Okra

In the heat of a Zone 8a July, right when the tomatoes start to slow, okra is just hitting its stride. It loves the heat, shrugs off drought, and rewards you with pretty hibiscus-like blooms and tender pods for weeks on end.

Growing tips: Give it full sun, sow seeds straight into warm soil, and space plants 12–18 inches apart. Water deeply but let the soil dry between drinks. Once it starts, it is a heavy producer.

Harvest: Pick the pods young — 2 to 4 inches — every day or two. Leave them too long and they turn woody. Long sleeves help; the plants can be a little prickly.

Tip: plant dill nearby — it is a great companion that helps keep pests off.