Protecting your edible garden from the heat of summer can be difficult. Meet the challenge with tips for keeping your vegetables healthy all summer long. Jobe’s, the makers of your favorite organic fertilizers and other quality products for your garden, explains which varieties thrive in high temperatures and how things like Sun Screen fabric protect them from the hot weather.

What Does “Heat Tolerant” Mean?

Some vegetables can withstand plenty of sun but not intense heat. Others can survive hot weather but don’t necessarily belong under direct sun. Even varieties that can make it in the heat may suffer damage after prolonged spells of extreme sun exposure with little or no rain, so regular watering is a must.

Pick the Right Plants

Make your job a lot easier by working with the weather, not against it. Choose varieties that naturally stand up well to dry spells and long periods of heat. While not indestructible, the following plants are good choices for summers when little relief is in sight:

  • Peppers
  • Spinach
  • Eggplant
  • Cucumbers
  • Asian greens
  • Summer and winter squash (Moschata types)

Sunflowers also make a hardy addition to your edible garden. They require little care, and their seeds are delicious and nutritious. Garlic, onions, and a variety of herbs do equally well in hot climates.

Summer Gardening Tips

The good news is that, even if you’ve already chosen less rugged plants, there are measures you can take to help ensure their survival. Plant cool-weather veggies earlier in the season, and apply mulch to retain soil coolness and moisture. Consider covering nightshade plants like peppers, tomatoes, and eggplant with our Easy Gardener Sun Sail. This fabric blocks up to 90 percent of harmful UV rays. Place the cloth on the south side of the garden for maximum effectiveness.

A Heat-Proof Vegetable Garden

From choosing heat-tolerant veggies and planting early in the season to covering your vegetables with protective Sun Screen fabric, it is possible to enjoy the fruits of your labor in even the hottest summer weather. Count on Jobe’s and our industry-leading organic fertilizers, to help keep your edible garden going strong – even when the heat just doesn’t seem to quit.