Vegetables To Plant in Late Summer

Don't let the calendar fool you. Just because spring has long since sprung doesn't mean you’ve missed the boat when it comes to gardening this year. In fact, late summer is the perfect time to plant a whole new crop of deliciousness — or you can fill in the gaps in your garden where you’ve already harvested.

Let's explore the veggies that thrive in this "second season."

Understanding late summer planting

A big part of planting successfully when summer is winding down is understanding your local climate. In some regions, the hot temperatures could continue well into late autumn (or beyond). Other areas will soon begin cooling.

Start by figuring out your region’s average first frost date. You should be able to find this information online, or you can check with a local garden center or your county extension service. As you consider plants, read seed packets, seedling labels, or online information to see how many days they’ll need to reach maturity. Select plants that will mature before the average first frost date. 

A word of warning: Another factor to consider when you plant this time of year is that daylight hours are decreasing. This reduction in light can slow plants’ growth, so it’s wise to add another seven to 10 days to each plant’s “days to maturity” total as you do your research. For example, if the radishes you’re looking at normally need 45 days to mature, figure they’ll need about 55 days with lessening daylight hours. 

TLC for your crops

Take time to create the best possible conditions for vegetables to thrive in your garden.

Before you plant

Start by adding compost or a balanced organic fertilizer to your soil. Even if you did that at the beginning of the season, odds are good that after your spring and early summer crops, your soil is depleted of nutrients. 

It’s also worthwhile to remove weeds from your garden bed(s) so they’re not competing with your vegetables for nutrients and water.

After you plant

Apply a layer of mulch to protect your new seedlings. The mulch will help your garden soil retain moisture and keep cool, and it suppresses weeds. 

It can be a bit challenging for seeds to germinate in hot, dry summer conditions. Keep the soil moist with regular, shallow waterings (about a quarter of an inch down) but hold off on deep waterings in the areas where the seeds are planted so they aren’t washed away. Once the seedlings have sprouted and developed their first set of true leaves (typically the second set of leaves that appear after the seed leaves), you can gradually start watering more deeply.

Deep watering will encourage your plants’ roots to grow further down into the soil, which will make them more drought resistant. This usually involves watering the soil to a depth of at least 6-8 inches, depending on the plant type. Deep watering can be done less frequently than shallow watering, but it’s important to keep the soil consistently moist while your plants mature.

If you plant seedlings instead of sowing seeds in the late summer, you can begin deep waterings immediately.

Veggies to Consider

Here are some veggies that, depending on where you are, likely will thrive when planted in the late summer.

• Leafy greens: Spinach, kale, and lettuce are excellent choices because they grow quickly and flourish in the cooler temperatures of late summer and early fall.
• Root vegetables: Carrots, beets, and radishes are also ideal for late summer planting. They have short growing seasons and can be harvested before the first frost.
• Brassicas: Vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts do well when planted in late summer. They benefit from the cooler weather and can often be harvested into the fall.
• Beans and peas: These legumes can be planted in late summer for a fall harvest. They grow quickly and can be a great way to use up any leftover garden space.
• Zucchini and cucumbers: Zucchini and cucumbers are both heat-loving plants that can thrive when planted in late summer, especially in areas where the growing season extends well into the fall. They grow quickly and can start producing in as little as 40 to 60 days.

If you’re in a hot climate…

As we mentioned, some regions see hot temperatures long after summer is officially over. Here are some vegetable options that do well in these areas:

• Swiss chard and collard greens: These plants are more heat-tolerant than other leafy greens like lettuce, and they’ll continue to produce well into autumn.
• Beets: While beets prefer cooler weather, they can still be successfully grown in hot climates if planted in late summer. Providing some afternoon shade can help them thrive.
• Carrots: Carrots can tolerate the heat, especially if you keep the soil consistently moist and mulched to reduce soil temperature.
• Cabbage: Early-maturing cabbage varieties can be planted in late summer for a fall harvest. They can handle the heat but may benefit from partial shade in extremely hot climates.
• Broccoli: Heat-tolerant varieties of broccoli can be grown in late summer, but it's important to keep the soil cool and moist.
• Bush beans: Some varieties of bush beans can handle the heat well and are a good choice for late summer planting. Typically, they require 50-60 days to mature, though this can vary depending on the growing conditions.
• Cowpeas (black-eyed peas): Cowpeas can be planted through August in most parts of the country. They thrive in warm summer weather and sunny locations with well-draining soil. Generally, they require 65-70 days to fully mature, depending on the growing conditions.
• Zucchini: Zucchini plants can handle the heat and will continue to produce well into autumn if kept well-watered.
• Okra: Okra is extremely heat-tolerant and thrives in the hot conditions typical of the South and Southwest. It’s a great choice for planting in late summer.