If you’re wondering what the best vegetables to plant in summer are, you’re in for a treat. As temperatures soar and traditional greens start to bolt, it’s time to pivot to heat-loving, nutrient-packed plants that truly thrive in the summer sun. In this video, James Prigioni and his sidekick Tuck take you into their vibrant Jersey garden to showcase five lesser-known—but highly productive—summer veggies that are perfect for even the hottest days of the growing season. These powerhouses not only survive the heat, they love it.
In this video, James Prigioni—joined by his faithful garden companion Tuck—dives into the world of summer gardening to reveal five uncommon but incredibly effective vegetables that thrive in the scorching heat, plus a bonus crop that deserves a spot in every garden. As James walks through his lush backyard garden in New Jersey, he emphasizes the importance of shifting your planting strategy once the intense summer heat kicks in, especially as cool-weather crops like lettuce begin to bolt.
You’ll be introduced to Malabar spinach, a fast-growing, glossy-leaved climber perfect for trellises and containers. James shares tips on how it can self-seed year after year and shows how it doubles as an ornamental plant due to its striking appearance. Next up is moringa, a super-nutritious, fast-growing tree that’s typically perennial in the tropics but can be grown as an annual almost anywhere. He gives a taste test and talks about its impressive protein content and versatility in small spaces.
James then moves on to amaranth, specifically the Chinese multicolor spinach variety, praising it for its quick growth, drought tolerance, and role as both a nutritious green and a natural trap crop to protect cucumbers from pests. Purslane, often overlooked as a weed, is highlighted for its high omega-3 content, adaptability, and lemony crunch. It grows effortlessly and self-seeds, making it a low-maintenance nutrient source. He encourages viewers to embrace its presence rather than pull it out.
The fifth vegetable is the stunning and hardy Swiss chard, which comes in a variety of vibrant colors and continues to produce through summer and even into winter with proper care. It’s a cut-and-come-again crop that adds both beauty and nutrition to the garden. And finally, James adds kale as a bonus plant—one that grows nearly year-round and stands out as one of the most reliable and nutritious greens for home gardeners, even through the summer heat.
Throughout the video, James offers personal growing tips, taste tests, and clever strategies for maximizing garden productivity during the hottest months—like planting perennials as annuals and using certain crops to protect others. Tuck steals a few moments in the spotlight with a fresh carrot snack, and James invites viewers to check out his merch and fertilizers at JamesPrigioni.com. Whether you’re gardening in zone 7A or a similar climate, this video is packed with practical advice, creative inspiration, and a healthy dose of summer gardening enthusiasm to help you keep the harvests rolling all season long.
