The following crops are a part of the 2026 Grow More, Give More Home Garden Variety Trials.
Summer squash. Summer squash grows as a bush‑type plant. After frost danger passes, seeds can be direct‑sown. Space plants 2 feet apart.
Malabar spinach. A fast-growing twining vine, Malabar spinach can grow up to 8 feet. The plant is extremely frost sensitive, so gardeners should only plant after nights will remain above 60 degrees F. Place plants 6 inches apart and provide trellising.
Bush beans. Bush beans can grow 16 to 20 inches tall. To avoid damping‑off, wait to plant until the soil temperature is greater than 55 degrees F. Space plants 6 inches apart.
Cosmos. Cosmos grow to be 24 to 30 inches tall with a 2 to 3-foot spread. They prefer warm soil (approximately 65 degrees F) and can be planted in rows, containers, or by broadcast.
Dill. Dill has blue‑green foliage and uniform habit, and seeds can be direct‑sown early. Thalia is a taller and faster variety, while the Teddy variety is compact and dense.
Okra. Okra needs warm soil that is above 70 degrees F. Before planting, seeds can be soaked in water overnight for quicker sprouting. Space plants 1 foot apart.
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