Large Veggie Garden
Explore the vibrant plants included in your summer subscription — perfect for warm-weather recipes like salads, grilled veggies, and salsas.
Learn how each variety thrives in the heat and how to place them in your garden for a productive growing season.
The Plants
Tomato - Rio Grande
Plant to Harvest:
75–80 days
Space Needed:
24-36 inches
Tip:
This is a heat-tolerant tomato variety, perfect for hot and tropical weather. Provide strong support as plants grow
to keep fruit off the ground.
Okra
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Plant to Harvest:
50–65 days
Space Needed:
16-24 inches
Tip:
Harvest pods when they are 3–4 inches long for the best texture. Regular picking encourages continuous production.
Cucumber - Spacemaster bush
Plant to harvest:
60 days
Space Needed:
16-24 inches
Tip:
This compact bush variety benefits from a trellis for cleaner fruit. Keep soil consistently moist to prevent
bitterness.
Black-eyed Pea
Plant to harvest:
60–90 days
Space Needed:
12-16 inches
Tip:
Thrives in hot weather and is drought-tolerant. For the best yield, keep the soil consistently moist during
flowering and harvest pods when they are firm but not over-mature.
Jalapeno
Plant to harvest:
70–85 days
Space Needed:
16-24 inches
Tip:
This is a heat tolerant jalapeno variety. More sun and warmth make spicier peppers. Harvest when dark green for a
mild flavor or red for sweetness.
Banana Pepper
Plant to harvest:
70–75 days
Space it needs:
16-24 inches
Tip:
This is a heat tolerant banana pepper variety, perfect for tropical hot weather.Pick when yellow for a mild taste or
wait until red for more sweetness. Frequent harvesting increases production.
Green Flat Bean - Roma II
Plant to harvest:
55–60 days
Space it needs:
16-24 inches
Tip:
This is a bush bean variety, and fixes nitrogen in the soil to support neighboring plants. Unlike typical green
beans, Roma II beans are flat-podded and have a rich, nutty flavor that holds up well in cooking.
Red Yard Long - Vine Bean
Plant to harvest:
60–90 day
Space it needs:
12-16 inches
Tip:
This is a pole bean variety that requires relissing to grow. It produces long, slender, deep-red pods that can reach
up to 18 inches long. It is also sometimes called the yardlong bean or chinese red noodle bean.
Yellow Squash - Crookneck
Plant to harvest:
50–60 days
Space it needs:
24-36 inches
Tip:
Harvest when 4–6 inches long for best texture. Remove old leaves to improve airflow and reduce disease risk.
Malabar Spinach
Plant to harvest:
50–70 days
Space it needs:
12-16 inches
Tip:
Unlike traditional spinach, which struggles in the heat, Malabar Spinach thrives in the warm conditions. This plant
prefers hot weather and will not bolt like regular spinach. Regular pruning encourages bushier growth.
Green Zucchini
Plant to harvest:
50–60 days
Space it needs:
16-24 inches
Tip:
Harvest when 6–8 inches long for the best flavor and texture. Mulching helps retain moisture and prevents soil from
splashing onto leaves.
Butternut Squash
Plant to harvest:
85–110 days
Space it needs:
16-24 inches
Tip:
Butternut squash thrives in hot weather and requires a long growing season of about 90–110 days to fully mature,
which aligns well with extended summer and fall seasons.
Bok Choy
m
Plant to harvest:
45–60 days
Space it needs:
12-16 inches
Tip:
Bok choy grows well in summer due to its fast harvest, but in summer, it is best planted in partial shade. Consider
planting it under taller plants or using shade cloth.
Napa Cabbage
m
Plant to harvest:
70–90 days
Space it needs:
16-24 inches
Tip:
Napa Cabbage grows well in summer but in summer, it is best planted in partial shade. Consider planting it under
taller plants or using shade cloth. Harvest before the heads split for the best quality.
Dwarf Cherry Tomato
Plant to harvest:
65–75 days
Space it needs:
16-24 inches
Tip:
This tomato plant will stay small, growing to 18-24 inches in height. These compact plants thrive in the heat and
produce small, sweet, and flavorful fruits that mature quickly.
Bunching Onion
m
Plant to harvest:
50–60 days
Space it needs:
12-16 inches
Tip:
Can be grown year-round. Harvest at any size depending on preference. Bunching onions (also known as scallions or
green onions) are a fantastic addition to warm weather gardens, especially for gardeners looking for a
low-maintenance, quick-growing crop.
