It is heating up in Houston this month! June starts the official “hot” planting season. From June-August the temperatures are above 85 degrees during the day and those working in the garden might favor morning or evening tending. Although it can be unpleasant for us too be outside in the heat of the day, some vegetables and herbs thrive, and actually love the Houston heat this month.

The key to success during the hot months is to get the plants into the garden in early June so plants have a chance to establish strong roots before the hottest summer months.

Hot Peppers

Hot peppers are a summer stable in the Houston garden and there are many varieties that can thrive. Jalapeno, Serrano, Poblano, Cayenne, Habanero and Thai are great options that are plentiful and will ensure you are enjoying salsa and sauces before summers end. Peppers are biennial plants which means they can survive and grow for two years in the garden. However, since cooler temperatures aren’t ideal for production they will stay alive, but won’t produce again until temperatures warm up again in spring.

Peppers, a member of the Nightshade plant family, are prone to garden pests that thrive during the hottest summer temperatures. Pests can be managed by pruning the affected leaves or applying a natural and organic soap like this to the leaves and when necessary. Peppers are heavy feeders and appreciate a high phosphorus fertilizer like this that will help maximize blooming and pepper production.

Peppers can be harvested when they are around 2.5” long, but earlier is ok too since harvesting encourage more peppers!

Eggplant

Eggplant is another member of the Nightshade plant family and a hot season growing champion in the garden. There are full size and dwarf varieties to grow and like their cousin the pepper, are biennial and can stay alive for two growing seasons.

Keep a vigilant watch for pests such as little white bugs called Mealy bugs that like to make their home on eggplant. Follow the same advice of pruning and using an organic, natural spray for controlling them.

A tip for most garden vegetables is they have a life cycle of approximately 90 days, so as the plant gets older they become more prone to pests.

Okra

Okra is one of the quintessential hot summer vegetables and for good reason. Okra, part of the Mallow plant family, thrives in the hot heat of summer, is easy to grow and is the perfect summer side dish.

Okra plants grow to be between 4-5” tall so work in the back of the garden where shorter vegetables such as eggplant and peppers can be planted in front. Harvest okra when the pods reach between 2-4” long, for the most tender okra. Harvesting larger than that makes for tough okra!

Basil

Summer in Houston can be tricky for growing vegetables and herbs and while some struggle with the heat, basil actually thrives in the heat.

Genovese Basil, or sweet basil, is the most popular variety used in culinary dishes. Other varieties include Thai Basil, Holy Basil and African Blue Basil which flowers with beautiful blue flowers known for attracting bees and butterflies to the garden.

Sweet Potatoes

Traveling for the summer? Sweet potatoes are one of the most undemanding vegetables and perfect for planting in mid May-early June.

Sweet potatoes are sold as a slip in local stores and can be planted directly into the garden. They withstand dry and hot conditions, while growing underground in anticipation for a fall harvest.

Suyo Cucumber

Traditional cucumber varieties slow production during the hot season, but where they stop the Suyo variety picks up loving the Houston summers.

Suyo cucumbers are longer than traditional varieties, growing up to 16” long, but with a similar flavor. These do best by seed and will need a trellis at least 7’ tall to vine on.

Suyo will thrive in the heat, but they do have high water needs so plan to water daily for optimal growth and production in the garden.

Tomatillo

Tomatillos are the less popular cousin of the tomato and are part of the Nightshade family. Commonly referred to as the Mexican Husk Tomato due to the unique exterior husks they possess. They are primarily used for sauces such Salsa Verde.

Tomatillos are hot weather plants so a great option for the June-August heat. Tomatillos require cross pollination, so plan to plant at least two plants near one another. They do need support such as a trellis for vertical growing and like other plants in the nightshade family they are more prone to gardens pests.

Harvest tomatillos when the fruit is green and has filled out the husk. Expect a harder, less juicy fruit than the tomato.

Yard Long Beans

Yard long beans are perfectly adapted to the Houston hot season and can be grown on a trellis or look for the bush variety that can be planted anywhere in the garden, such as between peppers or underneath okra plants.

For optimal production plant an additional harvest of beans two weeks later for beans all summer long.