Many people think of vacation season and warm, sunny weather when they think of summer. Summer can represent vitality and freedom. Many superfoods that you plant in the spring can last all summer. These include foods like tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers. If you’re looking to add to your garden, try growing these five additional summer superfoods.
Okra
Okra, when prepared mindfully, can be a rich source of magnesium, folate and fibre. Plant your okra seeds a few weeks after the last spring frost. Okra loves warm weather and full sun. Water your okra frequently.
Blueberries
Blueberries are a summer favourite that the whole family can enjoy! They are a great source of vitamins C and K. It can take up to two years to mature and fruit if you plant blueberries from seeds. Luckily, many gardening stores sell small blueberry bushes ready for fruit. Some varieties of blueberries do well in a container. This means you can grow your blueberries on a porch or in a sunny room. Plant your blueberry bush at the end of spring. These tenacious plants can withstand temperatures as low as -9°C, so they can survive an end-of-spring cold snap. Blueberry bushes need full sun with little to no shade. Water them regularly. Enjoy your blueberries right off the bush or try this red, white, and blue berry parfait.
Eggplant
Eggplants are a versatile savoury fruit that add texture and flavour to many dishes. They are non-starchy and full of beneficial fibre and potassium. Plant your eggplants after the last spring frost. They thrive in temperatures about 10°C. Give them full sun, and water them between 1 and 2 inches per week.
Summer Squash
Summer squash comes in many shapes, sizes, and flavours! They are an excellent source of vitamins C and B12. Plant your squash in the late spring or early summer, between May and June. Make sure they get plenty of water and full sun. Once you are ready to harvest your squash, you can roast them with other vegetables!
Sweet Potato
Sweet potatoes are a vitamin A powerhouse! They also have plenty of vitamin C and vitamin B6. Plant these after the last spring frost. Keep the soil moist and make sure they get full sun. It takes just shy of three months for sweet potatoes to mature. When they are the right size, dig them up and roast them, bake them, or make air fryer sweet potato fries!