Today, June 21, 2021, marks the “first official day of Summer” (for the Northern Hemisphere).
This day contains the longest period of sunlight hours and the shortest period the darkness, for this entire year.
The crops that you plant on the Summer Solstice, or later, are usually fall crops. This is a great way to extend the season after your early-summer harvested vegetables have all been consumed. You can look forward to a late-season harvest if you plant on this day.
This time of year is great for planting autumn crops. If your summer is mild or you can provide protection from the sun, they will grow best. The average outdoor temperature is about to get very hot, which could make it so that some seeds will not germinate. It is best to start the seeds indoors and then introduce them to the outdoor conditions by leaving them outside for longer periods, over at least a week’s worth of time. Next, it is time to plant them outside in their prepared beds.
Some of the veggies that can be planted at the Summer Solstice are:
- Kale
- Cabbage
- Squash
- Corn
- Eggplant
- Okra
- Peas
- Carrots
- Radish
- Bell Peppers
- Beans
- Brussels Sprouts
- Collard Greens
- Turnips
- Swiss Chard
- Kohlrabi
- Garlic
- Herbs
- Onions
Check out the planting guide below, showing the best time of year to plant various crops:
