The Best Summer Vegetables to Plant Now in San Diego, California
If you’re lucky enough to live in San Diego, California, you’re gardening in one of the best climates in the country. With our long growing season, warm temperatures, and ample sunshine, summer is the perfect time to get your vegetable garden thriving.
Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned green thumb, here are the best vegetables to plant right now for a productive and delicious summer harvest in San Diego.
1. Tomatoes
Tomatoes love heat and sun, making them one of the top summer crops for Southern California. Choose heat-tolerant varieties like 'Early Girl,' 'Celebrity,' or 'Sun Gold' for sweet cherry tomatoes. Give them plenty of space, support with cages or stakes, and consistent watering to avoid blossom-end rot.
Tips: Plant in raised beds with rich soil. Use mulch to retain moisture and reduce weeds.
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2. Peppers
Bell peppers, jalapeños, and other chili peppers thrive in the San Diego heat. These colorful crops love full sun and perform best when planted in well-draining soil enriched with compost.
Tips: Start from nursery transplants for faster harvests. Water deeply but allow soil to dry slightly between watering.
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3. Zucchini & Summer Squash
Zucchini and yellow squash are prolific producers in warm weather and grow quickly. Just a few plants can feed an entire household for weeks.
Tips: Provide space for spreading and keep an eye out for squash bugs. Harvest early and often to encourage more fruit.
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4. Cucumbers
Crisp and refreshing, cucumbers are a must-have for summer gardens. They grow well in raised beds or containers with a trellis to keep fruit off the ground.
Tips: Plant in a sunny spot with rich soil. Pick regularly to avoid bitterness and stimulate more growth.
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5. Beans
Green beans and pole beans are quick-growing summer vegetables that thrive in San Diego's climate. Pole beans will need support to climb, while bush varieties are compact and great for smaller gardens.
Tips: Sow seeds directly in warm soil. Pick beans while young for the best flavor.
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6. Eggplant
Eggplant thrives in the dry heat of summer. Choose compact varieties like 'Patio Baby' or go for heirlooms like 'Black Beauty' for full-sized fruit.
Tips: Needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight. Harvest when the skin is glossy and firm.
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Final Thoughts
With the right vegetable varieties and a little planning, your San Diego summer garden can be both productive and rewarding. Stick to sun-loving crops that handle heat well, enrich your soil, and don’t forget to water consistently during dry spells.
Want help designing your perfect edible garden? Reach out to our expert landscape team for custom garden bed plans, irrigation setups, and seasonal planting guides. Let’s grow something amazing together!
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