Summer in Knoxville brings warmth and long sunny days, making it the perfect time to plant vegetables that thrive in hot weather. If you're ready to take your garden to the next level this season, here are the best vegetables to plant in the summer to ensure a fruitful harvest!

1. Sweet Corn 

Sweet corn thrives in the summer heat and needs full sun to grow tall and strong. Plant your corn after the last frost date, typically in late May or early June, when the soil has warmed sufficiently. Make sure to space the plants properly for good airflow and effective pollination, which is crucial for full, well-formed ears. Water consistently, especially during dry spells, to keep your corn healthy. Fresh-picked sweet corn is a summer delight, perfect for grilling or enjoying straight off the cob.

2. Squash 

Summer squash varieties like zucchini and yellow squash are perfect for Knoxville’s summer temperatures. These plants are relatively easy to grow and can be harvested regularly for a continuous supply of fresh squash all season long. Squash plants love rich, well-draining soil and plenty of sunlight. Keep an eye out for pests like squash vine borers and squash bugs, and harvest frequently to encourage more fruit production. Squash is versatile in the kitchen, great for grilling, stir-frying, or baking into delicious bread and muffins.

3. Eggplant 

Eggplant loves the summer sun and is a great addition to any garden for its glossy, purple fruits. They need warm soil and plenty of space to grow, so make sure to plant them after the last frost. Varieties like ‘Black Beauty’ or ‘Ichiban’ are popular choices in Knoxville gardens for their productivity and flavor. Eggplants also benefit from regular feeding with balanced fertilizer and consistent watering to avoid bitterness. Whether roasted, grilled, or used in Mediterranean dishes like ratatouille, eggplant adds variety and rich flavor to summer meals.

4. Beans 

Beans continue to thrive in the summer heat, making them an ideal vegetable to plant as the temperatures rise. Pole beans and bush beans are both great choices for summer planting. Pole beans require trellises or stakes for climbing, while bush beans are more compact and easier to manage in smaller spaces. Beans fix nitrogen in the soil, improving soil fertility for future crops. Be sure to water them regularly to avoid stress during the hottest months, and harvest frequently for tender pods. Fresh beans are perfect for steaming, sautéing, or tossing into salads.

5. Okra 

Okra is the quintessential summer vegetable that thrives in hot, dry conditions, making it perfect for Knoxville’s climate. Plant it in well-drained soil with plenty of sunlight, spacing plants sufficiently for good airflow. Okra’s tall, attractive plants not only give your garden a unique look with their hibiscus-like flowers but also produce pods that are delicious in a variety of dishes. Harvest pods when they’re about 2-4 inches long to ensure tenderness. Okra is excellent in stews, gumbo, or simply fried for a crispy treat.

6. Cantaloupe 

If you love sweet, juicy melons, cantaloupe is the perfect summer crop for your garden. These fruits need full sun and plenty of space to spread out, so plant them early in the summer when the soil is warm. Cantaloupe vines require regular watering and benefit from a layer of mulch to retain soil moisture and keep the fruit clean. As the fruit ripens, you’ll notice a sweet aroma and a slight slip of the stem from the melon. With the right care, you’ll have a sweet harvest by late summer, perfect for refreshing snacks or fruit salads.

7. Peppers 

Peppers continue to shine in the summer heat, producing vibrant, flavorful fruits that come in a dazzling array of colors and heat levels. Whether you prefer sweet bell peppers or spicy hot peppers like jalapeños, summer is the perfect time to plant them. Peppers thrive in Knoxville’s hot temperatures but appreciate consistent moisture and a sunny spot in the garden. Feeding them with a balanced fertilizer can boost yields and fruit size. Enjoy peppers fresh in salads, grilled on skewers, or incorporated into salsas and spicy dishes.

8. Tomatoes 

Tomatoes are a summer staple in any Knoxville garden! Although they are often planted in the spring, you can still plant heat-loving tomato varieties like ‘Cherry’ or ‘Roma’ in early summer for a late-season harvest. Tomatoes love the long, hot days of summer and need at least 6-8 hours of sun daily. Support them with cages or stakes, and water regularly to prevent blossom end rot. Pruning excess foliage can help increase airflow and reduce disease risk. Homegrown tomatoes are unbeatable in flavor, perfect for fresh salads, sandwiches, sauces, or enjoying straight off the vine.

Companion Planting Tips 

Companion planting can help improve the health and growth of your summer vegetables. For example, plant basil near your tomatoes to enhance their flavor and help repel pests. Squash and beans grow well together, as beans can help fix nitrogen in the soil, which benefits your squash plants.

Pest Management Tips 

Summer gardening often means dealing with pests. Consider using natural methods to protect your plants. For example, introduce ladybugs to help control aphids or plant garlic near your tomatoes to deter pests. Mulching your garden also helps keep weeds at bay and retains moisture in the soil.

Local Gardening Resources 

Knoxville has plenty of local resources to help with your summer garden:

• The Knoxville Farmers' Market is a great place to pick up fresh plants, seeds, and gardening advice.

• The University of Tennessee Gardens offers educational resources and events for gardeners of all levels.

• Local Garden Centers like Hodges Gardens or The Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center sell the plants and tools you need for a successful summer garden.

Also, be sure to check out local summer garden tours for inspiration and to meet other passionate gardeners in your community.

Share Your Summer Garden Success! 

We’d love to see how your summer garden grows! Share photos of your vegetable garden and tag us on social media. Let’s create a community of Knoxville gardeners who can inspire and learn from one another!

Disclaimer: This information is for general knowledge and informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, tax, or legal advice. We are not lawyers, financial advisors, accountants, loan officers, or mortgage brokers. Please consult with a qualified professional to understand your specific needs.