Digging In: What to Plant in Late Summer and Fall in Northwest Missouri
Flower gardens aren’t just about making your yard look pretty, though that’s a nice bonus; they actually do a lot of good for the environment and for you. For starters, flowers attract pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, which are essential for growing food and keeping nature in balance. Some flowers even help control garden pests by attracting “good bugs” that eat the bad ones, which means less need for chemicals.
They also help clean the air, cool things down in the summer, and improve soil over time. A well-kept flower garden can boost your property value and make your place feel more welcoming. Plus, being around flowers—whether you’re planting, weeding, or just enjoying them—has been shown to lower stress and lift your mood.
And if you’re already digging in the dirt, why not add some vegetables? A small veggie patch can save you money, give you fresher, tastier produce, and make your meals more satisfying. Tomatoes, lettuce, peppers, carrots—many are easy to grow, even in a few raised beds or containers. Combined with flowers, your garden becomes both beautiful and practical.
On top of that, some flowers are edible or even medicinal (think chamomile, nasturtiums, and lavender). And by planting in your own yard, you cut down on the waste and shipping involved with store-bought flowers. Bottom line: flower gardens are simple to start, easy to enjoy, and give back way more than they take.
You might think it’s too late in the season to plant now, but late summer in Northwest Missouri still offers plenty of opportunities to dig, grow, and prepare for next season. Whether you are getting a later start planting this year or just enjoy adding more to your yard, there’s still time to plant fast-growing annuals, perennials that bloom in their first year, and late-blooming vegetables or herbs.
Some fast-growing annuals that do well in our region include:
- Zinnias
- Cosmos
- Marigolds
- Nasturtiums
- Calendula
If you enjoy getting as much bang as possible for your buck and planting effort, these perennials typically bloom in the first season:
- Coreopsis
- Black-eyed Susan
- Echinacea
- Gaillardia
- Shasta Daisy
- Yarrow
When planting later in the summer, here are some tips to keep in mind. First, it’s helpful to use transplants or nursery starts when possible. It’s also best to choose drought-tolerant and heat-loving varieties. Make sure to water deeply and regularly, as summer heat can stress young plants. Mulch will help retain moisture and suppress weeds, and deadheading encourages more blooms.
It’s not too late to plant a number of edibles that can still be enjoyed this season, too. All of these thrive in summer heat and mature quickly enough to harvest before frost:
- Bush beans
- Pole beans
- Zucchini / Summer squash
- Cucumbers
- Beets
- Carrots
- Chard
- Turnips
- Dill / Basil
- Lettuce (heat-tolerant varieties)
If you are already over the heat and are thinking ahead to fall, these cool-season bloomers carry color well into October and even early November:
- Mums
- Asters
- Ornamental kale
- Pansies
There are also many bulbs you can plant in the fall for beautiful spring blooms. Some that do well in our area include:
- Tulips
- Daffodils
- Hyacinths
- Alliums
- Crocus
- Snowdrops
Fall is also a perfect time to divide and transplant perennials for a successful start to next year’s growing season.
Whether you’re planting flowers or food to enjoy later this season or just planning ahead, mid-to-late summer in Northwest Missouri is full of growing potential. Growing flowers and vegetables is one of the simplest, most rewarding ways to improve your life and your environment. So, grab your gloves, dig in, and let the season surprise you!
