June isn't too late to start planting vegetables in your garden. Many delicious and nutritious vegetables thrive when planted in early summer and can produce bountiful harvests before the first frost.
Late planting actually comes with some advantages, like fewer pest problems and quick germination in warm soil. The key to success with June planting is choosing the right vegetables with enough time to mature before the growing season ends.
Fast-growing varieties and heat-tolerant plants work particularly well for mid-season planting. With proper care, you'll enjoy fresh homegrown produce well into the fall.
Beans (Bush and Pole)
Bush and pole beans are perfect for June planting because they germinate quickly in warm soil and produce within 50 to 60 days. They prefer full sun and well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
Bush beans grow compactly without support, while pole beans need trellises or stakes. For continuous harvests, plant a new batch of beans every two weeks until about 8 to 10 weeks before your first expected frost.
Water consistently at the base of plants to avoid fungal issues. And harvest frequently to encourage more production throughout the season.
Beets
Beets perform surprisingly well as a summer-planted crop and mature in just 50 to 60 days. The warm June soil speeds germination, which can be sluggish in cooler spring conditions; plant seeds directly in the garden about ½ inch deep and 1 to 2 inches apart.
Once seedlings reach a few inches tall, thin them to about 3 to 4 inches apart. But don't throw away those thinnings. Young beet greens make a delicious addition to salads. Keep soil consistently moist, especially during hot weather, to prevent woody texture and ensure sweet flavor.
Carrots
June-planted carrots often taste sweeter than their spring-planted counterparts because they mature during cooler fall temperatures. For best late-season results, choose shorter varieties like Napoli or Paris Market that mature in 55 to 60 days.
Plant seeds ¼ inch deep in loose, stone-free soil. Water gently but thoroughly after planting and keep the soil consistently moist until germination.
Thin seedlings to 2 inches apart to allow proper root development. Adding a layer of mulch helps retain moisture and prevents the carrot shoulders from turning green.
Corn
Sweet corn can be successfully planted in June in many growing zones, especially fast-maturing varieties that need only 70 to 80 days to harvest. Plant seeds 1 to 2 inches deep in blocks of at least four rows (rather than single rows) to ensure proper pollination.
Space plants about 12 inches apart. Keep corn well-watered, particularly during the crucial tasseling and ear-development stages.
Side-dress with nitrogen fertilizer when plants are knee-high. For optimal sweetness, harvest ears when the silk ends turn brown and kernels release a milky substance when punctured.
Cucumbers
Cucumbers thrive in warm soil and grow remarkably fast, making them ideal for June planting. They can be ready to harvest in as little as 50 to 60 days. Plant seeds ½ inch deep in hills or rows, thinning to the most vigorous plants once they develop true leaves.
Provide trellises for vining varieties to save space and produce straighter cucumbers. Water deeply at the base of plants and avoid wetting foliage to prevent powdery mildew. Harvest regularly when fruits reach 6-8 inches long (or smaller for pickling varieties) to encourage continuous production.
Kale
Kale planted in June will mature in late summer and continue producing into fall and winter in many regions. The cooler autumn temperatures improve kale's flavor by converting starches to sugars.
Sow seeds ¼ inch deep and 1 inch apart, later thinning to 12 to 18 inches. If necessary, protect young kale plants from intense summer heat with shade cloth.
Regular harvesting of outer leaves allows the plant to continue producing. Kale becomes especially delicious after light frosts, which enhance its sweetness. In milder climates, it can be harvested well into winter.
Kohlrabi
Kohlrabi is a fast-growing cabbage family member, forming a delicious bulb-like stem. When planted in June, it matures in 45 to 60 days and handles summer heat better than other brassicas. Plant seeds ¼ inch deep and thin seedlings to stand 6 inches apart.
Keep soil consistently moist and mulch to maintain cool soil temperatures. Harvest kohlrabi when the bulbs reach 2 to 3 inches in diameter for the most tender texture. Larger bulbs tend to become woody. Both purple and green varieties perform well as summer plantings.
Lettuce
Heat-tolerant lettuce varieties can be successfully planted in June, especially in gardens with afternoon shade. Choose bolt-resistant varieties like 'Nevada,' 'Jericho,' or 'Summer Crisp'.
Sow seeds thinly about ⅛ inch deep and keep the soil consistently moist until germination. Consider succession planting every two weeks for continuous harvests.
