What to Plant in June: The Ultimate Guide to Vegetables and Flowers for All Zones
June is the period when late spring transitions into early summer, and therefore, it’s a critical month for gardeners. Regardless of whether you are in a cooler north or warmer south, June has the perfect weather to plant a variety of vegetables, herbs, and flowers. This guide will help you to determine what the best plants are to plant in your USDA hardiness zone, so your garden can be bountiful and beautiful.
Understanding Your Planting Zone
Before selecting plants, it’s essential to know your USDA hardiness zone. These zones, based on average minimum winter temperatures, help gardeners choose plants that will thrive in their specific climate.
Zones 2-5: Short growing seasons with cooler temperatures.
Zones 6-7: Moderate climates with longer growing periods.
Zones 8-10: Warm to hot climates with extended growing seasons.
Now, let’s see the finest vegetables and flowers to plant in June in every zone.
What to Plant in June for Zones 2-5
Planters in colder regions must focus on rapid growth vegetables and warm-season vegetables that will be ready before the first fall frost.
Peppers (Capsicum spp.) – Thriving in Hot Weather
Peppers, bell peppers, jalapeños, and banana peppers are excellent choices to plant in June in Zones 2-5. Since they prefer to grow in warm soil, transplanting seedlings in early June yields a good harvest.
Planting Tips
Choose a warm location (6-8 hours sun per day).
Grow in well-draining compost-enriched soil.
Space 18-24 inches for good air circulation.
Mulch to save water and regulate soil temperature.
Kale (Brassica oleracea) – A Hard and Healthy Green
Kale prefers to be a cool-season crop but will thrive in the summer in northern climates as well.
Growing Hints:
Sow seeds directly or transplant seedlings.
Partial shade in warmer months.
Harvest the outside leaves in order to encourage ongoing growth.
Bush Beans
Bush beans mature in 50-60 days, which is perfect for planting in June.
Planting Hints:
Directly sow seeds 1 inch deep and 3-4 inches apart.
Water regularly but not too much.
Harvest pods when firm and crisp.
Cosmos
(Cosmos bipinnatus) – Summer Flowers that Tolerate Drought
Low-maintenance annuals bring warm color to gardens with little care.
Planting Tips:
Sow seeds directly in full sun.
Thin seedlings to 12 inches.
Remove spent flowers to prolong blooming.
Beets
(Beta vulgaris) – Twice-Use Crop for Roots and Leafy Greens
Beets may be sown in June for late summer or early fall harvest.
Planting Tips:
Sow ½ inch deep and 2 inches apart.
Thin seedlings to 4 inches to provide room for good root growth.
Pick greens in early stage and roots when 2-3 inches around.
Summer Squash
(Cucurbita pepo) – Fast-Growing and Abundant
Yellow squash and zucchini thrive in warm soil and are prolific.
Planting Tips:
Plant transplants or seed in well-draining soil.
Plant 24-36 inches apart.
Harvest young, tender fruit.
Tomatoes
(Solanum lycopersicum) – Garden Must-Have
Plant tomatoes in June in cooler climates to be ready before frost.
Planting Tips:
Utilize determinate varieties for shorter seasons.
Stake or cage support.
Base water to prevent fungal diseases.
Cucumbers
(Cucumis sativus) – Refreshing and High-Yielders
Cucumbers grow quickly in warm climates and are space-savers when trellised.
Planting Tips:
Plant seeds or seedlings in hills or rows.
Provide trellises for vertical growth.
Keep soil consistently moist.
Coreopsis
(Coreopsis spp.) – Drought-Resistant and Cheerful Flowers
These bright perennials bloom all summer with a low amount of maintenance.
Planting Instructions:
Sow seeds or set out nursery-grown plants.
Well-drained soil and full sun preferred.
Deadhead to encourage continual blooms.
What to Plant in June for Zones 6-7
Growers in these zones enjoy a longer growing season, and still more diversity of June plantings is feasible.
Okra
(Abelmoschus esculentus) – A Heat-Resistant Southern Staple
Okra prefers warm weather and can be planted in June for a second crop late in the summer.
Planting Tips:
Sow seeds 1 inch deep and 12-18 inches apart.
Harvest the pods at 2-3 inches long.
Sweet Potatoes
(Ipomoea batatas) – A Healthy and Versatile Crop
Sweet potatoes take a long, warm season to mature, so June is an ideal time to plant.
Planting Tips:
Plant slips (rooted cuttings) after soil has warmed up.
Space 12-18 inches apart.
Harvest before the first frost.
Marigolds
(Tagetes spp.) – Pest-Away and Colorful
Marigolds are wonderful companion plants, which will repel pests and offer color.
Planting Tips:
Sow seeds or transplant seedlings.
Deadhead to prolong flowering.
Swiss Chard
(Beta vulgaris) – A Heat-Tolerant Leafy Green
Swiss chard is a superior spinach alternative during hot weather.
Planting Tips:
Sow seeds ½ inch deep.
Harvest outside leaves to promote regrowth.
What to Plant in June for Zone 8-10
In hot climates, June planting is focused on heat-tolerant plants and fall harvest arrangements.
Southern Peas
(Vigna unguiculata) – Drought-Resistant and Nutritious
Also referred to as cowpeas, legumes adore hot weather.
Planting Tips:
Direct sow seeds 1 inch deep.
Harvest when pods are full.
Eggplant
(Solanum melongena) – A Heat-Loving Nightshade
Eggplants prefer hot weather when planted in June.
Planting Tips:
Transplant seedlings when the ground has warmed up.
Support heavy fruiting varieties.
Sunflowers
(Helianthus annuus) – Happy and Pollinator-Friendly
Sunflowers are easy to grow and are friendly to beneficial insects.
Planting Tips:
Directly plant seeds in full sun.
Choose dwarf or giant varieties based on space.
Last June Planting Tips for Success
Water Conservatively: Early morning watering reduces evaporation.
Mulch Abundantly: Keeps moisture in and weeds out.
Watch for Pests: Switch to organic pest control if needed.
By selecting the correct plants for your region and remembering these tips, you’ll have a rich garden all summer long!
