Keep in mind that “tolerance” doesn’t mean they won’t suffer a bit or that they will be low maintenance. Some will require more water to survive the heat. Some will be slower-growing during the hottest parts of Summer or droop during the heat of the day. But these guys are still your best bet in the hotter zones or if you’re in a desert climate.
Be careful of your zone. If you are in a cooler zone, you may not have a long enough season for some, like ginger, to mature before you lose the warmth completely. If you live in a very hot or desert-like climate, you may want to plant an entire garden of heat-tolerant plants.
Okra
Easiest on the list. Heat and drought-resistant. This is one of the easier things to grow from seed and keep alive.
Peppers
Both bells & hot peppers are also drought-resistant. These guys thrive in heat and require less water than some other items on this list. They are a no-brainer for any heat garden.
Cucumber
Cucumbers require frequent watering to survive the heat, but they absolutely love the sun.
Tomatoes
Don’t overwater; they will need very consistent watering to tolerate the heat. However, they can “bounce back” if they are deprived of water for a short time.
Eggplant
Eggplant is a cousin to tomatoes and requires warmer weather to get going. They are super easy to grow and great for beginners.
Melons
Create their own shade to help keep the soil cool and to retain water. They love the sun and will thrive in hotter climates.
Squash
Like melons, zucchini & squash create their own shade and thrive in the heat.
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes not only do well in heat, but they also require it. If it’s not at least 80 degrees, they are just a stubborn grower. In heat? You will be trimming those runners every few days.
Corn
If you have the space, try corn! Although heat can lower yields, corn will still grow and produce in hot weather. Mine was in full sun this year, I’m talking about almost 12 hours of full-on sun, and it grew just fine.
Small Steps. Meaningful Rewards.
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