Warm Season Vegetable Crops: A List of Sun Lovers

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It is warm season crop time in Maryland Zone 7. Warm season is typically defined as 70 to 90+ degree days. These vegetables don't like cool days or cool nights. The nights need to be nearly 60 degrees or warmer. 

Temperatures below 55 degrees will inhibit growth of these vegetables and can harm normal growth. They really don't like cold damp soil. The warm days tend to dry gardens more quickly and the seeds of the warm weather crops need that to germinate with success.

Warm Season Vegetable Crops

Basil
Start planting basil when the days stay in the 70's.

Beans
They germinate best between 70 and 80 degrees. They don't like soggy soil.

Beets
Are cold tolerant and can be started earlier but they are also heat tolerant and be planted almost any time.

Cantaloupe
Like most melons they need 80 degree days to thrive best.

Corn
Gets planted when the days are regularly in the 70's and 80's.

Cucumbers
Like beans germinate best around 70 to 80 degrees. They don't like soggy soil.

Celery
Though I managed to grow it as a cool season crop. It is thriving now the day temperature is in the 70's.

Eggplant
They need 70-80 degree days.

Kale Varieties
They love the cold but also grow through the warm season without bolting. They bolt the 2nd year typically.

Peppers
They need 70-80 degree days and 60 degree nights to grow.

Pumpkins
They like 80 to 90 degree days.

Tomatillos
Treat them like peppers and tomatoes.

Tomatoes
Treat them just like peppers.

Spinach (New Zealand Variety)
It will grow in 80 degree days without bolting like standard spinach.

Squash (Summer & Winter)
They start thriving when the days break 80 degrees. 70 degrees will get them germinated and going.

Watermelons
Just like cantaloupe

Zucchini
Treat them like squash.