Complete Gardening
As Memorial Day approaches, many gardening enthusiasts are eager to make the most of the planting season. Fortunately, there are plenty of plants you can still get into the ground before this holiday. Whether you’re looking to add colorful flowers to your garden or start a vegetable patch, these 29 plants are ideal choices. Each plant offers unique characteristics, and now is the perfect time to plant them to ensure a vibrant garden all summer long.
1. Tomatoes
Tomatoes, with their vibrant red hue and juicy flavor, are a staple in many gardens. Planting them before Memorial Day ensures a bountiful harvest by mid-summer. To achieve the best results, choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Use stakes or cages to support the growing vines. As they flourish, you’ll enjoy both the visual appeal and culinary pleasure they bring. From salads to sauces, tomatoes are versatile and rewarding.
2. Basil
Basil’s fragrant leaves make it a favorite herb among gardeners. Planting it now allows for a summer filled with aromatic dishes. Basil thrives in warm temperatures and needs plenty of sunlight. Ensure the soil is moist but well-drained for optimal growth. As the plants mature, pinch off the flowers to encourage leaf production. This aromatic herb elevates any dish, from pasta to salads, making it a must-have in your garden.
3. Zucchini
Zucchini is a prolific producer, making it a favorite among vegetable growers. Planting it before Memorial Day ensures a steady supply through summer. These plants flourish in full sun and require ample space to spread. Regular watering and fertile soil are keys to success. As they grow, you’ll find the tender squash perfect for grilling or adding to stir-fries. The versatility of zucchini makes it a delightful addition to any garden.
4. Cucumbers
Cucumbers offer a refreshing crunch to any summer dish. By planting them now, you set the stage for a productive season. These vines need support, so consider using a trellis. They thrive in full sun with regular watering. The fruits develop quickly, providing crisp, cool cucumbers perfect for salads or pickling. As each cucumber ripens, you’ll appreciate their refreshing taste and versatility in your summer kitchen.
5. Sunflowers
Sunflowers are synonymous with summer, their cheerful blooms lifting spirits and attracting pollinators. Plant them now, and you’ll have a vibrant display by late summer. These hardy plants love sun and well-drained soil. They grow tall, so ensure they have space to spread. The golden blossoms sway in the breeze, bringing joy to any garden. Their seeds are a bonus, enjoyed by both humans and birds alike, making them a garden favorite.
6. Peppers
Peppers, with their array of colors and flavors, are a delightful addition to gardens. Planting them now ensures an array of spicy and sweet varieties by mid-summer. These plants require full sun and well-drained soil. Regular watering supports robust growth and vibrant fruits. As they mature, enjoy the colorful display and incorporate them into your cooking, from salsas to grilled dishes. The diversity of peppers enhances any meal.
7. Green Beans
Green beans are a classic garden favorite, known for their crisp texture and fresh taste. Planting now sets the stage for successive pickings. These plants prefer full sun and moist, fertile soil. Pole varieties require support, while bush types are more compact. As they mature, the beans are perfect for snacking or adding to summer meals. Their simplicity and productivity make them an essential addition to any vegetable garden.
8. Marigolds
Marigolds bring a burst of color to gardens, their bright blooms a favorite among gardeners. Planting them now ensures a summer filled with vivid displays. These flowers are easy to grow, thriving in full sun and well-drained soil. Known for deterring pests, they make excellent companions for vegetables. Their cheerful presence enhances any space, providing a lively backdrop for other plants. Marigolds are a staple for vibrant gardens.
9. Carrots
Carrots, with their sweet crunch, are a rewarding crop for gardeners. Planting them before Memorial Day ensures a steady supply throughout summer. These root vegetables prefer loose, sandy soil and full sun. As they grow, thin the seedlings to allow room for development. The vibrant orange roots are perfect for snacking or adding to meals. Their versatility and sweetness make them a popular choice for home gardens.