Small Watermelon
m
Plant to harvest:
70–85 days
Space it needs:
24-36 inches
Tip:
Small watermelons typically grow to about 5–10 pounds in weight. These plants are often referred to as mini or
personal-sized watermelons, and thrive in hot weather and love full sun.
Green String Bean - Contender Bush
Plant to harvest:
50–55 days
Space it needs:
16-24 inches
Tip:
This bush variety is a classic green bean. This plant produces well in warm weather, and should be planted in full
sun. Add a layer of mulch to conserve water in hot months.
Canteloupe
m
Plant to harvest:
75–90 days
Space it needs:
24-36 inches
Tip:
Trellising your canteloupe in your garden will be the easiest way to prevent the fruit from rotting. If you do not
want to trellis your leons, use a melon cradle to avoid rot and pests on the bottom of your fruits. Needs good air
circulation to prevent powdery mildew. Pick when the fruit easily separates from the vine.
Swiss Chard - Bright Lights
Plant to harvest:
50-60 days
Space it needs:
12-16 inches
Tip:
This variety will turn lots of shades from pinks to yellows and more. Can be harvested leaf by leaf for a continuous
supply. Tolerates both heat and cold
Luffa
Plant to harvest:
90–120 days
Space it needs:
24-36 inches
Tip:
Requires a strong trellis for best growth. Harvest young for eating or let mature for sponges.
Epazote
Plant to harvest:
55-60 ddadys
Space it needs:
12-16 inches
Tip:
Epazote has a strong aroma that repels pests and can be grown as a companion plant for beans. Harvest young leaves
for the best flavor, as mature leaves become tough and bitter.
Cilantro
Plant to harvest:
45-70 days
Space it needs:
12-16 inches
Tip:
Cilantro bolts quickly in warm weather, so plant in partial shade or use succession planting every 2-3 weeks for
continuous harvests. Trim outer leaves frequently to encourage bushier growth and prevent early flowering.
Armenian Cucumber
Plant to Harvest:
50–60 days
Space Needed:
16-24 inches
Tip:
Armenian cucumbers are excellent for hot, dry climates due to their heat tolerance and ability to thrive in high
temperatures. They grow best with supporting structures and they are vining plants.
Tomato - Rio Grande
Plant to Harvest:
75–80 days
Space Needed:
24-36 inches
Tip:
This is a heat-tolerant tomato variety, perfect for hot and tropical weather. Provide strong support as plants grow
to keep fruit off the ground.
Banana Pepper
Plant to harvest:
70–75 days
Space Needed:
16-24 inches
Tip:
This is a heat tolerant banana pepper variety, perfect for tropical hot weather.Pick when yellow for a mild taste or
wait until red for more sweetness. Frequent harvesting increases production.
Black-Eyed Pea
Plant to harvest:
60–90 days
Space Needed:
12-16 inches
Tip:
Thrives in hot weather and is drought-tolerant. For the best yield, keep the soil consistently moist during
flowering and harvest pods when they are firm but not over-mature.
Green String Bean - Contender Bush
Plant to harvest:
50–55 days
Space Needed:
16-24 inches
Tip:
This bush variety is a classic green bean. This plant produces well in warm weather, and should be planted in full
sun. Add a layer of mulch to conserve water in hot months.
Jalapeno
m
Plant to harvest:
70–85 days
Space it needs:
16-24 inches
Tip:
This is a heat tolerant jalapeno variety. More sun and warmth make spicier peppers. Harvest when dark green for a
mild flavor or red for sweetness.
Okra
Plant to harvest:
50–65 days
Space it needs:
16-24 inches
Tip:
Harvest pods when they are 3–4 inches long for the best texture. Regular picking encourages continuous production.
Pattypan Squash
Plant to harvest:
50–60 days
Space it needs:
16-24 inches
Tip:
Pattypan squash is drought-tolerant and does well in heat, but it requires regular watering for best production. To
prevent rot, make sure the squash is off the ground by using mulch or plant support
Bunching Onion
Plant to harvest:
50–60 days
Space it needs:
12-16 inches
Tip:
Can be grown year-round. Harvest at any size depending on preference. Bunching onions (also known as scallions or
green onions) are a fantastic addition to warm weather gardens, especially for gardeners looking for a
low-maintenance, quick-growing crop.
