This May 26, 2023, image provided by Jessica Damiano shows a soaker hose system installed in a raised vegetable garden bed on Long Island, N.Y. Using soaker hoses or other drip irrigation methods instead of overhead sprinklers saves water and money, reduces waste and helps protect plant health. (Jessica Damiano via AP)
This image provided by Deborah Martin shows a rain barrel connected to a downspout in a garden on June 16, 2023, in Rockville Centre, N.Y. (Deborah Martin via AP)
5 heat-tolerant plants for a flourishing summer garden
Tomatoes
There’s nothing like a fresh, ripe summer tomato picked from your backyard garden.
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2. Basil
What goes better with tomato than some fresh basil and mozzarella? This aromatic herb thrives in the summer months and grows best with six or more hours of sunlight per day. Frequent harvesting can actually help your basil plant grow, so snip off a few leaves whenever you want to make your own pesto or Caprese salad.
3. Sunflowers
What summer garden would be complete without sunflowers? These towering, bright flowers bring a little joy to any yard. Teddy Bear and Mammoth varieties are known for their heat tolerance and sturdy stems, but most sunflowers will thrive in hot weather. You can even harvest the seeds for a tasty snack.
4. Eggplant
Several eggplant varieties, including Black Beauty and Ichiban, thrive in the summer heat and love soaking up a full day of sunshine. This tasty and versatile vegetable is the perfect addition to a hearty ratatouille, or you can throw them on the grill for a satisfying side dish.
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5. Zinnias
While many flowers wilt in hot weather, heat-resistant zinnias offer a vibrant pop of color on the most sweltering days. In addition to thriving in sunny conditions, zinnia flowers are drought-tolerant making them a forgiving pick if you sometimes forget to water your garden.Â
Jessica Damiano writes regular gardening columns for the AP and publishes the award-winning Weekly Dirt Newsletter. You can sign up here for weekly gardening tips and advice.
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Here are 5 plants that will thrive even in the hands of inexperienced gardeners, bringing beauty and success to your garden.
This May 26, 2023, image provided by Jessica Damiano shows a soaker hose system installed in a raised vegetable garden bed on Long Island, N.Y. Using soaker hoses or other drip irrigation methods instead of overhead sprinklers saves water and money, reduces waste and helps protect plant health. (Jessica Damiano via AP)
This image provided by Deborah Martin shows a rain barrel connected to a downspout in a garden on June 16, 2023, in Rockville Centre, N.Y. (Deborah Martin via AP)