10. Petunias
Petunias, with their cascading blooms, add elegance to gardens and patios. Planting them now ensures stunning displays all summer. These flowers thrive in sunny locations with well-drained soil. Regular deadheading encourages continuous blooms. Their wide range of colors provides versatility for garden design. Whether in beds or containers, petunias offer charm and vibrant beauty, enhancing any outdoor space with their lively presence.
11. Spinach
Spinach is a nutritious leafy green that flourishes in cooler temperatures. Planting it now allows for a harvest before the heat of summer. Choose a sunny spot with fertile, well-drained soil. Regular watering is crucial for tender leaves. As they mature, pick the outer leaves for continuous growth. Spinach adds a healthy touch to salads and smoothies, making it an essential addition to your garden. Enjoy its fresh, green goodness.
12. Radishes
Radishes are one of the quickest vegetables to mature, making them perfect for early planting. Sow them now for a crisp harvest in just a few weeks. These root vegetables prefer loose, fertile soil and full sun. Thin seedlings to prevent overcrowding. As the radishes develop, you’ll enjoy their peppery flavor, perfect for salads or snacking. The rapid growth and unique taste of radishes make them a fun addition to any garden.
13. Lavender
Lavender’s calming scent and purple blooms make it a beloved garden addition. Planting it now ensures a fragrant summer. This perennial thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Once established, it requires minimal water. The aromatic flowers attract pollinators and are perfect for drying. Lavender adds beauty and fragrance to gardens and can be used in crafts and culinary dishes. Its soothing presence makes it a garden treasure.
14. Lettuce
Lettuce offers a fresh, crisp addition to gardens, perfect for salads. Planting it now allows for early summer harvests. Choose a spot with partial sun and fertile, well-drained soil. Regular watering ensures tender leaves. As it grows, pick leaves as needed for continuous production. The variety of textures and flavors available makes lettuce a versatile choice, perfect for adding fresh greens to meals throughout the season.
15. Squash
Squash is a garden favorite, producing abundant fruits in summer. Planting it before Memorial Day ensures a robust crop. These plants love full sun and rich, well-drained soil. Provide ample space for vines to spread. Regular watering supports growth. As the fruits develop, enjoy them grilled or in casseroles. The diversity of squash varieties available offers endless culinary possibilities, making them a staple in home gardens.
16. Cilantro
Cilantro’s distinct flavor is a culinary standout, perfect for salsas and salads. Planting it now ensures a steady supply throughout summer. This herb prefers sunny spots with well-drained soil. Regular watering supports lush growth. As it matures, harvest the leaves frequently to encourage new growth. The fresh, vibrant taste of cilantro adds a zesty touch to dishes, making it an essential addition to any herb garden.
17. Corn
Corn is synonymous with summer barbecues, its sweet kernels a seasonal delight. Planting it now ensures robust stalks by mid-summer. Choose a sunny location with well-drained, fertile soil. Corn requires regular watering, especially during dry spells. As it grows, the towering stalks rustle in the wind, signaling a bountiful harvest. Whether grilled or boiled, corn’s sweetness is a highlight of summer meals, adding joy to any gathering.
18. Cherry Tomatoes
Cherry tomatoes are perfect for patio containers or small gardens. Planting them before Memorial Day ensures a continuous summer harvest. These plants love full sun and need well-drained soil. Support their growth with small stakes or cages. As they ripen, the sweet, juicy fruits are perfect for snacking or salads. Their compact size and prolific yield make cherry tomatoes a favorite among gardeners, adding color and flavor to your garden.
19. Mint
Mint’s refreshing aroma makes it a garden favorite, perfect for teas and garnishes. Planting it now ensures a summer filled with aromatic leaves. This herb thrives in partial sun and moist, well-drained soil. Mint can be invasive, so consider using containers to control its spread. As it grows, trim the leaves regularly to encourage bushy growth. Its invigorating scent and flavor make mint a delightful addition to any garden.
