My suggested plants for a great summer
68Sure ever gardener likes impatiens for their unsurpassed flower power. I always recommend Impatiens for partial shade or New Guinea Impatiens for full sun. Great performance. However, I would like to introduce a few select plants that I think can give you a great return on investment
1) Purslane portulaca. This variety of portulaca is Not produced from seed but from cuttings. If you are lucky enough to find them at a local Garden Center try one In a Full Sun area. This plant requires minimal attention, Loves full sun, has continual flowers and requires a bit less water care than other annuals. The only draw back can be a small array of old flower blooms that fall off as the new flowers take over. Its worth the mess.
2) Fresh Potted Italian Basil. Plant one or two four inch pots of Fresh Basil, fertilize well and pick leaves all summer. Near the end of the season harvest the plant and freeze the leaves or let dry to use at a later time. Grilled Zucchini with fresh Basil, some balsamic dressing and fresh parmesan cheese. Tomato Basil and fresh Mozzarella. Just a few receipe ideas.
3) Peppermint herb plant. One small plant is all that is needed. Peppermint will grow fast but growth should be contained to a large container unless you don't care about it growing all over. I love having this herb on hand because I love to make fresh Mojitos. All summer when I make Mojitos using the Fresh mint produces a great drink and really impresses my guest
4) Fresh Parsley and Rosemary. I BBQ a lot during the summer and cook more than usual. I would spend quite a bit of money at the supermarket buying fresh herbs every time I needed it. However, I just go to my back yard and cut Parsley and rosemary all summer. A weekly feeding helps the plants continue to re vegetate. I love it.
5) Any type of tomato. For me the number one vegetable(fruit) that I love. At the price of fresh tomatoes per pound tomato plants are a great investment. (See my blog Growing Great Tomatoes) http://hubpages.com/_1k7l2scpzt76y/hub/Growing-great-tomatoes 6) Hardy Hibiscus. This form of hibiscus is different than the tropical variety in the fact that it is a hardy perennial and comes back Every Year. The flowers are usually very large like small dinner plates and bloom all summer starting in mid to late July
These are some of the plants I love growing in the summer. I enjoy the constant show of the portulaca and the large flowers of the hibiscus. But most important for me is I love to have fresh herbs and vegetables on hand for all summer BBQ. Decide on what you might use more than a few times in the summer and make your own list of plants you should have on hand. It truly is a rewarding experience.
Good Luck and Happy Growing.
CommentsLoading...
Great to hear you have the hardy hibiscus. The seeds may take a while to germinate and you might have some flowers this year late summer. If not, do not dispair. Cut back your plant in the winter and next year it will come back for you. Here in the northeast they are very late to start growing and many homeowners think the plant died over the winter but usually not the case. You can give the plant a pinch next year to produce a fuller plant. Good luck
Dolores Monet Level 7 Commenter 2 years ago
Great tips. I have planted several hardy hibiscus seeds. They haven't germinated yet, but I keep checking in hope of having some of those incredible, beautiful plants this summer.