Kohlrabi
Kohlrabi, with its peculiar spherical shape and unique taste, is an excellent choice for adventurous gardeners. This vegetable, part of the cabbage family, is grown for its bulbous stem that offers a flavor reminiscent of a mild, sweet turnip with a crisp texture. It can be eaten raw or cooked and is often praised for its versatility in various culinary applications. Kohlrabi is available in green and purple varieties, both offering similar flavors.
Growing kohlrabi is relatively straightforward. It prefers rich, well-drained soil and full to partial sun exposure. Like other members of the brassica family, it benefits from regular watering and enjoys cooler temperatures, making it suitable for early summer planting. Kohlrabi should be harvested when its bulb reaches the size of a tennis ball for optimal flavor and texture. Overgrown kohlrabi can become woody and less flavorful, so timely harvesting is key.
Sweet Potato
Sweet potatoes, especially unique varieties, are a delightful addition to any summer garden. These tubers are known for their sweet flavor and nutritional value, offering high levels of vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants. Varieties range from the traditional orange to purple-fleshed types, each bringing a different aesthetic and flavor profile to the garden and kitchen. Sweet potatoes are not only delicious but also versatile in culinary use, from baking to roasting.
Growing sweet potatoes requires a bit of space and patience. They thrive in warm, well-drained soil and need plenty of sunshine. Unlike regular potatoes, sweet potatoes grow on vines, so they need room to spread out. The key to successful growth is warm soil; using black plastic mulch can help warm the soil faster. Harvesting usually takes place in late summer or early fall, once the leaves start to yellow. Careful digging is necessary as the tubers can be easily damaged.
Heirloom Tomatoes
Heirloom tomatoes are a garden favorite, renowned for their rich flavors and diverse range of colors, shapes, and sizes. Unlike commercially grown tomatoes, heirlooms are grown from seeds passed down through generations, resulting in a vast array of unique varieties. Each variety offers its own distinct taste, from sweet to tangy, making them a great choice for gardeners looking to explore different flavors. Heirloom tomatoes can also be a visual highlight in the garden with their various hues and patterns.
Growing heirloom tomatoes successfully requires attention to detail. They need full sun and rich, well-draining soil. Staking or caging is often necessary to support their vines and prevent fruit from touching the ground. Regular watering is crucial for preventing diseases and ensuring healthy growth, but overwatering should be avoided. Tomatoes are ready to harvest when they are firm and have reached their full color. Growing heirloom tomatoes can be a rewarding experience, offering flavors and varieties not commonly found in stores.
Chioggia Beets
Chioggia beets, often referred to as candy-striped beets, are a visually striking and flavorful choice for a summer garden. When sliced, they reveal a beautiful pattern of concentric red and white rings, adding an element of surprise to any dish. These beets offer a sweeter and milder flavor compared to regular beets, making them a hit in both raw and cooked forms. They are not only tasty but also loaded with nutrients like folate, fiber, and potassium.
These beets prefer cool to moderate temperatures and can be grown in well-drained, fertile soil. They need consistent moisture to develop their characteristic round shape and vibrant stripes. Thin seedlings early to allow adequate room for growth. Chioggia beets should be harvested when they are about the size of a golf ball to a tennis ball. Overgrown beets may become tough and lose their sweet flavor. With their stunning appearance and delicious taste, Chioggia beets are sure to be a standout in any garden.
The Bottom Line
Gardening is a journey of discovery and experimentation, and incorporating unique vegetables into the summer garden enriches this experience. Each of these vegetables brings something special to the table, whether it’s the aesthetic appeal of purple cauliflower and Chioggia beets or the distinctive flavors of kohlrabi and heirloom tomatoes. Growing these vegetables not only enhances the visual appeal of a garden but also expands the culinary possibilities. Encouraging gardeners to try these unique varieties will surely result in a more diverse and enjoyable gardening and dining experience.
