Yes, it really is possible to replant a vegetable garden in the middle of summer. Or, if you didn’t have the chance, get started with planting your first garden of the season!
That’s right – even if you missed out on a chance to plant a garden this spring, there is still time to grow this year. And believe it or not, the list of what you can still grow is quite lengthy.
Planting new seeds for vegetable crops in mid-summer is the perfect way to keep a garden producing well into late fall. Not only does it provide your family with additional produce, it’s also easier than ever to do in the warm summer months.
In fact, starting new crops during the summer has quite a few built-in advantages for both the gardener and the plants!
For the gardener, it is a chance to plant with zero worry of freeze or frost. It also eliminates the concern of mold, mildew and rot that can exist during spring’s cool, wet weather.
For the plants, the warm summer soil allows seeds to germinate fast. And the longer hours of daylight, coupled with warm, humid summer nights work wonders for fast, steady plant growth!
Replanting A Mid Summer Vegetable Garden
The key to success when replanting your garden in the summer is to select varieties that will grow and mature quickly enough to produce a complete second fall harvest before winter sets in. And you might be amazed at just how many vegetables can be replanted!
Here is a look at some of the best crops to replant, along with a few to avoid:
Green Beans
Green beans, especially bush-style beans are perfect for growing multiple crops in a single growing season.
Spring planted green beans usually begin to fade by mid to late July. But by planting again in mid-summer, you will produce a delicious 2nd crop as fall settles in.
Our two favorites for summer re-planting are Royal Burgundy (purple) and Blue Lake Bush Beans. They both can go from seed to harvest in 60 days, making them a perfect choice for planting in the summer.
Cucumbers
Cucumbers seeds sprout and grow quickly in the warm summer soil and air temperatures. Because of this, they are a great choice when replanting a summer vegetable garden.
Varieties such as Straight 8 and Boston Pickling cucumbers mature in just 50 to 65 days. With that in mind, a mid-July planting is perfect for a September / October harvest. Seed Link : Boston Pickling Cucumber Seeds
And as an added benefit, many of the pests that harm cucumbers in the spring and early summer are not as prevalent in the summer.
See : The 7 Secrets To Growing A Great Crop Of Cucumbers
Zucchini
Zucchini plants are another vegetable that go from seed to harvest in short fashion. In fact, varieties so water well.
Lettuce / Kale / Greens
The entire “greens” family is perfect for summer replanting in the vegetable garden. Lettuce, kale, spinach and similar greens all germinate and grow quickly.
Many varieties are ready for harvest in as little as 25 to 30 days after planting. Sow a few rows of seed in July, and again every 3 weeks through August to have fresh salads well into fall.
With summer planting, grow in the shadier areas of your garden, or even alongside tall crops. They prefer cool weather, and this will go a long way in keeping them from bolting.
Peas
If you love snap peas, replanting in the summer garden is a must! By planting in late July, the peas will be ready to flower and produce as the cool temperatures of fall settle in – and that is perfect for strong, healthy crop.
Sugar snap and snow peas are both excellent for second plantings. Traditional peas are as well, but be sure to select bush-style varieties for second plantings. These will mature must faster than pole or climbing peas.
Herbs
When replanting your vegetable garden in the summer, don’t forget about annual herbs!
There are quite a few herbs that can easily be sown and grown again in mid-summer for a wonderful fall harvest. Basil, cilantro, parsley and dill are all excellent choices for a second fall harvest.
All of these herbs can come in handy for flavoring soups, salsa, sauces and more when preserving the garden. And don’t just stop with annual herbs.
If you want to expand your home-grown herb selection, mid summer is the perfect time. Thyme, oregano and chives can all be safely planted or transplanted in mid-summer. It gives these perennial herbs plenty of time to adjust and put down permanent roots before winter.
A Few Vegetables To Avoid
And finally, there are a few vegetable crops that should be avoided when replanting a summer vegetable garden. Potatoes, tomatoes, and peppers are simply not good candidates for summer replanting.
These crops require 75 to 90 days or more to mature, and in most areas, the frosts and freezes sets in before the plants can produce edible fruit.
Here is to keeping that garden thriving into late fall with a little replanting, and in the process, enjoying more produce than ever! Happy Gardening – Jim and Mary
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