Best Produce and Grains for Summer Harvest and Planting
Summer is one of the most rewarding seasons for farmers and homesteaders. With longer daylight hours, warm temperatures, and a wide range of produce options, it’s the perfect time to plant, grow, and harvest a variety of fruits, vegetables, and grains. Whether you’re working a few acres or a backyard garden, knowing what thrives in the summer heat is the key to a successful yield.
Best Summer Vegetables to Grow
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are the poster child of summer gardens. They love full sun and warm soil and come in hundreds of varieties—cherry, heirloom, Roma, beefsteak, and more. Support them with cages or trellises and keep the soil moist.
Peppers
From sweet bell to fiery hot, peppers are another heat-loving crop. They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil and are great companions to tomatoes.
Zucchini & Squash
Fast-growing and highly productive, zucchini and summer squash are perfect for both new and experienced growers. Just one or two plants can feed a family!
Cucumbers
These crisp climbers love to sprawl and enjoy warm, moist conditions. Try trellising to save space and improve air circulation.
Green Beans
Pole or bush beans are easy to grow in summer and produce an abundance of pods in just a few weeks. They’re nitrogen-fixers too, helping to enrich your soil.
Top Summer Fruits for Your Homestead
Watermelon & Cantaloupe
These juicy fruits are summer staples. They need plenty of room, warmth, and regular watering to thrive. Pick varieties that match your zone and space.
Berries (Strawberries, Blackberries, Raspberries)
Though berries can be perennial and may take a year or two to establish, many varieties offer summer harvests after spring flowering. Make sure they have rich soil and mulch to keep roots cool.
Figs
Figs love heat and can thrive in containers or in-ground. They’re hardy in warmer climates and produce sweet, high-fiber fruit throughout the summer.
Best Summer Grains to Plant
Corn
Corn is ideal for summer planting and grows quickly with warm temperatures and full sun. Sweet corn and popcorn are great options, but make sure to allow plenty of space.
Sorghum
Drought-tolerant and heat-loving, sorghum is a great option for farmers looking for grain alternatives. It can be used for animal feed, syrup, or even gluten-free flour.
Millet
Millet is fast-growing and resilient, making it perfect for dry summer regions. It’s also an excellent cover crop and great for feeding chickens.
Amaranth
This ancient grain is rich in protein, thrives in the heat, and offers both edible leaves and seeds. It’s also a beautiful addition to any garden with its bright red plumes.
Helpful Tips for Summer Planting
- Water Early and Deeply: Watering in the morning prevents evaporation and gives roots time to absorb moisture before the heat of the day.
- Use Mulch: A thick layer of mulch helps retain soil moisture and reduce weed competition.
- Shade Tender Plants: Consider using shade cloth or strategic placement of taller crops to protect plants that may wilt in extreme heat.
Related Reads You’ll Love
- Crop Rotation Techniques for Small and Large Farms
- Celebrating National Strawberry Month: Farm-to-Table Guide to Strawberries
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re looking to feed your family, sell at local markets, or simply enjoy the fruits of your labor, summer offers countless possibilities. By choosing heat-loving crops and practicing good seasonal care, your harvest can be both plentiful and delicious.
🌟 Free Resource for You!
Want an easy way to remember the top summer crops? Download our FREE pictorial infogram of summer fruits and veggies to grow—perfect for printing or sharing!
Click here to download your free infogram
Happy growing from all of us at Farm Finder Network!
