Summer Garden Success: Heat‑Loving Plants & Smart Strategies

Pick Plants That Love the Heat

• Herbs: Basil, thyme, oregano, chives.
• Vegetables: Tomatoes, squash, hot peppers, green beans, peas, chickpeas, okra.
• Berries: Raspberries, strawberries, blackberries (water generously).
• Ornamentals: Begonias, angelonia, heat‑tolerant perennials.

Site Selection Essentials

• Flat ground for even moisture distribution.
• Match sun exposure to plant tags—“full sun” = 6+ hours direct; “part shade” = morning sun/afternoon shade.

Soil: The Foundation

Ideal garden loam balances sand, silt, and clay. Test texture: squeeze moist soil—gritty = sandy; sticky = clay; crumbly = loam. Amend with compost to improve any type. Mulch to conserve moisture.

Water Deeply & Consistently

Morning irrigation, soaker hoses or drip lines. Avoid wet foliage at night. Consistent moisture prevents blossom‑end rot, cracking, and stress.

With the right plants, site, soil, and watering, your summer garden will thrive even in the hottest weeks.