Summer is always a favorite time of year, but too much heat is always a drag on summer festivities – and very much so for garden crops. With temperatures on the rise and the prevalence of drought, many gardeners are turning to more drought-tolerant crops. And it’s not just the arid southwest that are prone to a dearth of water. To put it into a more sobering perspective, more than half of all states are suffering from moderate drought conditions or worse, and temperatures are only expected to rise.

Many cool-season crops are not drought-tolerant, including cabbage, cauliflower, collards, kale, kohlrabi, which is fine if you detest these vegetables anyways. Others are able to tolerate dry conditions – here’s a few summer crops to grow for low-water gardens. 

Ways to Conserve Water

Water irrigation techniques such as mist sprinklers can help conserve water, as can a more efficient watering set-up. Although it’s true that raised garden beds require more frequent watering than traditional beds, they also result in a more bountiful yield. Due to the improved drainage, crops are able to be grouped in denser configurations, which well compensates for the increased watering.  

1. Amaranth   

Known as the plant that could feed the world, amaranth is exceedingly drought-tolerant and can be grown in most soil types. It also has an interesting history – amaranth was once used in religious rituals by the Aztecs before it faced persecution by the Spanish. All parts are edible, although it is the seed and grain that is the most nutrient dense.

2. Dragon fruit  

Dragon fruit, also known as pitaya, is actually a type of cactus and requires deep, but infrequent watering. Its exotic fruit, covered in a coat of magenta scales, have made it a star in health-conscious circles, but its flowers are also worthy of note, bearing striking white petals that only bloom for one night. The key to growing dragon fruit is to use a specialized planter designed to support its long, spreading stems. You can grow dragon fruit from cuttings or purchase a live plant from nurseries. 

3. Pole Beans     

Pole beans have a reputation of being less tasty than bush beans, but they’re an option if you don’t have a discriminating palate. The root systems of pole beans extend deeply into the soil, allowing them to draw in residual moisture from the soil. Some of the taste depends of timing – pole beans become bitter and chalky if they’re harvested too late. The best time to harvest is before you can see the seeds start to bulge inside the pod.  

4. Sunray Tomatoes 

Sunray tomatoes, like their name suggests, are able to tolerate long, dry summers, quickly becoming well established and producing prolific yields. Similar to the sun sugar tomato but slightly bigger in size, Sunray tomatoes weigh around 5 – 8 ounces. They’re heralded as exceptionally sweet, with a meaty texture that makes them ideal for salads, slicing, or adding to sauces. 

5. Jubilee Watermelon    

Summer is watermelon season, yet the thirst-quenching abilities of a slice of watermelon are often underappreciated. Named the best watermelon to grow in hot climates, this oblong variety thrives in heat and humidity. Its elongated shape is just part of the fun – gardeners grow this watermelon for its vibrant pink flesh, which lacks the excess seeds of heirloom varieties. Watermelons are a good source of vitamin C and rich in lycopene, an antioxidant that has been shown to combat disease; this particular cultivar is also disease-resistant. 

6. Orangeglo Watermelon 

It’s not every day that you encounter an orange-fleshed watermelon, which makes you wonder: does it taste good? The answer is yes if you’re growing the Orangeglo watermelon, considered one of the best-tasting orange watermelons, with a distinctive taste that alludes to citrus or pineapple. It consistently delivers, with well-sized fruit that are low in seeds. The Orangeglo watermelon performs well in drought condition and will benefit from being placed in the sunniest spots. 

7. Thyme           

Many thyme varieties are drought-tolerant, including the elegant Silver Edge thyme, which produces lemon-scented green leaves that can be used in stews and soups. It forms beautiful, dense mounds that make it suitable for borders, containers, or along garden edges, and would work well in a Mediterranean garden. 

8. Millet      

Both ornamental and edible millet are drought-tolerant once established. Although not commonly used in cooking, millet can be used as sustenance for chickens (the best are pearl and proso millet). To cook millet, bring to a boil, often with water or a broth, then leave to simmer. Use in grain bowls, frittatas, vegetable fritters, or salads.

9. Dark Star Zucchini       

Zucchini, along with its cousins, squash, are one of these vegetables that dredge up groans, though there is no excuse when it comes to the Dark Star zucchini. This zucchini variety grows in an “open habit,” forming star-like shapes that make it easy to locate the plants. Developed for vigorous root growth in response to dryland conditions on farms, the fruits are a beautiful, uniform dark green. If you dislike zucchini, fritters are the way to go. 

10. Mammoth Sunflower       

With a height that rivals many trees, this low-maintenance sunflower variety soars skyward, up to 5 – 12 ft in height. Its flowers chase the sun, attract butterflies and bees, and yield delicious edible seeds. After the growing season, stems can be used for crafts when dried. 

11. Chili Peppers  

Chili peppers are bred to withstand the heat, and in some places, a mild drought can even sharpen the flavor. However, extreme drought can cause them to wilt and lose their flavor. Place chilies in well-draining soil in raised garden beds or pots – they do not like wet soil.