I know it may seem a bit early to start thinking about gardening, but some gardeners deal with warmer climates more than most. More importantly some gardeners have warm climates year round, which is why you have to consider the best garden plants for that kind of weather.

When it comes to warmer climates, everything is different because of the weather. This means the soil is dry and difficult, water usage is a constant concern, and rainfall is usually limited. Therefore the goal is to choose plants that do not need a lot of water and love the sun, but are strong enough to grow within the soil they are planted in. Plants and vegetables that grow the best in hot weather are primarily from subtropical areas and need warmer weather to grow.  Garden plants for warmer climates are mostly fruits as opposed to the leafy counterparts that thrive in colder environments. The best garden plants for warmer climates include tomatoes, squash, corn, beans, peppers, herbs, and melons

Tomatoes are one of the best crops for warmer climates. For some gardeners it’s the main reason why they even have a garden. Tomato plants are easy to grow and cultivate and they produce fruit frequently.  Tomatoes originated in subtropical Central America and South America and were first discovered by the Europeans in the 1500s. Today, there are many different species of tomato, which are developed to vary in texture, taste, and size. Another popular garden plant for warmer climates is squash. Squash and its sister plants such as melons and cucumbers love the sun. Many gardeners refer to them as ‘heat hogs’ because they need warmer climates and hot temperatures to achieve their ideal ripeness for harvesting. The bottom line is that these plants flourish in the heat.

Corn or maize is another great plant for warmer climates. Corn germinates best in temperatures ranging from 68-86 degrees Fahrenheit. There are also various hybrids of corn that are available for modern agriculture and smaller home gardens. You may think these plants are too tall for some small gardens, but sweet corn such as ‘Silver Queen’ or ‘Sweet Symphony’ is worth growing out in the hot sun because you will never find a sweeter ear of corn than the one you grow yourself.  Beans are a warm climate favorite for many gardeners. Beans have been a staple in the American diet since the early beginnings. Beans are easy to grow and want unfiltered sun to grow, which is at least of six hours of sunlight per day. Just make sure you go easy on the fertilizer as beans can obtain their own nitrogen.

Warm climate plants require both warm soil and high temperatures to grow and produce crops.  Since these types of plants are killed by frost, be mindful of the weather before you plant them so that they are not destroyed by the cold. There are many garden plants to choose from that are very suitable for warmer climates. Pick the plants that best fit your lifestyle and taste. If you still have questions about which plants are best for you, visit your local nursery.