June is the month when the garden hits its stride—tomatoes stretch toward the sun, beans climb their trellises, and the first zucchini threatens to take over. Whether you're in the mild warmth of Zone 4 or the summer heat of Zone 8, June is all about maintaining momentum, succession planting, and preparing for peak harvests.
The days are long, the soil is warm, and the weeds are… enthusiastic. But with a little planning, your garden will thrive.
What to Plant in June
Seeds to Direct Sow (For Summer & Fall Harvests)
June is perfect for fast-growing crops and succession planting:
-
Bush Beans – Sow every two weeks for a continuous harvest.
-
Corn – Still time for a second planting in Zones 5-8.
-
Cucumbers & Summer Squash – Quick to germinate in warm soil.
-
Beets & Carrots – Thin seedlings early for better root growth.
-
Lettuce & Spinach – Opt for heat-resistant varieties (like ‘Jericho’ or ‘Malabar spinach’) and plant in partial shade.
-
Radishes – Ready in just 25-30 days.
Transplants to Get in the Ground
If you haven’t already, move these heat-lovers outdoors:
-
Tomatoes, Peppers & Eggplants – Bury stems deep for stronger roots.
-
Basil, Dill & Cilantro – Keep herbs well-watered to prevent bolting.
-
Sweet Potatoes – Plant slips now for a fall harvest.
Flowers to Sow for Pollinators & Pest Control
-
Sunflowers – A must for bees and birds.
-
Zinnias & Marigolds – Bright, easy, and great for deterring pests.
-
Nasturtiums – Edible, pest-repellent, and drought-tolerant.
June Garden Tasks (Stay Ahead!)
✔ Mulch, mulch, mulch – Straw, grass clippings, or compost keeps soil cool and moist.
✔ Water deeply in the morning – Avoid shallow watering, which leads to weak roots.
✔ Prune tomatoes – Remove suckers and lower leaves to improve airflow.
✔ Check for pests – Squash bugs, aphids, and tomato hornworms are out in force. Handpick or use organic sprays.
✔ Weed regularly – Don’t let them go to seed (future-you will thank present-you).
Common June Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
🚫 Letting soil dry out → Mulch and water consistently.
🚫 Over-fertilizing → Too much nitrogen = leafy plants with no fruit.
🚫 Ignoring bolting greens → Harvest lettuce/spinach early or let them flower for pollinators.
🚫 Not planting for fall → Many crops (kale, Brussels sprouts) need a June start for autumn harvests.
What About Other Zones?
Zones 1-3: Short but Sweet Season
-
Direct-snow peas, kale, and quick-growing carrots.
-
Start broccoli & cauliflower indoors for transplanting in July.
-
Protect young plants from late frosts with row covers.
Zones 9-10: Surviving the Heat
-
Focus on drought-tolerant crops (okra, black-eyed peas, sweet potatoes).
-
Provide afternoon shade for tender greens.
-
Think about investing in a shade cloth installation for later hotter months
-
Plant pumpkins now for Halloween harvests!
A Little June Wisdom
June is the gardener’s golden hour—everything is possible, but patience is key. Some plants will thrive; others may struggle. That’s okay. Gardening isn’t about perfection—it’s about learning, adapting, and enjoying the process.
So take a moment to watch the bees work, taste a sun-warmed strawberry, and celebrate the small victories.
Happy Gardening!
Irma, Dig.®🌱
P.S. Tag us with #CanYouDigIt—we love seeing your June gardens in full swing!