie must have. The hot pepper produces well from spring into fall. The variation that does the best are on the smaller side.
Green beans
Another thanksgiving favorites! Ranked at number 4 is the green bean. They are one of the easiest starter plants for your garden. Beans are easy and productive. A pro tip is to choose bush varieties for a faster crop and pole beans for a long season of steady results.
Zucchini squash
Not a fan favorite but this vegetable is resilient. The summer and winter versions are both grown in the heat. Farmers start this plant inside to avoid bugs and other insects, but then transfer it outside late June or early July. Zucchini squash is a good substitute for starch noodles. An interesting fact about the Zucchini Squash is that one singular zucchini is called “Zucchini”.
Sunflowers
The best looking of the list is none other than the sun's favorite, the Sunflower. I you are the type of gardener who wants to plant and walk away this is the plant for you! This plant is incredibly independent. It produces edible seeds for your family as well as for the wildlife.
Amaranth
The Amaranth plant is a purple plant with pretty flowers that spread like wildfire if you let them over seed. This plant is mostly eaten in salad or cooked down like collard greens. This plant prefers to be well drained. According to gardeners amaranth is a grain and is prone to blowing over.
Eggplant
If there's ever a plant or the summer, it's this one! This plant is the best hot-weather producer of the solanaceous (tomato/ potato family) crops. Some tips for planting eggplant - to protect from flea beetles, monitor them for pinholes in the leaves. Treat with insecticide as needed.
