Grow It & Eat It: Best Veggies for a Fresh Summer Harvest

Tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and more—plus, easy ways to use them in summer meals

Summer is the season of fresh, juicy, flavorful produce. The best part? You can grow many of your favorite warm-weather veggies right in your backyard (or balcony!)—and turn them into delicious, fresh meals all season long.

🍅 1. Tomatoes

Sungolds, Romas, heirlooms—whatever you grow, nothing beats a sun-ripened tomato fresh off the vine.

• Try this: Slice with mozzarella and basil for a simple caprese salad. Drizzle with balsamic glaze for extra flair.
  

🥒 2. Cucumbers

Crunchy, cooling, and easy to grow vertically, cucumbers are a summer staple.

• Try this: Make quick refrigerator pickles or toss with vinegar, dill, and red onion for a refreshing side.
  

🌶 3. Peppers (Sweet + Spicy)

From bell peppers to jalapeños, peppers add color and kick to your plate.

• Try this: Roast with olive oil and sea salt or chop into fresh salsas.
  

🌱 4. Green Beans

They grow fast, love the sun, and produce abundantly.

• Try this: Sauté in garlic butter and top with sliced almonds for a fast, flavorful side.
  

🌽 5. Zucchini

Zucchini plants are generous producers, so get ready to cook creatively.

• Try this: Make zucchini noodles (zoodles), grill thick slices, or bake into muffins.
  

🥗 6. Leafy Greens (Heat-tolerant types)

Try Malabar spinach, Swiss chard, or collards for summer-tough greens.

• Try this: Sauté with garlic or add to smoothies for a nutrient boost.
  

Bonus Tip: Companion planting helps these veggies thrive—basil near tomatoes, marigolds near peppers, and beans to fix nitrogen in the soil!