SWISS CHARD
(BETA VULGARIS)
A member of the beet family, most cultivars of swiss chard are drought-tolerant. Young, tender swiss chard is perfect for salads and mature, hearty leaves are tasty when sauteed with garlic and peppers.
Swiss chard has its own nutritional superpowers. Rich in iron, potassium, and vitamins C, K, and A, they are packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that are helpful in fighting cancer and lowering blood pressure.
Water requirements: Swiss chard requires 1-1.5 inches of water each week, and days to maturity after planting: 50-70 days
OKRA (ABELMOSCHUS ESCULENTUS)
Okra is drought-hardy and thrives in warm, sunny weather. Okra is packed with vitamins C and K and contains polyphenols — a unique antioxidant group that has the
potential to improve cognition and memory and protect your brain from symptoms of aging.
Planting okra
Gently scratch seeds (okra seeds have a very hard coat) with sandpaper and soak them in water for 12-24 hours before planting to improve germination. Use your finger to poke three-quarter-inch holes in the soil, with 9 to 12 inches between each hole. Plant seeds in rows with 3 to 4 feet between each row.
If you plant multiple seeds in each hole, thin out extra okra as seedlings grow so that plants are 9 to 12 inches away from each other.
Water requirements: 1 inch per week
Days to maturity after planting: 50-60 days
Best cultivars for dry areas: Gold Coast, Hill Country Heirloom Red, Jing Orange
ZUCCHINI
(CUCURBITA PEPO)
Zucchini, comes from the Italian word “zucchina”, which has zucca as its root, meaning, “gourd, marrow, pumpkin or squash.” With full sun and added nutrient-rich compost, these fast-growing Italian plants will stand up to drought and provide an abundant summer harvest.
What makes zucchinis drought-tolerant? Zucchinis have deep root systems and spreading surface roots that help the plant find water in dry conditions. Not all plants can thrive without water, so it’s still a good idea to give your plants supplemental water during the drought season.
You can choose between vine-type and bush-type zucchinis: Vines are excellent for trellises and add vertical appeal to your garden, while bushes are more compact and fit well into small garden spaces. Harvest zucchini when they are 6 to 8 inches long.
