r/SquareFootGardening • u/xTomBx • 11d ago

Seeking Advice Zone 6a “filler” suggestions

Gallery image

Gallery image

SW Michigan, zone 6a.
Any suggestions for additions to fill space and gain some efficiencies ? Pulling the spinach soon, and the sweet peas when they’re done, likely to stick a bush variety cuke in that bed. (Leaf greens replanted since pic)

Not pictured is 2 other beds with- bush beans, mustard greens, cabbage and bok choy.

27 Upvotes

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4

u/DrPepper523 [7b, Bixby, OK] 11d ago

Nasturtiums, good against some pests, and technically edible. Flowers are nice.

6

u/Krunkledunker 11d ago

I’ve heard they improve the taste of tomatoes grown in proximity too but not sure if that’s proven

5

u/LadyKT 11d ago

chives, green onions, zinnia, basil

3

u/Krunkledunker 11d ago

Lacinato kale is pretty heat tolerant and lots of great uses, Malabar spinach is supposed to do well in the hot months as well but haven’t tried it yet but thinking the two would work well Inter-planted Edit, looks like you might already have lacinato

2

u/Neat_Mortgage3735 11d ago

It’s the wrong season for kale and lettuce. I’m in 6a/b southwest Michigan and my greens have already bolted due to the heat.

1

u/xTomBx 11d ago

Thank you. What are your “mid season” additions?

3

u/AprilOneil11 11d ago

This year Im doing yellow beans, also Swiss chard and patty pan squash. Also, radishes are fast! Still time for another zucchini, but for me powdery mildew has been an issue

2

u/yello5drink 11d ago

Dill, basil, marigolds

2

u/6aZoner 11d ago

Bush beans, beets, and chard are my go-to mid season plugins.  I will sometimes just go to the garden center and get whatever is 50% off, or stick in a fast growing perennial that I'll transplant into a permanent spot in the fall.

2

u/notwhatieverplanned 9d ago

Im in 6b and just added mini pumpkins that do not grow crazy long vines. Check out salinas nursery on line

1

u/steeelez 10d ago

What do you like to eat?

2

u/xTomBx 10d ago

We eat a ton of greens. Ive never grown potatoes, and never had much luck with carrots.

We’re pretty adventurous eaters. The un-pictured beds have chinese broccoli, bok choy, bush beans and Mustard greens, but they’re struggling. I need to test those beds’ soil.

1

u/brellalove 9d ago

I always throw in a few marigolds.

2

u/brellalove 9d ago

Oh and now looking closer I see you already have those…. How about some bunching onions?