Dried beans are an important cash crop for many farmers. Spice Islands grows heat-loving herbs on a farm west of Dixon. Tomatoes , bell and hot peppers , eggplants , and potatoes are all members of the Nightshade family that thrive here. Green beans and dried beans are very easy. Sweet corn is easy if you have enough room.
Sunflowers are easy, fast, and fun for kids to plant.
Okra , traditionally a southern vegetable, thrives in our hot summers. Those are cool-season vegetables, which do well when planted in the fall or very early spring. They don't tolerate our summer heat. A minimum of 4 hours of direct sun , and full sun is best. Peppers and basil will grow adequately in part shade, and cherry tomatoes will give some production in part shade.