Small Watermelon
Plant to harvest:
70–85 days
Space it needs:
24-36 inches
Tip:
Small watermelons typically grow to about 5–10 pounds in weight. These plants are often referred to as mini or
personal-sized watermelons, and thrive in hot weather and love full sun.
Luffa
Plant to harvest:
90–120 days
Space it needs:
24-36 inches
Tip:
Requires a strong trellis for best growth. Harvest young for eating or let mature for sponges.
Green Zucchini
Plant to harvest:
50–60 days
Space it needs:
16-24 inches
Tip:
Harvest when 6–8 inches long for the best flavor and texture. Mulching helps retain moisture and prevents soil from
splashing onto leaves.
Egyptian Spinach
Plant to harvest:
60–70 days
Space it needs:
12-16 inches
Tip:
Egyptian spinach is highly heat-tolerant and thrives in warm climates. Regular harvesting of the tender leaves will
encourage more growth, so make sure to cut back older leaves to maintain plant health.
Malabar Spinach
Plant to harvest:
50–70 days
Space it needs:
12-16 inches
Tip:
Unlike traditional spinach, which struggles in the heat, Malabar Spinach thrives in the warm conditions. This plant
prefers hot weather and will not bolt like regular spinach. Regular pruning encourages bushier growth.
Basil
Plant to harvest:
60–90 days
Space it needs:
12-16 inches
Tip:
Basil thrives in full sun and needs warm temperatures to reach its full flavor potential. Regularly pinch off the
flower buds to prevent the plant from going to seed, ensuring a longer harvest period.
Yellow Squash - Crookneck
Plant to harvest:
50–60 days
Space it needs:
24-36 inches
Tip:
Harvest when 4–6 inches long for best texture. Remove old leaves to improve airflow and reduce disease risk.
Canteloupe
Plant to harvest:
75–90 days
Space it needs:
24-36 inches
Tip:
Trellising your canteloupe in your garden will be the easiest way to prevent the fruit from rotting. If you do not
want to trellis your leons, use a melon cradle to avoid rot and pests on the bottom of your fruits. Needs good air
circulation to prevent powdery mildew. Pick when the fruit easily separates from the vine.
Epazote
Plant to harvest:
55-60 days
Space it needs:
12-16 inches
Tip:
Epazote has a strong aroma that repels pests and can be grown as a companion plant for beans. Harvest young leaves
for the best flavor, as mature leaves become tough and bitter.
Lima Bean
Plant to harvest:
60–90 days
Space it needs:
12-16 inches
Tip:
Lima beans prefer warm, sunny weather and benefit from well-drained soil. Make sure to provide them with adequate
support if growing pole varieties to ensure they don’t topple over.
Marigold
Plant to harvest:
50–55 days (harvest of full bloom)
Space it needs:
12-16 inches
Tip:
Marigolds are excellent companion plants for vegetable gardens, as they help deter pests like aphids and nematodes.
They thrive in full sun and need well-draining soil, so make sure to deadhead spent blooms to encourage continuous
flowering.
Thyme
Plant to harvest:
70-90 days
Space it needs:
12-16 inches
Tip:
Thyme prefers dry, well-draining soil and thrives with minimal watering. Trim regularly to prevent woodiness and to
encourage fresh, tender growth.
Bell Pepper
m
Plant to Harvest:
60-90 days
Space Needed:
16-24 inches
Tip:
This is a heat tolerant bell pepper to prepare for warm summer months. Bell peppers thrive in full sun and require
consistent moisture to prevent stress. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot—let the soil dry slightly
between waterings.
Tomato - Rio Grande
Plant to Harvest:
75–80 days
Space Needed:
24-36 inches
Tip:
This is a heat-tolerant tomato variety, perfect for hot and tropical weather. Provide strong support as plants grow
to keep fruit off the ground.
Dwarf Cherry Tomato
Plant to harvest:
65–75 days
Space Needed:
16-24 inches
Tip:
This tomato plant will stay small, growing to 18-24 inches in height. These compact plants thrive in the heat and
produce small, sweet, and flavorful fruits that mature quickly.
Cucumber - Spacemaster Bush
Plant to harvest:
60 days
Space Needed:
16-24 inches
Tip:
This compact bush variety benefits from a trellis for cleaner fruit. Keep soil consistently moist to prevent
bitterness.