20. Oregano
Oregano, with its earthy flavor, is a staple in Mediterranean cuisine. Planting it now ensures a summer of flavorful dishes. This hardy herb thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Once established, it requires minimal water. Regular harvesting encourages new growth. Oregano’s robust presence enhances any dish, from pizzas to pastas. Its enduring flavor and easy care make it a must-have in herb gardens.
21. Snapdragons
Snapdragons bring whimsical charm to gardens with their dragon-like blooms. Planting them before Memorial Day ensures a vibrant summer display. These flowers thrive in sunny spots with well-drained soil. Regular deadheading promotes continued blooming. Their wide range of colors allows for creative garden designs. The playful nature and vivid hues of snapdragons make them a delightful addition to any flower bed.
22. Romaine Lettuce
Romaine lettuce is a garden staple, known for its crisp texture and nutritional value. Planting it now ensures fresh greens for summer salads. This lettuce thrives in full sun with moist, fertile soil. Regular watering supports tender growth. As it matures, harvest the outer leaves for continuous production. Romaine’s robust leaves and refreshing crunch make it a versatile choice for gardeners, perfect for healthy meals.
23. Pumpkins
Pumpkins are synonymous with autumn, but planting them now ensures a festive fall harvest. These vines need ample space and full sun. Rich, well-drained soil supports healthy growth. Regular watering is crucial as the pumpkins develop. Their vibrant orange hues and varied sizes add charm to gardens. Whether carved for Halloween or baked into pies, pumpkins are a versatile and rewarding crop, bringing autumnal joy.
24. Thyme
Thyme’s subtle flavor elevates many dishes, making it a valuable addition to herb gardens. Planting it now ensures a summer supply for culinary uses. This perennial thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Once established, it requires little water. Regular harvesting encourages bushy growth. Thyme’s delicate aroma and flavor enhance everything from roasted meats to stews, making it an essential herb for gardeners and cooks alike.
25. Kale
Kale is a nutritional powerhouse, perfect for healthy gardens. Planting it now ensures a robust summer harvest. This leafy green thrives in full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. Regular watering supports tender growth. As it matures, pick the outer leaves for continuous production. Kale’s versatility in the kitchen, from salads to smoothies, makes it a must-have for health-conscious gardeners, offering both nutrition and taste.
26. Eggplant
Eggplant’s rich color and unique flavor make it a standout in gardens. Planting it before Memorial Day ensures a summer filled with glossy fruits. These plants thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. Regular watering and warm temperatures support growth. As the fruits develop, their deep purple hue adds visual interest. Whether grilled or baked, eggplant’s distinctive taste enhances a variety of dishes, making it a garden favorite.
27. Cosmos
Cosmos bring graceful beauty to gardens, their delicate blooms dancing in the wind. Planting them before Memorial Day ensures a vibrant summer display. These flowers love the sun and prefer well-drained soil. Regular deadheading promotes continued blooming. Their airy nature and pastel colors add a touch of whimsy to any garden setting. Cosmos are perfect for creating a serene and enchanting outdoor space, inviting joy and tranquility.
28. Parsley
Parsley’s fresh flavor and versatility make it a must-have for culinary enthusiasts. Planting it now ensures a steady supply throughout summer. This herb prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Regular watering supports lush, green growth. As it matures, harvest the leaves frequently to encourage new growth. Parsley’s bright, clean taste enhances a variety of dishes, from sauces to salads, making it an indispensable addition to any garden.
29. Beetroot
Beetroot offers gardeners a vibrant splash of color and taste. Easy to grow, these plants thrive in cool spring soil. Known for their sweet, earthy flavor, beetroots add depth to any dish.
Start with well-drained soil, and provide consistent moisture. Keep them spaced well apart for ample room to grow. Their red and purple hues are a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
Did you know? Beetroots have been cultivated since Roman times, prized not only for their culinary uses but also for medicinal properties, believed to purify the blood and improve digestion.