Summer Vegetables

The prime season for landscaping in Nevada is in the spring. During spring fever, people enjoy landscaping their yards and planting their gardens. Though spring is nearly over, it is not too late to get started on your landscaping or gardening journey. 

One of the most popular gardens to grow is a vegetable garden. Of course, there are certain times when landscaping in Nevada should include a vegetable garden considering some vegetables produce more supply with lots of water and others flourish in the heat. If you are new to gardening, you may want to plant vegetables from transplants — or those that have already sprouted and can be easily purchased at your local nursery — rather than starting from seed. For avid gardeners, planting your seeds can be an exciting time. 

If you haven’t had the chance to start planting your garden yet, now is a great time to get out and plant your vegetables. The vegetables you plant now will be perfectly ripe in time for late summer and fall. Here are some of the best vegetables to grow for your tasty fall palette: 

Tomatoes

A popular vegetable to grow during the summer, tomatoes can withstand the heat once frost warnings disappear. Start by planting these indoors and moving to the outdoors once the nighttime temperature hits above 50 degrees Fahrenheit. For tomatoes to be fruitful, these plants need full sun at least six to eight hours each day. 

Peppers 

Regardless of whether you are planting sweet bell peppers or hot peppers, there are countless varieties to add to your garden! Plant peppers with well-draining soil in a sunny area of your garden. These sun-loving plants fare well in the Nevada heat and crave direct sunlight for six to eight hours each day. 

Zucchini/Summer Squashes 

Another popular vegetable for your summer garden is zucchini and summer squashes. These plants produce an abundant supply and can provide you with a good amount of harvest. However, when it comes time for harvesting these vegetables, be sure to pick them when they are young and tender. If you let zucchini and squash grow large, the skin becomes tough and inedible. 

Cucumbers 

If you forget to water your plants every week regularly, then growing cucumbers is not for you! These vegetables need a decent amount of water and plenty of sunlight. There are two varieties of cucumbers: the vining type and bush. The vining type of cucumber performs well on a trellis because they seek extra support for climbing. On the other hand, the bush variety serves as a popular option for those who are into container gardening or have little space. 

Beans 

Similar to the cucumber, beans have two types: vining or bush. Whichever you plant, both are excellent options and produce a fair amount of harvest with proper care. Beans on a bush can be great for canning because they produce their harvest all at once. For beans that produce less at one time, try pole beans. These beans produce more over time and can be a good option for those looking to eat them fresh. Of course, you can leave them on the plant to dry and pick them later in the fall season for storage with any type of bean. 

Melons 

If you have a large amount of space in your garden, then melons are for you! Melons require plenty of heat and sun for prime ripeness and sweetness. Once melons start to grow, consider adding either hay or straw on the bottom to keep them from rotting. 

Potatoes 

For healthy potatoes, these vegetables need to be covered with some compost or soil. Keep potatoes away from the sunlight for best results; these can take anywhere between 70 and 120 days until harvest. If you would like potatoes for harvest in the fall, plant them anywhere between mid to late summer. Check your local growing zone for planting and harvesting dates.

Eggplants

Landscaping in Nevada should most definitely include eggplants. These heat-loving vegetables are one of the best to plant in the summer; for, they enjoy temperatures between 70 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit and require full sun.  

Herbs 

Herb gardens are perfect for indoors or outdoors and can be easily started. Some of the most common herbs to plant include basil, oregano, rosemary, lavender, and thyme. These herb varieties do well in the prolonged summer heat. Other great herbs include dill, mint, parsley, chives, and sage. 

Corn 

The perfect summer crop, corn, necessitates regular and consistent watering. So be sure to take extra care of these vegetables during the dry weather. 

Your vegetable garden can be fruitful with the proper soil, water, and care. Give your landscape a little TLC this summer with a garden full of your favorite vegetables. Happy planting!