Eggplant
Plant to harvest:
75-90 days
Space Needed:
16-24 inches
Tip:
Eggplants thrive in full sun and benefit from a steady supply of water. Use a mulch around the base of the plant to
help retain moisture and keep weeds at bay.
Small Watermelon
Plant to harvest:
70–85 days
Space it needs:
24-36 inches
Tip:
Small watermelons typically grow to about 5–10 pounds in weight. These plants are often referred to as mini or
personal-sized watermelons, and thrive in hot weather and love full sun.
Canteloupe
m
Plant to harvest:
75–90 days
Space it needs:
24-36 inches
Tip:
Trellising your canteloupe in your garden will be the easiest way to prevent the fruit from rotting. If you do not
want to trellis your leons, use a melon cradle to avoid rot and pests on the bottom of your fruits. Needs good air
circulation to prevent powdery mildew. Pick when the fruit easily separates from the vine.
Yellow Squash - Crookneck
Plant to harvest:
50–60 days
Space it needs:
24-36 inches
Tip:
Harvest when 4–6 inches long for best texture. Remove old leaves to improve airflow and reduce disease risk.
Green Zucchini
Plant to harvest:
50–60 days
Space it needs:
16-24 inches
Tip:
Harvest when 6–8 inches long for the best flavor and texture. Mulching helps retain moisture and prevents soil from
splashing onto leaves.
Lima Bean
Plant to harvest:
60–90 days
Space it needs:
12-16 inches
Tip:
Lima beans prefer warm, sunny weather and benefit from well-drained soil. Make sure to provide them with adequate
support if growing pole varieties to ensure they don’t topple over.
Green String Bean - Contender Bush
Plant to harvest:
50–55 days
Space it needs:
16-24 inches
Tip:
This bush variety is a classic green bean. This plant produces well in warm weather, and should be planted in full
sun. Add a layer of mulch to conserve water in hot months.
Lettuce Freckle
m
m
Plant to harvest:
45-55 days
Space it needs:
12-16 inches
Tip:
This variety is specially to withstand warmer temperatures. It will have gorgeous coloring when it begins to mature.
Plant in partial shade or cover with shade cloth when heat spikes. Keep the soil consistently moist and harvest
leaves regularly to encourage new growth.
Lettuce - Heat Tolerant
Plant to harvest:
45-55 days
Space it needs:
12-16 inches
Tip:
This variety is specially to withstand warmer temperatures. Plant in partial shade or cover with shade cloth when
heat spikes. Keep the soil consistently moist and harvest leaves regularly to encourage new growth.
Swiss Chard - Bright Lights
Plant to harvest:
50-60 days
Space it needs:
12-16 inches
Tip:
This variety will turn lots of shades from pinks to yellows and more. Can be harvested leaf by leaf for a continuous
supply. Tolerates both heat and cold
Okra
Plant to harvest:
50–65 days
Space it needs:
16-24 inches
Tip:
Harvest pods when they are 3–4 inches long for the best texture. Regular picking encourages continuous production.
Cilantro
Plant to harvest:
45-70 days
Space it needs:
12-16 inches
Tip:
Cilantro bolts quickly in warm weather, so plant in partial shade or use succession planting every 2-3 weeks for
continuous harvests. Trim outer leaves frequently to encourage bushier growth and prevent early flowering.
Chammomile
Plant to harvest:
60-90 days
Space it needs:
12-16 inches
Tip:
Harvest flowers in the morning for the best flavor, and use them in teas or as a calming herb.
Epazote
Plant to harvest:
55-60 days
Space it needs:
12-16 inches
Tip:
Epazote has a strong aroma that repels pests and can be grown as a companion plant for beans. Harvest young leaves
for the best flavor, as mature leaves become tough and bitter.
Mint
Plant to harvest:
60-90 days
Space it needs:
12-16 inches
Tip:
Mint is an aggressive grower and can quickly take over a garden, so consider growing it in containers. Harvest
leaves regularly to keep the plant from flowering and losing flavor.
Pattypan Squash
Plant to harvest:
50–60 days
Space it needs:
16-24 inches
Tip:
Pattypan squash is drought-tolerant and does well in heat, but it requires regular watering for best production. To
prevent rot, make sure the squash is off the ground by using mulch or plant support
Broccoli
Plant to Harvest:
60-100 days
Space Needed:
16-24 inches
Tip:
Regular watering and a well-drained, rich soil will help keep the plants healthy and encourage large heads.
