SUMMER PRODUCE

Who else is ready to feast on the freshest produce this summer? Make way for the very best that this hot Texas heat has to offer – from vine ripe tomatoes to purple hull peas, and squash of every variety and flavor. There’s just a couple of weeks left until the North Texas harvest of these summertime staples begins, and for backyard gardeners, there’s just enough time left to get some of these favorites planted now!

(Find all these and more from our local Texas farmers in The Shed!)

Tomatoes are some of the easiest crops to grow this summer and are a great plant for those new to gardening. Tomato plants need to be in soil that drains well. A helpful tip to ensure proper drainage is to have well-draining gravel at the base of your pot and place the tomato plant directly on top of the gravel. Fill the rest of your pot with some organic soil until you reach the midway point of the plant. Be sure your tomato plan gets at least 6 hours of sunlight each day! Be sure to pick the right kind of tomato plant for your growing space and kitchen preferences. Dwarf tomatoes take up less space and are ideal for patio gardens. Cherry tomatoes grow quickly but many varieties will vine and sprawl across more space to continue producing all summer long.

Squash is a wonderful crop to add to your garden, they come in a variety of flavors and are versatile when it comes to cooking. When planting squash seeds, it is important to create a mound of dirt for the seed beforehand and plant the seed with the pointy side facing down. Another important squash tip is to avoid pruning the leaving and vines at all costs! Squash vines are the vascular system of the plant; by cutting or pruning the vines you are creating open wounds on your plant that allows them to be vulnerable to insects and infection. These tips apply to nearly all plants in the squash “family” so once you grow one, you’ll have good luck growing them all. If you prefer a sweet flavor; try honeydew, muskmelon, or watermelon. If you prefer a savory flavor; try zucchini, summer squash, or calabacitas.

Purple Hull Peas are a Texan staple; and are also known as Pinkeye Purple Hull Peas, Cowpeas, or Southern Peas. They are closely related to the more commonly known Black-Eyed Peas. They are a great crop if you are in need of a quick turnaround, as they are typically ready to harvest within 65-75 days of planting! Purple Hull Peas grow fantastically in Texas as they thrive in the heat and can be planted between the months of April until August. They are a hearty plant that are resistant to most diseases, and definitely worth adding to your garden! If you’re looking for Purple Hull Peas seeds, just stop by the information booth and we’ll send you home with some heirloom seeds passed down from the grandmother of North Texas Farmer, Christie of Egg-cited. ❤️

The Dallas Farmers Market encourages you to get your hands dirty and have fun planting some of the amazing summer crops Texas has to offer! If you don’t have a green thumb or perhaps lacking space to start a garden, be sure to stop by our community garden, Mama Ida’s Community Garden, located at the back of The Shed! It is a great place to relax, visit with our chickens, and check out the amazing produce we have growing. 🍅🌱🍉