According to Erinn Witz, “Summer is the perfect time for tilling the ground and adding compost or manure to improve soil structure and nutrient levels.”
So, if you agree that summer is the best time to plant, here are some fruits you can grow during this season.
Strawberries
As a member of the rose (Rosaceae) family, strawberries are highly nutritious fruits, packed with high levels of antioxidants, fibers and vitamin C. These juicy fruits are hard to resist as their taste is far more flavorful than candies you’ll find in a grocery store. This is because the sugar in these fruit berries is turned into starch as soon as they are picked. Perhaps, the best thing about these summer fruits is that they are one of the easiest fruits to grow.
Strawberries are known for growing and thriving in almost all climates and soils –as long as they are planted in the right location. Like any other summer fruits, strawberries should be planted in a planting site that gets full sunlight. Sunlight is crucial for its growth, so the plant should receive at least 6-10 hours of direct sunlight per day. Although they are tolerant of different types of soil, they prefer loamy and well-drained soils. Ideally, you could add compost or organic matter a couple of weeks or months before planting. In fact, better results can be obtained if you mix the compost with clay soil. The ideal soil pH should be between 5.5 and 7. However, if the soil is too alkaline, it would be best to grow the fruits in large containers or half-barrels.
As soon as the soil has been prepared, the strawberries should be planted and set 18 inches apart. The planting holes should be deep and wide enough to make room for the entire root system.
No matter what type of strawberry you are growing, you should be diligent about the weeding. In the first months after planting, one should weed by hand. Adequate watering is equally important to the strawberries due to their shallow roots. In late summer, for instance, the plants would need more water when their flowers and runners are developing.
Here is a list of some of the recommended varieties:
- Sable
- Northeaster
- Cardinal
- Camarosa
- Primetime
- Tristar
Grapes
Grapes are sweet and versatile fruits that belong to the flowering plant genus Vitis. These non-climacteric types of fruits are loaded with powerful antioxidants, potassium, vitamin K and vitamin C. Since they have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, grapes are often sought for their health benefits. These summer fruits are known for lowering blood pressure, preventing type 2 diabetes and improving health in numerous ways.
These nutrient-jam-packed fruits are not only known for adding an element of drama to a garden but for flourishing and thriving in warmer parts of the world.
One of the most important factors to consider while growing grapes is the planting site. Grapes usually thrive in warm sunny areas with free-draining soil. If you don’t have a location that offers full sunlight, you can at least choose a location where the fruit will get morning sunlight. Compared to other summer fruits, a small amount of shade per day won’t affect the growth of grapes.
When you are growing grapes, make sure the soil is deep and well-drained. It is also important to have good air circulation. The roots of this plant need sufficient space and good draining, so prepare the soil beforehand using garden compost or well-rotted manure.
Before setting the grapevines in the soil, soak their roots in water for at least 2-3 hours. When planting the grapevines, make a planting hole 12 inches deep and 12 inches wide and set them 6 to 10 feet apart.
Again, unlike other summer fruits, grapes don’t require much watering except in very dry conditions. However, they are hungry plants that should receive a generous amount of mulch of manure.
Caring for grapes also includes removing any flowers during the first two years. Then, during the next three years, you can leave a few bunches of grapes on the vine until it is well-established.
