WITH the hot summer months fast approaching, it’s time to think about what you want to do with your garden.
Sure, it’s tough to garden when the heat’s blazing, but spare a thought for your plants – how do they grow, thrive, and survive in such stifling weather?
The good news is that some plants absolutely love the sunshine.
Choosing the right crops for the season is key. You might get a little growth from out-of-season varieties, but often the fruits are small, pale, or lacking in flavour – as if they’re saying, “I tried my best, but it was just too hot!”
One of the best sun-loving plants is the eggplant. These beauties come in all shapes and sizes, from the classic glossy purple teardrop to long striped varieties and small round types.
Keep them well-watered right from the start, and you’ll be rewarded with shiny, firm fruit that add a splash of colour and flavour to your kitchen.
Another great performer in hot weather is the sweet potato. It’s one of my favourites to grow and eat.
With a bit of space, warmth, and regular watering, the leafy vines will spread generously, and beneath the soil lies the reward – vibrant orange tubers perfect for roasting, mashing, or adding colour to a summer meal.
Peppers, or capsicums, also thrive in the heat. They can be grown easily in tubs on the verandah and will reward you with glossy fruits in red, orange, or green.
Even if you’re not a fan of spice, bell peppers add a sweet crunch and a rainbow of colour to salads.
For quick-growing options, zucchini and squash are perfect choices. They grow fast, come in a range of varieties, and love soaking up the sunshine.
Just keep an eye on them – blink, and they’ll double in size overnight!
Tomatoes are another summer staple, but it pays to choose your variety carefully. Some tomatoes love the heat, while others struggle with it.
Cherry and Roma types tend to cope best, giving you a steady supply of juicy, sun-ripened fruit for salads, sauces, or snacks straight off the vine.
And for a touch of pure sunshine, plant sunflowers. These cheerful giants not only brighten up the garden but also help protect your veggies by luring away unwanted insects. They’re beautiful and beneficial – a true double act.
Till next time …