In very hot climates, use shade cloth to protect lettuce from intense afternoon sun. Harvest in the morning when leaves are crisp, and pick outer leaves to extend each plant's production period.
Mustard Greens
Mustard greens proliferate from seed and can be ready to harvest in as little as 35 to 45 days. June planting allows them to mature as temperatures cool in late summer, improving their flavor. Sow seeds ¼ inch deep and thin seedlings to 6 inches apart.
Water regularly, especially during hot weather, to prevent bolting and bitter flavor. Harvest young leaves for a milder flavor or allow them to grow larger for more pungent greens. Successive plantings every few weeks ensure continuous harvests well into the fall.
Okra
Okra loves heat and prefers planting in warm June soil rather than cool spring. It typically produces pods within 60 days of planting. Sow seeds 1 inch deep and thin seedlings to stand 12 to 18 inches apart in rows 3 feet apart.
Harvest pods when they're 2 to 4 inches long for the most tender texture. Picking every other day encourages continued production. Okra plants can grow tall, reaching 4 to 6 feet, and will continue producing until frost, providing an abundant late-summer harvest.
Peas (Snow and Snap)
While traditional peas prefer cool weather, certain heat-tolerant snow and snap peas varieties can be planted in June for fall harvests. Choose varieties like 'Oregon Giant' or 'Sugar Sprint' that can handle warmer conditions.
Plant seeds 1 inch deep and 2 inches apart. Provide trellises or supports for climbing varieties. Water consistently, especially during flowering and pod development.
In very hot regions, provide afternoon shade to extend the growing season. Fall-grown peas often have fewer pest problems than spring crops.
Pumpkins
June is an excellent time to plant pumpkins for Halloween harvests. Most varieties need 90 to 120 days to mature. Plant seeds 1 inch deep in hills, with 4 to 5 seeds per hill, later thinning to the strongest 2 to 3 plants. Space hills 4 to 6 feet apart, as pumpkins need room to spread.
Water deeply at the base of plants, avoiding wet foliage. Once fruits form, place them on boards or straw to prevent rot from soil contact. Stop watering about a week before harvest to help harden the rind and improve storage quality.
Radishes
Radishes are among the fastest-growing vegetables, maturing in 21 to 30 days, making them perfect for planting in June. Choose heat-tolerant varieties like 'White Icicle' or 'French Breakfast' for summer growing. Sow seeds ½ inch deep and thin to 1 to 2 inches apart.
Water consistently to prevent splitting and pithiness. Consider planting in areas with afternoon shade to keep soil temperatures moderate. Harvest promptly when radishes reach mature size to prevent them from becoming hot and woody in flavor.
Rutabagas
Rutabagas planted in June will mature during cooler fall temperatures, which enhances their sweet flavor. They require 90 to 100 days to reach full size. Sow seeds ½ inch deep and thin seedlings to stand 6 to 8 inches apart in rows 18 inches apart.
Keep soil consistently moist, especially during hot summer months. Mulch helps maintain even soil moisture and temperature. Rutabagas develop better flavor after light frosts and can be harvested well into fall, making them an excellent storage crop for winter meals.
Spinach
Heat-resistant spinach varieties can be planted for late summer and fall harvests in June. Look for bolt-resistant types like 'Space' or 'Tyee.' Sow seeds ½ inch deep and thin seedlings to 3 to 4 inches apart. Consider providing afternoon shade in very hot regions.
Water consistently to prevent bitter flavor and premature bolting. Succession planting every 2 to 3 weeks ensures continuous harvests. Fall-grown spinach often has a sweeter taste and fewer pest problems than spring crops. It can withstand light frosts, extending your harvest season.
Summer Squash
Summer squash varieties like zucchini, yellow squash, and pattypan grow incredibly fast, producing harvestable fruits within 45 to 60 days. Plant seeds 1 inch deep in hills or rows, thinning to the most vigorous plants. Space plants 24 to 36 inches apart to allow for proper air circulation.
Water the base of plants to prevent powdery mildew issues. Harvest frequently when fruits are small to medium-sized for best flavor and to encourage continued production. A June planting often avoids the worst squash pest problems that spring plantings face.
Sweet Potatoes
June is actually the preferred planting time for sweet potatoes in many regions. Plant slips (rooted sprouts) 12 to 18 inches apart in rows 3 feet apart. Sweet potatoes need 90 to 120 days of warm weather to develop properly.
