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

Vegetable	Planting Dates	Planting Method	Spacing	Days to Harvest
Cantaloupe	July 1 – July 31	Plant seeds ¼ inch deep	18–36 inches	80–85 days
Peas	July 1 – July 31	Plant seeds ½ inch deep	4–6 inches	70–80 days
Bell Peppers	June 15 – July 31	Transplants 1 inch deep	12–18 inches	70–80 days
Okra	July 1 – August 15	Plant seeds ½ inch deep	8–12 inches	60 days
Tomatoes	July 1 – August 10	Transplants 1 inch deep	18–24 inches	60–75 days
Pumpkin	June 15 – July 10	Plant seeds ½ inch deep	36–60 inches	60–120 days
Squash	July 1 – August 31	Transplants 1 inch deep	12–36 inches	50–90 days
Eggplant	July 1 – August 15	Transplants 1 inch deep	18–36 inches	80–85 days
Irish Potatoes	July 15 – September 1	Plant seed pieces 4 inches deep	9–12 inches	90–120 days

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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