Dr. Karen Bell
Keep Liberty Beautiful
Summer in Liberty County is a time of joy, bringing heat, humidity, and the promise of vibrant gardens brimming with color, flavor, and life.
Whether you’re an experienced gardener or a beginner ready to get your hands dirty, choosing the right plants for this time of year can set you up for a successful growing season. Here’s a look at what’s great to plant now and why these choices thrive in our beautiful coastal climate.
Heat-loving vegetables
Summer in Liberty County is ideal for planting vegetables that thrive in warm soil and sunshine.
Okra: This Southern classic thrives in hot, humid weather. It grows quickly and can produce tender pods throughout the entire season.
Southern peas (Cowpeas/ Black-eyed peas): These legumes are drought-tolerant, love heat, and help improve your soil by adding nitrogen.
Sweet potatoes: Plant slips (young shoots) now for a late summer or early fall harvest. Sweet potatoes thrive in sandy soil and warm temperatures, making them an excellent fit for this environment.
Peppers: Bell peppers, jalapeños, and banana peppers can still be planted. They love the sun and warm nights.
Eggplant: Like peppers, eggplants thrive in the heat and produce glossy, colorful fruits.
Succession planting for summer
If you planted early spring crops that are finishing up (like lettuce or spinach), now is the time to replace them: Bush beans: Fast-growing and heat-tolerant, bush beans can be planted now and again in late summer for a fall harvest.
Cucumbers: Great for pickling or fresh eating. Planting now means you’ll enjoy cucumbers in about 50–60 days.
Herbs for flavor and pollinators
Herbs not only add fresh flavor to meals but also attract beneficial pollinators: Basil: Thrives in warm weather; pinch off flowers to keep it producing leaves.
Rosemary and thyme: These drought-tolerant herbs love the sun and can handle the coastal heat.
Lemongrass: Adds a tropical touch to your garden and your cooking.
Flowers for summer beauty and pollinators
Bright flowers not only keep your garden colorful but also support local bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, adding a touch of natural beauty to your surroundings: Zinnias: Heat-loving, low-maintenance, and blooming in every color imaginable.
Marigolds: Known to help repel some garden pests and add cheerful color.
Sunflowers: Tall and striking, sunflowers attract a wide range of pollinators and birds.
Coneflowers and black-eyed Susans: Native perennials that thrive in heat and humidity, returning each year with minimal care.
Tropical and ornamental plants
Canna Lilies and Caladiums: Add a tropical flair and thrive in our summer conditions.
Elephant ears: Perfect for damp areas and partial shade.
Tips for gardening now in Liberty County
Water wisely: Early morning watering helps plants withstand the midday heat and reduces the risk of fungal diseases.
Mulch: A 2-to-3 inch layer of mulch conserves moisture and keeps roots cool. Watch for pests: Summer brings insects; regular inspection can prevent bigger problems. Soil health is crucial. Adding compost or organic matter not only keeps the soil rich and balanced but also shows your care for the environment and the future of your garden.
Growing for fall
While enjoying summer gardening, you can also plan for the fall garden: In late July or early August, start seeds for cool-season crops like broccoli, cabbage, kale, and collard greens to plant as temperatures begin to drop.
Why gardening now is worth it
Gardening in Liberty County during summer is not just a hobby, it’s a connection to the rhythms of nature and our community’s agricultural heritage. By choosing heat-loving plants suited to our coastal climate, you can enjoy fresh produce, fragrant herbs, and a garden bursting with color, while also supporting local pollinators and building healthier soil. It’s a rewarding experience that brings beauty, health, and a sense of accomplishment.
Remember, gardening is not just about the result, it’s about the journey. It’s about experimenting, learning, and enjoying the process. Whether you have a large yard, a raised bed, or just a few pots on a porch, there’s always room to grow something beautiful. So, get your hands dirty, embrace the challenges, and savor the joys of gardening.
We are still looking for Boat Captains for KLB Beach Sweep on August 16. For more information, check out Keep Liberty Beautiful at www.keeplibertybeautiful. org. You can also contact Keep Liberty Beautiful at (912) 880-4888 or klcb@libertycountyga. gov.