By John Monzingo, Assistant County Agent

The dog days of summer are upon us. According to The Old Farmer’s Almanac, the dog days of summer occur from July 3 through August 11. These weeks are often characterized by long hours of daylight, high temperatures, and elevated humidity levels. While many spring vegetable gardens begin slowing down or stop producing altogether during this period, Louisiana gardeners still have opportunities to grow a productive late-summer garden.

Many vegetables thrive when planted during the hottest part of the year and can provide fresh produce well into the fall. By selecting heat-tolerant crops and following recommended planting dates, gardeners can extend their harvest season and make the most of Louisiana’s long growing season.

Vegetables for Late-Summer Planting

Growing vegetables during the dog days of summer does present some challenges. In addition to high temperatures and humidity, Louisiana often experiences periods of drought during late summer. Newly planted seeds and transplants require consistent moisture to become established and produce high-quality yields. Gardeners should develop a regular watering schedule and monitor soil moisture closely, especially during extended periods of hot, dry weather. Applying mulch around plants can also help conserve moisture, reduce weed pressure, and moderate soil temperatures.

Although summer heat can be demanding, it does not have to signal the end of the gardening season. With proper crop selection, timely planting, and adequate irrigation, gardeners can continue harvesting fresh vegetables well into the fall months.

For additional information on vegetables and recommended varieties for your area, contact John Monzingo, LSU AgCenter Assistant Extension Agent, at 318-927-3110 or 318-371-1371.

It is the policy of the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service that no person shall be subject to discrimination on the grounds of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, or disability.

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