The first day of summer is tomorrow, and I for one, am imagining lush green plants and foliage. What better way to honor Midsummer than with a Litha garden? Even if you live in an urban setting, you can get adventurous with the right size pots for roots, some potting soil, and cages for the vines to grow correctly.

When thinking of sun colors, I would definitely plant some tomatoes. If you’re in the Midwest, you should still be able to enjoy the fruits of your labor come August, and now there are so many varieties to choose from. Pretty multi-colored heirlooms, lush romas, or the ever versatile and easy-to-grow cherries are all good options. Likewise, some nice orange or red bell peppers would do well planted now. The tomatoes are the ones that need extra room for roots and wire cages to help the vines grow properly up top. For an inexpensive potting option, purchase some large plastic bins from a hardware store like Menards and drill holes in a circle along the bottom. Fill with nutrient rich plant soil and be sure to secure the roots of your tomato plants deep within it. Watering is of the utmost importance, and if you don’t live in a naturally rainy climate, you really need to keep up with this every day. A good amount is needed to truly keep the soil moist for a healthy, thriving plant.

One herb associated with the sun would be Rosemary. Rosemary is by far the easiest and most fragrant to nurture. Basil is also a nice herb to start with. The trick with Basil is to keep the stalks deadheaded properly. If it starts sprouting too many of those flowers, it can effect the flavor of your leaves. As long as you keep up with the harvesting of them, you should be good. Both of these also freeze very well in airtight Ziplock bags to last you into the winter.

If this all goes well and you’re feeling ambitious for next year, try planting some big and beautiful sunflowers. It’s always cheery to watch the little yellow finches feed at the seeds after they’ve fully bloomed.

There is something immensely satisfying about planting, tending, and harvesting your very own fruits, veggies, and herbs. Treat them with extra love and care, and I promise you nothing will taste more freshly intense with intent.

References:

Photo by Artem Beliaikin @belart84 from Pexels

https://animamundiherbals.com/blogs/news/herbs-of-the-sun-the-astrology-of-herbs

https://www.almanac.com/plant/basil

https://homeguides.sfgate.com/can-plant-tomatoes-july-58769.html

https://www.burpee.com/gardenadvicecenter/annuals/sunflowers/all-about-sunflowers/article10035.html