Starting A Vegetable Garden

A well-tended vegetable garden requires a bit of work. It’s important to weed, water and protect the plants from pests and disease on a regular basis.

Start by learning about the varities that grow best in your zone. Look for varieties with characteristics such as smaller sizes, disease resistance and heat- or cold-tolerance. Choose a spot that gets full sun; most vegetables need 6 hours or more of direct sunlight each day to thrive.

Now that June has arrived, let’s get ready to celebrate the bountiful flavors of summer! As the month rolls in, it’s time to embrace the season’s vibrant colors and enticing aromas. Nature’s generous offerings are just waiting to be plucked and harvested from the earth for your plate. From crisp greens to succulent roots, the vegetable kingdom is ready to grace your meals with fresh and delicious goodness. 

So, put on your gardening gloves and sharpen your culinary skills because we’re about to embark on a journey through the top vegetables to harvest in June. Even if you don’t have these vegetables planted in your garden just yet, you can prepare to plant them in the near future so that they are ready to be eaten by the time next June rolls around. Just be sure to plant vegetables that grow properly in your USDA growing zone.

1. Peppers

Summer, the season of warmth and vibrant growth, is the perfect time to indulge in the deliciousness of peppers. Whether you prefer the sweet varieties that add a burst of flavor to your salads or the fiery jalapenos that ignite your taste buds, these vibrant gems thrive in the balmy embrace of June and beyond. 

Unfortunately, planting them too early, especially in colder northern zones where chilly nights still linger, won’t do justice to their potential. To harvest them in June, make sure to plant them by early April. It is recommended to wait until the soil temperature consistently reaches around 60°F before planting peppers.

The magic happens when the soil temperature rises above 70°F, creating an inviting home for these sun-loving plants. Patience is key as peppers take anywhere from 65 to 120 days to mature, with most varieties ready for harvest around the 75-day mark.

When selecting the perfect spot for your pepper plants, keep in mind their preferences. They crave sunlight, so look for a location that basks in full sun, allowing their leaves to soak up the energy they need to thrive. In addition, make sure the soil is well-draining to prevent waterlogged roots.

As summer intensifies and the mercury climbs past 90°F, you may need to give your peppers a little respite. Consider providing them some shade by employing a shade cloth.

2. Tomatoes

The specific month when tomatoes are ready for picking varies based on your location and the type of tomato you have. Generally, they become ripe during the summer months, anywhere from mid to late summer. So, in some areas, tomatoes may be one of the best vegetables to harvest in June. They’ll keep producing until the weather starts to cool down in the fall.

Remember, the ideal soil temperature range for tomatoes ranges from 65°F to 85°F.

Although tomato tags suggest full sun, it’s wise to consider locations where the scorching summer afternoons can be mitigated. Look for spots that receive morning sun and are then shaded or filtered for the rest of the day. If natural shade is lacking, create your own. Adequate watering is crucial for tomato plants, requiring approximately 1 to 2 inches of water per week.

To avoid lengthy wait times, opt for smaller-fruited tomatoes, determinate, or early-maturing varieties. There are several excellent choices available, such as Fourth of July, early girl, Juliet, sungold, sub-arctic, or sun sugars. 

3. Peas

Enjoy the exquisite sweetness of garden-fresh peas is a sensory delight unmatched by their grocery store counterparts. Straight from the vine, they are nature’s own delectable treats. This is another delicious and versatile vegetable to harvest in June, especially if you plant it between March and April.

The prime season for outdoor sowing of peas spans from March to June.

For thriving pea plants, aim for soil temperatures between 65°F and 75°F, although they can tolerate temperatures up to 85°F. Full sun is essential for their growth, and peas can flourish across various soil types. Sandy soils, which warm up quickly, are ideal for early planting and harvesting. However, in dry seasons, moisture may become a concern. Adequate moisture is crucial for seed germination.

Tip: Consider Kelvedon Wonder, an English pea variety that yields early and abundantly. This cultivar is a superb choice for successive planting during spring and summer. It boasts resistance to various pea diseases and can handle heat effectively.

4. Okra

With its delightfully sweet and grassy flavor, okra offers a versatile culinary experience. Whether cooked for a longer duration or enjoyed with a crisp and juicy texture, its depth of taste is simply irresistible. 

To cultivate thriving okra plants, temperatures of at least 85°F during the day and above 60°F at night are optimal. Gardeners in southern regions will find okra to be a fantastic choice, as it handles humidity well and matures in approximately 60 days.

Okra thrives under the scorching sun, relishing full exposure to its radiant rays. Adequate watering is crucial, especially during the flowering and pod development stages. During dry spells, a deep weekly soaking is particularly beneficial to maintain the plant’s health.

To ensure optimal taste and tenderness, harvest okra when it reaches a small to medium size, typically around three inches in length. Waiting too long will result in oversized pods that are tough and chewy.

5. Corn

Corn delights taste buds with its delectable milky sweetness, whether enjoyed on the cob or as tender kernels. Grilling whole corn on the barbecue, seasoned with butter and fresh black pepper, or adding kernels to a vibrant salad opens up a world of culinary possibilities.

For those starting their garden a little later, like in June, corn proves to be a versatile vegetable/grain of choice. Depending on the variety, it can mature within a span of 60 to 70 days. The key to successful growth lies in providing full sun exposure and well-drained soil, with temperatures ranging from 60°F to 95°F. Plant the corn between March and April so they are ready for the BBQ in June!

