Seven Seeds to Plant this Summer

If you think it’s too late to plant a great harvest this year, think again! There are actually quite a few veggies you can start from seeds and still harvest before it gets too cold. 

However, before you start planting, you need to do some light research on your local climate. Depending on whether you live in the USA or not, you can check out your Farmer’s Almanac, or the internet to find out the date of your area’s first frost. This gives you the exact window of time that you have from now until it will be too cold for summer seeds.

Once you’ve found out when your first frost is, you can check out the seed packets of what you want to plant (or check the internet if needed) to find out how long they take to harvest. For example, if your first frost is 60 days away, and you have seeds that will be ready to harvest in 50, now is the perfect time to plant them! 

Here are seven seeds that you can plant this summer for a yummy harvest in 60 days or less…

Basil

There’s nothing quite like the taste and smell of fresh basil in the garden and kitchen. If you have any small spaces in your garden that you would like to utilize, basil is a great choice. Not only is it great for cooking, but it harvests in about 21-28 days, and you can let it go to seed so you have more for later if needed. 

Bush Beans

Bush beans are very healthy, and they harvest between 50 and 55 days. These guys are great for summer planting because they grow fast and have a high yield. Just plant them 8-10 inches apart, make sure they have shade in the afternoons if you live in an area that gets over 90°, and cover with a little bit of mulch. 

Cucumbers

These are another perfect summer seed that grows fast and produces a lot of fruit. 

Within 50-60 days, regular cucumbers will turn into vines that are full of this refreshing snack. However, pay attention to the type of cucumbers you are planting, since some varieties take a little longer than 60 days to be ready for eating.

Summer Squash

Ready for harvest in 60 days, summer squash is an amazing addition to your summer planting list. Not only is it delicious on its own, but you can add it to other recipes such as soups and stews, pasta dishes, appetizers, and more. They also LOVE the warm weather of summer, so you don’t have to worry about whether it will be too hot for them.

Sweet Corn

Sweet corn is a staple for many rustic dishes that the whole family will love. It grows very quickly, and has a really high yield. However, make sure that you are keeping an eye on the moisture levels in your soil, since sweet corn loves to be well-hydrated. Always make sure your sweet corn soil is nice and moist so it grows big and healthy.

Swiss Chard

This is one of the few greens that actually grows well in the heat; so you will want to take advantage of the health benefits of leafy greens by planting plenty of these in the summer. Swiss chard will be ready to harvest between 28 and 42 days, making it a great option for a summer garden that beats the frost. 

Zinnias

Every garden needs pollinators to help it grow well and become sustainable, and zinnias are a great way to do this during the summer time. Zinnias are native to Mexico, so they are definitely hardy enough to deal with the heat. These beauties take about 60 days to grow, so make sure to try planting them in gaps between your other crops, so you can help your whole garden grow, and help the bees at the same time!

I hope this quick list of seven seeds to plant this summer has inspired you to get gardening! Let me know any tips you have in the comments below, and let’s work together to grow an amazing summer garden. 

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