Summer gardening is in full swing! If you’re wondering what you can do in the veggie garden, here’s a list of what to plant in June.  Even if you haven’t started anything at all in your garden yet, it’s not too late to get going for a wonderful harvest of delicious veggies!

What to Plant in a June Garden

If you’re not in Zone 5, the timing of this list might be off a bit, but in general, the progression is the same. Make sure you know your last average frost date and first average frost date. Those two dates determine when to do what in your specific area.

In my area of Eastern Iowa, the last average frost date is May 15 and first average frost date is October 15. If you plant in June, you still have a 4-month growing season.

Direct Sow Seeds by June 10

There are many warm season seeds that can still be directly sown in June. Definitely shoot for early June rather than late, though if you are in Zone 5. The June warm soil is perfect for these garden vegetables:

• beets
• cucumber
• summer squash
• zucchini
• beans
• carrots
• muskmelon
• watermelon
• winter squash
• kale
• zinnias
• sunflowers

Other Plants for a June Garden

Potatoes can still be planted as late as June 5. I recommend using the no-dig method for easier planting and harvesting. If you’ve already planted potatoes, make sure you add mulch to keep any growing potatoes from turning green due to sun exposure.

June is the time to plant sweet potato slips as they like the warmer soil.

Broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower starts may still be planted in early June – but hot weather is hard on them so get them in early. If the weather is too hot, they won’t grow at all or they will go directly to seed.

Pea seeds may be planted through June, but like the brassicas, they prefer cooler weather so they might not grow that well for you.

Most varieties of tomato and peppers must be planted by early June so they have time to ripen before it freezes. Make sure you follow these tips for planting tomato seedlings.

Celery, endive, Swiss Chard, and leeks may be planted through June.

Plant herbs through June either with seeds or transplanting seedlings. Don’t forget the herbs as they make excellent companion plants! Make sure you harden off seedlings before planting them so they will be acclimated to the outdoors.

Start pumpkins through July for late harvest. The end of June is the perfect time to start a pumpkin patch with your kids for Halloween pumpkins!

Rhubarb may be planted as late as June too, but  make sure to keep it weeded and well watered to help establish it properly.

Is June too Late to Start a Garden

When spring starts to roll around I get really excited about getting out in the garden. I have to restrain myself from planting things too early. I always plant early spring crops and then get everything else in as soon as my last frost date passes.

However, sometimes I get busy and it’s June before I know it. It’s not too late to start a garden in June! There are still several vegetables that can be grown from seed or seedlings.

By now, you may have some good plants growing in your garden, but there is still so much you can plant and do in your garden to prolong your harvest and grow your best harvest yet.

Start Seeds Indoors in June

Once you have everything planted in your garden, it’s time to start thinking about fall planting. Cool season crops such as cabbage, broccoli, and other brassicas should be started indoors at this time. They’ll be ready for their fall planting in July.

June Gardening Tasks for Zone 5

June is also a great time to take care of other gardening chores you may have been putting off. Everything should be growing nicely or at least planted by now.

I like to take care of my spring flowering bulbs in June. Once the spring bulbs are finished blooming, I cut them back or get them prepared for next year.

I also check my irrigation system or watering setup to make sure that I conserve moisture where possible. I also don’t want to create any safe haven for insects pests.

Speaking of insects, one of my June tasks is to prepare a homemade bug spray. My friend Jami at  An Oregon Cottage has a great, effective homemade bug spray {garlic &  mint!} recipe. I also recommend keeping diatomaceous earth and Neem Oil on hand as well.

Thin out fruits on trees so they are only about every 5-6 inches on the branches for a better harvest.

Spot treat with organic pesticides on your potatoes to avoid an infestation of potato bugs. Make sure to remove any larvae. Here are helpful tips for dealing with Colorado Potato Beetles.

Fresh strawberries are maybe the best part of gardening in June. Start weeding out and preparing for ripe strawberries. Add a row cover to protect them from birds if necessary.

Harvest asparagus if it is at least the second season and you had a late spring. Established asparagus plants can produce as long as 8 weeks. Young plants only produce for 2-3 weeks. After the spears have started decreasing in size, it’s time to let them develop ferns for proper plant support and nourishment.

Add mulch to gardens to help hold in moisture during the summer heat waves.

Fertilize corn with compost tea so that it will grow taller, sooner, or companion plant with beans and pumpkins to provide a natural fertilizer. Three Sisters Gardens are lovely and not that hard to grow!

Make sure you spend a few minutes each day in your garden weeding and looking for harmful insects. Left unchecked, bugs like cucumber beetles and squash bugs will ruin your crops.

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