Getting outside to work in the garden is a wonderful way to be physically active and soak up some natural vitamin D from the sun.
If you haven’t planted anything yet or you’re aiming to increase your harvest, don’t worry. There are lots of nutrient-rich vegetables, herbs, and gorgeous flowers you can still plant in June.
Here’s a list to help you get growing!
Early Summer Vegetables
Root vegetables like carrots, beets, radishes, potatoes, and parsnips will thrive when you plant them in June. You’ll also yield lots of hearty green beans (bush and pole varieties) and cucumbers in early summer, as these plants love the heat. Cucumbers, specifically, are one of the fastest-growing vegetables. They mature around 50 days after they are sown. Be sure to water cukes regularly and pick them before they get too big.
The name “summer squash” suggests that this scrumptious veggie does well in warm weather. They grow fast and are ready to pick about 60 days (or a little less) after planting. Varieties include yellow squash, zucchini, and crookneck squash.
Pumpkins may fall into the “winter squash” category, but they like warm soil. So, planting them in June is fine – just remember to plant these fall harvest favourites well past any signs of frost.
Peas are another hearty early summer planter. You can sow them directly into the soil, along with nutrient-dense leafy greens like kale, spinach, and Swiss chard. Bok choy and cabbage are also in the early summer planting family. Once picked, you’ll be able to savour your homegrown harvest.
Photo: AzmanJaka via gettyimages.com
It’s also okay to plant sweet and hot peppers in June, as both varieties do well in the heat. Most peppers will be ready to pick in about 75 days or so, with a maturity range of 65 to 90 days.
Whether you munch it straight off the cob or enjoy kernels in a bowl, sweet corn is a yummy side to just about any meal. Corn takes a while to grow, so it’s best to plant it early to late spring and early summer planting dates range from May 28 – June 11.
For detailed sowing and growing instructions on the vegetables named, visit The Old Farmer’s Almanac’s extensive Growing Guide Library.
Early Summer Herbs
Herbs make home-cooked creations more flavourful, and there’s nothing like the extra freshness that homegrown herbs deliver. Popular herbs you can plant outdoors or indoors in containers in June include basil, cilantro, dill, oregano, parsley, sage, thyme, and lavender.
For recipe ideas that feature your herb garden bounty, check out Taste of Home’s Ultimate Guide to Cooking with Fresh Herbs.
Early Summer Flowers
Flowers add vibrant colours and wonderful fragrances to your garden. Succulents are fuss-free annuals that come in many shapes and colours. Some types don’t do well in colder climates, and most tolerate frequent droughts. Other flowers to sow in June include lovely nasturtiums, marvellous marigolds, zinnias, bells of Ireland, morning glories, four o’clocks, cosmos, and nigella, to name a few.
People of all ages count the sunflower as a summertime favourite. The abundant bright yellow petals resemble the radiance of the sun. Sunflowers come in various cheery hues, including gold, orange, deep red, burgundy, and classic lemon yellow.
Fun fact: The tallest sunflower in the world hailed from Germany in 2014 and holds the Guinness World Record at a staggering height of 30 feet, 1 inch.
Overall, a plethora of vegetables, herbs, and flowers are waiting for you to sow this June. Go plant, grow, and enjoy!
