No, June is definitely not too late to plant vegetables! In fact, depending on your location and the types of veggies you’re aiming to grow, there are plenty of options to consider. Whether you’re sowing fast-growing seeds directly into the ground or opting for transplants to give your plants a head start, there’s still plenty of time to get a late summer or fall harvest.
These recommendations are suitable for most gardeners, but your specific location plays a big role in which vegetables will thrive. One of the main advantages of sowing seeds in June is that you can be sure the soil is warm enough for many vegetables, even in cooler zones. The challenge, however, is making sure there’s enough time for the plants to mature before the weather cools down again.
So, what’s the best way to navigate this issue? It all comes down to choosing the right vegetables. For example, if you’re gardening in a colder zone, it’s smart to go for crops like greens, lettuces, and root vegetables. Greens grow quickly and actually thrive in cooler temperatures, while root vegetables take longer to mature but can be harvested well into fall.
If you live in a more moderate climate, you can plant a range of vegetables, including fall staples like squash, beans, and pumpkins, and still get a great harvest. In warmer regions, though, the intense summer heat can make growing more challenging. In this case, it’s crucial to ensure that seeds, seedlings, and young plants get plenty of water, especially during the hotter months.
Here’s a closer look at some vegetables you can plant in June:
1. Carrots
Carrots need warm soil to germinate, so June is an excellent time to sow them. A bonus? Carrots become sweeter when they mature in cooler weather, which means a fall harvest will be extra tasty. Just keep in mind that carrots require consistent moisture, so it’s important to keep the soil well-watered throughout the summer. If you’re planting in a particularly hot climate, you can use row covers to provide some shade as the seeds germinate. While carrots are affordable at the grocery store, growing unique varieties—like the colorful Rainbow Blend Carrot Seeds—can make your garden a bit more special.
2. Corn
Surprisingly, you can direct sow corn in June and still expect a fall harvest, no matter where you’re gardening. Corn loves the heat and germinates easily in warm soil, with some varieties maturing in just about 60 days. If you want to extend your harvest, you can stagger your sowing by planting seeds every 10 days or so, starting in early June. This technique will give you a continuous supply of sweet corn through the fall.
3. Beans
Beans are an ideal vegetable to plant in June in most zones. Whether you prefer bush beans, pole beans, shelling beans, or green beans, they all thrive in the warm June soil. Green beans mature quickly, usually in 50 to 60 days, so you can plant them early in June and then sow another round toward the end of the month for a continuous harvest. There are plenty of bean varieties to choose from, but the Endeavour Bush Beans are a great option—they’re disease-resistant, space-efficient, and produce a high yield.
4. Zucchini and Summer Squash
These summer favorites grow quickly and are known for producing an abundant harvest. Zucchini and summer squash need warm soil to thrive, which makes June the perfect time to plant them. Depending on your growing zone, you can select varieties that mature more quickly or more slowly, ensuring that you have a harvest ready for late summer or early fall. If you’re looking for a high-yielding variety, try the Enterprise Hybrid. Just remember to keep the soil moist, as zucchinis and squashes tend to require plenty of water, especially during hot weather.
5. Melons
Much like zucchini and squash, melons are another type of cucurbit that loves the summer heat. They require warm soil to germinate, so planting them in June works well as long as you keep the soil consistently moist. One of the fun parts of growing melons is the wide variety of types you can choose from. Pick a melon variety that’s suited to your zone’s growing season, and you’ll be able to enjoy fresh melons well into fall.
6. Potatoes
June is a great time to plant potatoes for a fall harvest, especially if you live in a cooler zone. Early summer is ideal for planting seed potatoes, as they grow well in the warmer soil. If you’re in a warmer climate, you may want to wait until the fall to plant your potatoes. For June planting, it’s best to choose faster-maturing varieties, which typically take around 100 days to reach harvest. Be sure to keep track of your area’s first frost date and plan accordingly. Potatoes can be harvested after a frost, but they won’t last much longer.
7. Beets
If you live in a colder zone, June is perfect for planting beets, as they grow quickly and will be ready just as the first frost approaches. Beets might be too warm to grow in hotter regions, but in zones 2 through 4, they’ll thrive. Plus, beets are great because you can enjoy the greens as well. A great variety to try is the Detroit Dark Red beet, which is a heritage variety perfect for both fresh eating and canning.
8. Greens
Greens are an excellent option for planting in June, especially in cooler climates. Varieties like arugula, kale, chard, spinach, and lettuce all do well in cooler temperatures and grow quickly. Some greens, like kale, actually become sweeter after a frost, making them perfect for fall harvests. We recommend trying varieties like Tundra Hybrid Spinach and Lacinato Kale for fast-growing and hardy greens.
In conclusion, June is definitely not too late to plant vegetables—even when starting from seeds. The key to success is knowing which vegetables are best suited to the season and your growing zone. With the right planning, you can still enjoy a thriving garden and a bountiful harvest, even if you’re starting later in the year. Happy gardening!