Hey everyone! I've been increasingly frustrated with managing my vegetable garden during the summer months. I struggle with the heat and I'm also a favorite target for mosquitoes, which leads to me neglecting my garden when summer hits hard. This year, I decided to cut back on my gardening to take a break and regroup. As I look ahead to the fall, I'm curious if anyone has tips or resources on how to shift away from a summer-focused gardening approach. I'm imagining a gardening schedule with activity spikes in the spring and fall, while decreasing effort during the hot summer months. I know what I choose to plant will play a big role, aiming for varieties that flourish in cooler weather and have shorter harvest times, but I'd appreciate any other strategies or tips—like simple irrigation systems—to make summer maintenance easier. For context, I have a small 4'x8" raised bed and several pots. My usual favorites are peppers and tomatoes, plus herbs and greens, but I'm open to trying new options! Thanks in advance for your advice!
3 Answers
Setting up your irrigation beforehand is a game-changer! I like to use soaker hoses or sprinklers, so I only have to run out to turn them on before it gets too hot. Also, covering the soil with mulch really helps reduce weeds, which means less labor when the heat kicks in. Make sure all your trellises are ready before June hits, so you're not scrambling. I only check my garden once a week for pest control or harvesting, and I keep my visits short to minimize mosquito bites. For fall planting, consider going for brassicas, lettuces, or peas—they really thrive in cooler temperatures!
Hey from Texas! I basically just chill during summer since I can't handle the heat either. I have fruit trees and some tough perennial herbs that manage on their own. Everything's on a drip system with a timer, so it's super easy to maintain. In the fall, I'm planting short-maturing tomato varieties and beans. I also grow cucumbers and summer squash, which I can't typically cultivate in our brutal summer heat. If you're in a similar climate, focus on crops that can tolerate the warmth. Just a heads up, fall can be wild, so don’t be too ambitious with cool-season crops—they can struggle here. But I’ve had good luck with things like turnips and carrots!
Same here—I'm not a fan of heat or bugs! Installing a drip irrigation system has been lifesaving for me. I try to do all my gardening tasks early in the morning to avoid the worst heat and mosquitoes. I’ve stopped growing high-maintenance crops like squash because they need constant attention and are a pain with pests. This year, I'm going for sugar snap peas, beets, and spinach during cooler months. I even started some lettuce indoors to plant once it's more manageable outside!