For many of us, June is the final month of the spring planting rush. There are quite a few vegetables to plant in June, either by direct seeding or transplanting. Some vegetables simply enjoy hot weather and produce better once summer hits, while others will die if planted before an unexpected frost.
Since our last frost is usually around Memorial Day, we usually wait until June to plant any of our more tender plants. This list includes many that benefit, or at least aren’t harmed, by the extra wait time.
Vegetables to Grow from Seed in June
There are many vegetables you can plant in June directly from seed. Some enjoy a warm growing season, while others are cool weather lovers that will give you a late harvest in fall.
If you’ve already started some of these indoors, you can also safely plant them outside in June.
• Beans – Beans are often planted in June, and a fast grower could start producing in about a month and a half.
• Beets – Plant a warm weather variety for the best results. Many popular beet varieties enjoy warm weather, so you shouldn’t have to look far.
• Carrots – Most carrots can withstand some light frost, so use a regular variety or try a fast growing one for an early harvest.
• Corn – Plant corn in June for a late harvest or pick a fast grower for an earlier crop.
• Lettuce – Lettuce is a common vegetable to grow in succession, and June is the perfect time to plant for a mid-summer crop.
• Peas – Plant a hot weather variety for the best success.
• Potatoes – Pick a quickly maturing variety for the best success if you’re planting potatoes in June.
• Pumpkins – Though they’re fall vegetables, pumpkins love heat. Early June is often the perfect time to plant them.
• Radishes – These quick growers will be ready to harvest in about a month.
• Spinach – You can still plant cool weather loving spinach in June, but try to plant it in a shady area.
• Swiss Chard – Select a heat tolerant variety for the best growing success.
• Turnips – Turnips like cool weather best, but you can still plant some if it’s early June, and if you pick a more heat tolerant variety.
• Zucchini and Yellow Squash – Directly sow summer squashes in June for a late harvest or transplant for an early one.
Vegetables to Transplant in June
Some vegetables have to be started indoors ahead of June to produce properly. They may have a long growing season or just low cold tolerance, and thus need the advantage of time indoors before enjoying our lovely (if short) northeast growing season. Once they’ve reached a good size, you can transplant them in June after danger of frost. If you haven’t started these vegetables yet, don’t worry! You can always visit a local greenhouse or garden center to pick up a few.
And of course, you can always transplant any direct-seeders from the previous list in June if you’ve already started them.
• Broccoli
• Brussels Sprouts
• Cabbage
• Cauliflower
• Cucumber
• Eggplants
• Kale
• Kohlrabi
• Peppers
• Tomatoes
• Winter Squash
Most Importantly: Note Zone and Growing Instructions
While this is a general guide for planning out your June planting schedule, your best bet is to always take careful note of your zone’s frost dates and the growing instructions of your preferred vegetable variety. Depending on your area, you may have to get a type that takes less time to mature or is exceptionally heat tolerant.
Speaking of heat, here’s a helpful list of heat loving vegetables if you need some ideas!
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