As the summer heats up and lettuces I missed are continuing to bolt, peppers and tomatoes grow abundant, but what plants are doing the best in my garden through all of the late summer heat?

3. Cosmos

Although most plants in my garden are turning yellow and brown, my Cosmos have held their own this year. As a cut flower, they don’t last too long, but the bright pops of color they add to the garden are unmatched. The varieties I’ve grown this year include: Xanthos, Apricotta, and White.

2. Serrano Pepper

Last season, I attempted to overwinter four of my pepper plants in my basement. Although I watered them whenever I remembered, the only one plant to survive was my Serrano. Last year, I struggled to get any peppers at all, but this year it seems as though there is a ripe Serrano to pick everyday. I purchased my seeds here.

1. Cherokee Purple Tomato

The number one plant I’ve grown this year was my Cherokee Purple tomato. Throughout the season, I have maybe gotten 5 good sized tomatoes from other plants, but the Cherokee Purple has at least given me 10. With being an heirloom, you’d worry about disease and pests, but I haven’t had any issues. Overall, this was the best tomato, and I am so glad I planted it. You can find seeds here.

Overall, I think these are my garden MVPs and I won’t think twice before adding them to my garden plan next season.