With consistent warm weather, virtually everything can be planted out now, even from seed, and still mature for late summer harvests. Root crops such as carrots, beets, kohlrabi, turnips, and parsnips germinate well in warm temperatures and can be left in the ground for fall and winter harvests. Seed potatoes planted now yield mid-sized gems in September.
Sweet Potatoes and Brassicas
On the West Coast, sweet potatoes like Georgia Jet and Reliance are gaining popularity. Brassicas including cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts can be planted now for fall and winter meals. Hardy kale varieties set out now last through winter.
Winter Squash and Pumpkins
Winter squash planted now, if kept cool and dry, can last through winter into spring. Acorn squash varieties like Green Acorn and Cream of the Crop offer diverse flavours. Butternut, Butter Baby, Honeynut, Kabocha, and Buttercup types are great keepers. Mini and mid-sized Hubbards suit average gardens. Halloween pumpkins, including designer varieties in colours from soft lemon to almost black, should go in now. White pumpkins like Snowball and Crystal Star are popular. Unique types like Rouge Vif d'Etampes, Fairytale, and Cinderella's Carriage are good for baking. Squash varieties like Grey Ghost, Autumn Frost, and Galeux d'Eysines serve both culinary and decorative purposes.
Herbs for Summer
Basil thrives in hot weather and can be started from seed or transplanted. Dill planted now coincides with pickling cucumber crops, which come in smaller sizes for small gardens and containers.