Cauliflower
Plant to Harvest:
70-100 days
Space Needed:
16-24 inches
Tip:
Cauliflower plants benefit from consistent moisture. Protect the heads from sunburn by blanching them—gently tie the
outer leaves over the head a few days before harvest.
Broccolini
Plant to harvest:
60-90 days
Space Needed:
12-16 inches
Tip:
Broccolini is more tolerant of heat than traditional broccoli, making it a good choice for spring and fall. Harvest
when the florets are still tight and the stems are tender for the best flavor.
Kale
Plant to harvest:
55-75 days
Space Needed:
12-16 inches
Tip:
Kale is hardy and can tolerate several weather conditions. Regular harvesting of outer leaves will encourage continuous growth and keep the plant producing.
Lettuce Red
Plant to harvest:
45-55 days
Space Needed:
12-16 inches
Tip:
Lettuce requires consistent watering to keep the leaves crisp and tender, so avoid letting the soil dry out. For a
continual harvest, trim the outer leaves regularly, allowing the inner leaves to grow and stay fresh longer.
Lettuce Green
Plant to harvest:
45-55 days
Space it needs:
12-16 inches
Tip:
Lettuce requires consistent watering to keep the leaves crisp and tender, so avoid letting the soil dry out. For a
continual harvest, trim the outer leaves regularly, allowing the inner leaves to grow and stay fresh longer.
Lettuce Freckle
Plant to harvest:
45-55 days
Space it needs:
12-16 inches
Tip:
Lettuce requires consistent watering to keep the leaves crisp and tender, so avoid letting the soil dry out. For a
continual harvest, trim the outer leaves regularly, allowing the inner leaves to grow and stay fresh longer.
Bok Choy
Plant to harvest:
45–60 days
Space it needs:
12-16 inches
Tip:
Bok choy grows well in summer due to its fast harvest, but in summer, it is best planted in partial shade. Consider
planting it under taller plants or using shade cloth.
Arugula
Plant to harvest:
30-40 days
Space it needs:
12-16 inches
Tip:
Arugula thrives in well-drained, slightly alkaline soil, which helps produce tender, peppery leaves. For the best
flavor, harvest arugula leaves young, as older leaves can become tough and bitter.
Mustard
Plant to harvest:
30-45 days
Space it needs:
12-16 inches
Tip:
Mustard greens thrive in nutrient-rich, well-drained soil with regular watering. For the most tender, flavorful
leaves, harvest them before the plants begin to flower, as this ensures they remain mild and less bitter.
Spinach
Plant to harvest:
40-50 days
Space it needs:
12-16 inches
Tip:
Spinach loves to grow fast, so keep it well-watered and watch those vibrant leaves pop up! For the tastiest harvest,
pick the outer leaves first and leave the center to keep producing fresh, tender greens all season long.
Parsley
Plant to harvest:
70-90 days
Space it needs:
12-16 inches
Tip:
Parsley can be grown in partial shade. Regular harvesting of the outer leaves will keep the plant productive and
prevent it from flowering too soon.
Pea
Plant to harvest:
50-70 days
Space it needs:
12-16 inches
Tip:
Sugar snap peas are a climbing plant, so give them a sturdy trellis to help them reach their full potential. For the
sweetest peas, harvest when the pods are plump but still tender, as they get tough if left too long.
Napa Cabbage
Plant to harvest:
70–90 days
Space it needs:
16-24 inches
Tip:
Napa Cabbage grows well in summer but in summer, it is best planted in partial shade. Consider planting it under
taller plants or using shade cloth. Harvest before the heads split for the best quality.
Bunching Onion
Plant to harvest:
50–60 days
Space it needs:
12-16 inches
Tip:
Can be grown year-round. Harvest at any size depending on preference. Bunching onions (also known as scallions or
green onions) are a fantastic addition to warm weather gardens, especially for gardeners looking for a
low-maintenance, quick-growing crop.
Brussel Sprouts
Plant to harvest:
90-120 days
Space it needs:
16-24 inches
Tip:
Brussels sprouts rHarvest from the bottom up, starting with the mature sprouts and leaving the smaller ones to grow.
Garden Layout
Get ready to transform your space into a vibrant veggie haven! We’ve put together a simple yet effective garden layout that will help you maximize your area and grow a variety of fresh, delicious vegetables.
