Summer Garden Tour: What's Growing Right Now
The summer heat is in full swing here in Zone 9a, but the garden’s still going strong. This week I took a walk through our homestead garden to see what’s thriving, what’s struggling, and what’s next. From herbs and tomatoes to peppers and cucumbers, every corner of the garden is telling a different story.
If you’re gardening in the heat, or just curious what a real working garden looks like during peak summer, this tour gives a candid snapshot of what’s in season and what’s holding on.
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Like gardening tips and trick? Check out our post on Starting Fall Seeds.
What’s Growing:
Tomatoes — Struggling in the heat, but still producing
Peppers — Thriving and setting fruit
Basil and oregano — Loving the sun
Cucumbers and squash — Climbing high and staying productive
Okra — Just starting to come in
Zinnias and pollinator flowers — Providing color and support for the bees
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Video Tour
Notes From the Tour:
Pests: The usual suspects (aphids, spider mites) are back. I’m using castile soap and mint spray to help.
Watering: Deep watering every other day has helped the roots stay cool and strong.
Shade cloth: Essential for some of the more tender greens and herbs.
Planning ahead: I’m starting to think about what needs to come out to make room for fall crops.
Tips & Tricks:
Keep a notebook or short video log of what’s growing well each season—it’s a huge help for next year’s planting decisions.
Prune lower tomato leaves to increase airflow and reduce disease.
Don’t pull spent plants too early—they might surprise you with one last flush.
There’s no perfect garden—only progress. Some things are booming, some are bolting, and some are just hanging on. But every season teaches something. Sharing it as it happens keeps things real—and gives you a moment to appreciate what’s working.
Appreciating this kind of content? We offer free printable resources to help support a simpler, seasonal life rooted in real skills. Download yours here
