The rising popularity of vegetable gardening shows no signs of abating and the goal eating in a more seasonal and local way is easier than ever. Growers are introducing lots of new, and re-introducing lots of older varieties. Designers are reworking standard tools in ergonomic ways. And information is so readily available. Many of us have planted vegetable gardens or have made room in our landscapes for fruiting plants. And at this time of year, we are starting to celebrate our harvests.

The delectable fruits and vegetables of summer are arriving at the markets. Luscious strawberries and crisp asparagus will give way to juicy red raspberries and delicate heirloom tomatoes. Crunchy, late summer apples and spicy peppers will grace our tables. So why wait for someone else to have all the fun producing these precious foods? You can grow these gourmet varieties at home and they will be even more delicious when you pluck them fresh from the garden.

Many vegetable crops are just starting to produce. The weather has been fairly cooperative, but do keep your fingers crossed for some warmer nights and continued rainfall. In general, watch for earwigs, flea beetles and slugs. They’ll munch holes in everything, seemingly overnight. Observation is the key to catching a problem before it gets out of control. Look closely at your plants as you tend to them and you’ll notice when something is wrong.

Be sure to apply a layer of mulch to the rows between plants in your vegetable garden. You can use bark, straw or herbicide-free grass clippings. This will help to keep moisture in the soil and will discourage weed growth. Mulching also protects ripening vegetables from rot. Water the soil around the root area and try not to wet the leaves or fruits. You’ll have less mildew and other fungal diseases when you irrigate this way.

If you planted them, it’s time to harvest potatoes, garlic and onions once the tops begin to die back. Pick peppers and tomatoes when they are fully colored. And keep your tomato plants evenly moist. This is the best defense against blossom end rot. Don’t forget to re-sow cool weather crops like lettuce, kale, beets, radishes and carrots at the end of the month. The summer’s moderate temperatures may give you a chance for second crops.

As for fruit, harvest your blueberries, cherries and grapes as they ripen. You may need to put a net or row cover over the plants to protect the fruit from birds and animals. And once your summer-bearing raspberries are finished fruiting, remove those exhausted canes. If you planted fall-bearing varieties, you’ll have to wait until next month for fruit to ripen, but they’ll produce until frost.

You didn’t plant a vegetable garden? No worries. You can patronize one of the many local farmers’ markets. The food is fresh and beautiful, sold at good prices, and you are being green by eating food that hasn’t been trucked hundreds of miles.