Water regularly until plants are established, then reduce frequency to encourage larger tuber development. Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer, which promotes vine growth at the expense of tubers. Harvest before soil temperatures drop below 55°F for best storage quality.
Swiss Chard
Swiss chard tolerates heat well and will produce from summer through fall when planted in June. It can be harvested within 50 to 60 days. Sow seeds ½ inch deep and thin seedlings to stand 12 inches apart. The colorful stems of varieties like 'Bright Lights' add ornamental value to the garden.
Harvest outer leaves regularly, allowing the center to continue producing new growth. With proper care, a single planting can provide continuous harvests for months. Chard becomes sweeter after light frosts and can survive temperatures down to about 25°F, extending your harvest season.
Tomatillos
Tomatillos multiply in warm weather and produce harvestable fruits within 75 to 100 days. After all danger of frost has passed, plant seedlings 24 to 36 inches apart. Tomatillos need at least two plants for proper pollination and fruit set.
Provide cages or stakes for support as plants grow 3 to 4 feet tall. Water consistently, especially during fruit development. Harvest when fruits fill out their papery husks but are still firm and bright green. A single June planting will produce until frost.
Tomatoes (Cherry and Fast-Maturing Varieties)
Cherry tomatoes and fast-maturing slicing varieties can still be planted in June for late summer harvests. Choose varieties that mature in 60 to 70 days, like 'Early Girl,' 'Sun Gold,' or 'Stupice.' Plant seedlings deeply, burying about two-thirds of the stem to encourage strong root development.
Provide sturdy cages or stakes for support. Water consistently at the base of plants to prevent cracking and disease issues. Prune indeterminate varieties to focus energy on ripening existing fruit rather than producing new growth as the season progresses.
Turnips
Turnips proliferate and mature in 40 to 60 days, making them ideal for June planting. Sow seeds ½ inch deep and thin seedlings to stand 4 to 6 inches apart. The roots and tender greens are edible, providing double value from a single planting.
Keep the soil consistently moist to prevent woody texture and strong flavor. Harvest roots when they reach 2 to 3 inches in diameter for the best texture and flavor. Fall-maturing turnips often have sweeter flavor than spring-planted crops due to cooler temperatures during development.
Watermelon
Small to medium-sized watermelon varieties can be planted for late summer harvests in June. Choose quick-maturing varieties like 'Sugar Baby' or 'Blacktail Mountain' that need 70 to 80 days. Plant seeds 1 inch deep in hills, thinning to the strongest 2 to 3 plants per hill.
Water deeply but infrequently once plants are established to encourage deep root development. Reduce watering when fruits near maturity to concentrate flavor. Fruits are ripe when the bottom spot turns from white to cream or yellow, and the skin becomes dull rather than shiny.
Winter Squash
June-planted winter squash will mature in time for fall harvest and winter storage. Choose varieties that mature in 80 to 100 days, like 'Delicata,' 'Acorn,' or 'Butternut.' Plant seeds 1 inch deep in hills, spacing hills 4 to 6 feet apart, and thin to the strongest 2 to 3 plants per hill.
Water deeply at the base of plants and avoid wetting foliage. Once fruits form, place them on boards or straw to prevent rot from soil contact. Harvest when rinds are hard and cannot be pierced with a fingernail, leaving a few inches of stem attached for better storage.
Zucchini
Zucchini grows remarkably fast, producing harvestable fruits within 45 to 55 days after planting. A June planting often results in healthier plants with fewer pest problems than spring plantings. Sow seeds 1 inch deep in hills or rows, thinning to the most vigorous plants.
Water the base of plants to prevent powdery mildew issues. Harvest frequently when fruits are 6 to 8 inches long to encourage continued production. A single healthy plant can produce several pounds of zucchini over the growing season, so consider how many you really need.
Maximizing Your Late-Season Garden Success
Garden timing is flexible, and June planting offers many advantages. Warm soil promotes quick germination, and many summer-planted vegetables actually develop better flavor when they mature in the cooler fall temperatures.
The key is selecting appropriate varieties and providing consistent care during the hottest part of summer, something your gardening journal can help you plan and adjust for each year. As temperatures begin to drop in fall, consider extending your growing season with simple row covers or cold frames.
Many of these vegetables will continue producing well into autumn with minimal protection. Your June planting efforts can reward you with fresh, homegrown produce for months to come.