Making The Most of The Summer Growing Season

By Andi Anderson

Summer continues to be one of the best times for growing crops, with warm temperatures and timely rains bringing strong growth in gardens, hay fields, and produce farms.

While hay harvest has been challenging in some areas, home gardens and local produce stands are thriving with the bounty of the season.

For many, gardening traditions bring back fond memories. Families often planted tomatoes, beans, cucumbers, melons, and other vegetables to enjoy fresh, canned, or frozen long after the frost.

Sweet corn was a highlight, with entire families gathering to pick, husk, and prepare it for freezing to enjoy throughout the winter. Eating what was in season was a way of life, with peaches, pears, apples, and other fruits preserved for year-round use.

Today, consumers are accustomed to year-round access to nearly any fruit or vegetable at the grocery store. Much of this comes from imports, as the U.S. brings in about one-third of its fruits and vegetables to meet demand.

While this ensures steady supply, it also highlights the importance of finding new ways to support U.S. farmers in producing fresh food year-round.

One promising path is greenhouse production. The Controlled Environment Agriculture Research Complex at The Ohio State University, opened in 2022, is helping researchers and industry partners develop advanced greenhouse systems.

This approach, known as controlled environment agriculture, allows for sustainable and reliable food production regardless of weather conditions.

With innovation and research, U.S. farmers continue to adapt to consumer needs. From summer gardens rich with tradition to state-of-the-art greenhouses, there are many ways to grow food and ensure families have access to healthy produce year-round.

Photo Credit: pexels-greta-hoffman