With an average temperature of 91-94 degrees in June, July and August, growing fresh vegetables in the Montgomery and Harris County, Texas area is a challenging task. While most traditional vegetables harvested during these months are difficult – if not impossible – to grow in our very hot weather, there are numerous vegetables that thrive in our scorching temperatures.
Summer Greens
Delicious substitutes for cool season lettuce and spinach are amaranth and Malabar spinach.
Amaranth is a nutritious summer green that is high in protein, fiber, and minerals. Amaranth grows best in hot, humid weather and is drought tolerant, making this an easy addition to your summer garden. Sow the seeds in late spring after the soil has warmed. Combine amaranth with other ingredients in a salad to best enjoy its slightly bitter flavor. Amaranth may also be gently sauteed. When allowed to mature, it produces amaranth seeds, which are one of the “super grains.”
Malabar spinach is a vining plant that originated in Asia. Wait for warm weather to plant the seeds. Its mild, peppery flavor compliments other hardy summer greens in a salad, and this plant is most delectable when the leaves are young. Frequently used as an ornamental climbing plant in flower gardens, Malabar spinach has showy red stems and under hot, dry conditions, will produce small, red flowers. Since it is a climbing vine, provide a trellis for support in the garden.
Squash Family
Members of the squash family that thrive in the hottest weather include luffa and Suyo cucumbers.
Plant luffa seeds directly into the garden after the soil has warmed in the spring. Planting it adjacent to a fence is an effective strategy for managing this large and long vining plant. The beautiful yellow flowers attract many different pollinators to the garden. Perhaps the most familiar luffa product is the fully mature gourd that has been stripped of its outer covering, seeded, dried, and used as a bath sponge. When harvested in its immature stage, luffa can be eaten either raw or cooked with a taste and texture similar to cucumber. Try this vegetable in a stir fry this summer!
Suyo cucumber is an Asian heirloom variety that originated more than 2,000 years ago in China. These mild flavored cucumbers are also “burpless,” or not bitter tasting. Similar to the luffa, it is best to wait for consistently warm weather when the soil has warmed before planting this vegetable. Training the beautiful vines on a trellis or tomato cage results in straighter fruit, and pollinators will flock to this plant’s many yellow flowers. Suyo cucumbers may be eaten raw, cooked, or made into “quick” pickles.
Yard Long Beans
Taiwan yard long beans are also known as “asparagus” or “snake” beans. These delicious beans grow to be about 36 inches in length. The flavor is sometimes considered superior to the familiar “green beans,” as they do not become tough and are excellent when stir-fried or sauteed. Plant the seeds in warm weather when the soil temperature is above 60 degrees, and provide a trellis for the vines and mature vegetables.
Roselle Hibiscus
Roselle is an edible hibiscus flower that is native to central and western Africa. You may also see this plant in an ornamental garden due to its beauty. The part of the plant that is most frequently used for food is the calyx, or the collection of red sepals that protects the bud before the flower opens. These calyces may be made into jams, jellies, and used to brew teas or flavorful cold drinks.
How to Locate Seeds and Transplants to Grow Hot Weather Plants
Finding seeds to grow these hot weather plants is easy. Check out local Master Gardener vegetable plant sales and farmer’s markets to locate these hardy plants. If you have trouble finding an option in your community, consider reaching out to online retailers that specialize in heirloom or unusual vegetables.
How to Schedule the Planting Time for Hot Weather Vegetables
Accurate timing for planting is one of the most important aspects of vegetable gardening. The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service office in your county provides accurate vegetable planting charts. Review planting charts for Harris County and Montgomery County prior to planting your summer garden.
Following the vegetable chart for the county where your garden is located will save time, effort, and prevent planting too early. In addition to growing from seed, consult the planting chart before purchasing transplants. Start planning your hot weather garden today to provide fresh vegetables for nutritious, appealing meals all summer long!
