In June, in my zone 6, most of the cool-weather crops are done when it comes to sowing. Do not sow cool-season crops in June as the weather will get warmer and warmer, and for me, even humid, and cool-weather crops would not do well at this time. We will be able to sow cool-weather crops again around mid to late summer for fall harvest. Let us take a look at what we, home pantry stocking gardeners can plant now in June.
In June, in zone 6 and 7 sow and plant sweet corn, and popcorn. Regarding the squash family, now is the time to sow winter squash like butternut squash and spaghetti squash, also summer squash, zucchini, and melons, including cantaloupe. Sweet potato slips and regular potatoes can also be planted. Direct sow bush beans, pole beans, and green beans, also cucumbers, okra, and sunflowers. Regarding leafy greens, now is a good time to grow Swiss chard and summer crisp lettuce. Seedlings of tomatoes and peppers can also be planted in June. Root crops like beets and quick maturing, small-size carrots can also be planted. Herbs including basil, parsley, oregano, dill, and medicinal herbs can be planted as well.
A GOOD READ: What do hardiness zones mean and how to determine yours
TIP: To sow anything now, I would first check how many days I have from now till my first frost date. My first frost date falls around October 16. So, between now and October 16, I still have about 129 days. I can sow anything that can mature within 129 days frame. Find out your first frost date and then how many days are left for you to plant. If whatever you want to grow will mature within that time frame you are good to give it a go!
A GOOD READ: What vegetables are best direct sow?
I plant away and sow the seeds in June as well. Although most of my crops are already out, I still come up with something that does best direct sowed like butternut squash and spaghetti squash. I also sow more cucumber and zucchini seeds because I know from gardening experience that once the squash bugs and cucumber beetles come, they most probably will destroy some of the plants. If I sow some extra, I will have nice healthy seedlings to replace destroyed plants. Although cucumber beetles and squash bugs will be around just for a couple of weeks, they can do much damage, and it is good to be prepared for losses.
TIP: I always add about 20 weeks to 30 days to the days to harvest number that is indicated on the seed packet, because in my garden everything takes about 2 weeks to 30 days longer compared to what the packet information says.
Is June too late to plant seeds?
June is not too late to plant seeds of most warm-weather crops, excluding tomatoes and peppers, which are best to plant by seedlings in the month of June in zones 6 and 7.
What crops can you start in June?
Start crops from seed including all corn, summer squash, cucumbers, melons, all kinds of beans, warm-liking herbs, and summer crisp lettuce. Avoid planting brassicas like broccoli, and cauliflower, as these grow best in cool weather temperatures.
Can I plant tomato seeds in June?
In zone 6 and 7 it is best to plant tomato seedlings rather than starting tomatoes from the seed.
Ultimately, June is a great time to sow and plant most of the warm-weather liking crops. Remember not to overwhelm yourself if you already have many vegetables in the garden growing, as soon these will yield and you will most likely need to focus on preserving your harvest.
TIP: If I am very busy during summer, I simply plant and sow the seeds in June, and once the yield hits, I simply put the harvest in the freezer and deal with it when I have time later in autumn. This works best for tomatoes which use to be abundant. If you have too much on your hands especially with school finishing and summer activities approaching, simply freeze your tomatoes and get to them in the fall once everything calms down. They will do just fine in the freezer waiting for you to get them.
June is also a time to ensure your garden and maturing plants in it are well watered. I water deeply about 2 times a week. My mulched gardens always need less watering and can go days between watering. Mulch helps to keep moisture in the soil and helps cool the plants down.
A GOOD READ: How to mulch garden beds AND How and when to water vegetable garden
TIP: In June, my lettuce bowl garden bed, as I call it, does great! We cannot possibly keep up with it. I use to preserve my extra lettuce by washing it and then wrapping it between layers of paper towels or tea towels. Then I place it in a zip lock bag and it can stay like this in my fridge for weeks, fresh and crisp!
June is one of my favorite times in the garden the days are warm and everything is green and growing. It is truly an exciting time for home gardeners.
Please share with me, what you like to plant and sow in June in your garden!
When and how to plant, and harvest spaghetti squash successfully