Corn thrives when properly watered, so it’s essential to monitor soil moisture regularly. Employing a soaker hose can be advantageous, particularly for small plots. In growing zones 8, 9, and 10, it is advisable to cover the seeds with a row cover to prevent drying out. 

If unsure about which fast-growing varieties to choose, golden bantam, orchard baby, or early sunglow corn are excellent options.

6. Summer Squash

Summer squash shines with its mild, slightly sweet, grassy flavor, enhanced by the aromatic essence that intensifies during moist cooking. The skin may possess a faint bitterness, while the texture remains firm yet tender in its youthful state.

Summer squash encompasses a variety of shapes, sizes, and types, including yellow squash, zucchini, Crookneck squash, and Patty Pan squash. June is the perfect month to grow and harvest these giant vegetables since they prefer temperatures between 85°F to 95°F, tolerating up to 105°F.

These crops are known for their relatively short maturation period, usually taking 60 to 70 days before reaching harvest readiness. Planting them as late as early May will give you a beautiful crop in June.

When cultivating summer squash, select a location that receives a minimum of 6 hours of sunlight and boasts rich, well-drained soil. Keeping an eye is essential as summer squash has a tendency to grow rapidly. 

Harvest oblong varieties when they reach a length of 8 to 12 inches, while rounder shapes are best harvested at a diameter of 4 to 8 inches. 

7. Beans

Beans an integral part of the USDA’s MyPlate Vegetable Group, are a powerhouse of dietary fiber and essential nutrients like folate and potassium. Remarkably, they also belong to the Protein Foods Group, sharing protein content and nutrients like iron and zinc with meats, poultry, and fish.

April is an opportune time to plant beans, as they thrive in warm soil and offer a speedy harvest, making beans one of the best vegetables to harvest in June.

These warm-season crops are a staple addition to any garden, whether you choose bush beans or pole beans. To ensure optimal yield, provide beans with full sun exposure and fertile, well-drained soil. Enhance the soil by incorporating organic matter and a complete fertilizer prior to planting.

In northern regions, green beans like the blue lake variety or dragon tongue are excellent choices. For new gardeners, French garden varieties are easy to grow and thrive in zones 4 to 9. In the deep south, heat-tolerant long beans, such as Chinese long noodles, prove to be a wise option.

8. Swiss Chard

Another vegetable to harvest in June, Swiss chard is a leafy vegetable belonging to the beet family. It offers a unique flavor reminiscent of beets and spinach, combining slight bitterness with a robust earthy taste.

Despite typically being associated with cool-season crops, Swiss chard is remarkably heat-tolerant, making it an exceptional alternative to lettuce, spinach, or kale. It proves to be a versatile addition to any garden. Sowing chard seeds outdoors is a breeze, with the planting window open between March till May, depending on the location.

Thriving in temperatures ranging from 65°F to 85°F, Swiss chard exhibits remarkable tolerance, enduring even higher temperatures of up to 95°F. This resilient vegetable flourishes in open, sunny locations, although it can tolerate some shade during the scorching summer months. It favors nutrient-rich, well-drained soil that retains moisture.

When selecting chard varieties, opt for those that exhibit enhanced heat tolerance. Bright lights, Fordhook giant, and Lucullus are all excellent choices, showcasing resilience in hot weather.

9. Bunching Onions

Bunching onions, also known as scallions or green onions, offer a delightful combination of a slightly sweet and mildly spicy flavor. Often utilized as a garnish in soups and stews, raw bunching onions provide a refreshing touch. When cooked, they bring a gentler onion flavor to your culinary creations.

When it comes to bunching onions, they have a relatively short maturation period of 60 to 70 days. This means that if you plant them between March and April, you can expect them to be fully grown and ready for harvest by June. These versatile vegetables can thrive within the available growing season.

For optimal growth, aim for a soil temperature range of 70°F to 75°F, selecting quicker-maturing varieties like red beard or guardsman.

Ensure that your bunching onions receive a minimum of 6 hours of full sun each day. To prevent rapid soil drying, consider applying mulch. Fertilization can be done every three weeks using mild comfrey tea or fish emulsion. When planning your garden layout, it is advisable to avoid planting bunching onions in close proximity to peas or asparagus, as they do not make compatible companions.

10. Potatoes

White potatoes have a medium-starch texture, which offers a slight creaminess and density complemented by delicate skin. With a subtly sweet and mildly flavored profile, they possess low sugar content, making them versatile ingredients for various culinary preparations such as mashing, steaming, boiling, or frying.

With an average maturity time of 75 to 95 days, you can still enjoy a bountiful harvest in June without the pressure of an early start. Just make sure to plant them by April.

Picture this: a garden bathed in glorious sunlight, providing the perfect stage for your potatoes to shine. These plants are all about the roots, so give them loose, well-drained soil that feels like a dream to their delicate tubers. Aim for slightly acidic soil with a pH level of 5.0 to 7.0, and watch those spuds thrive.

11. Beets

Enter the colorful world of beets, where sweet and earthy flavors reign supreme, reminiscent of their leafy counterparts, spinach, and chard. These versatile root vegetables are a culinary delight, whether enjoyed raw, cooked, or pickled, and they pack a nutritional punch with their iron and folate content.

While beets are typically associated with cooler temperatures, don’t let that deter you from planting them in April! With soil temperatures ranging from 50°F to 78°F, you can still sow some seeds and watch your beet garden come to life.

When choosing a spot for your beets, bask them in the sun’s full glory. They can tolerate light shade but steer clear of areas devoid of direct sunlight.

Now, let’s tackle the heat issue. Opt for varieties known for their adaptability and heat resistance, such as the vibrant Detroit dark red, the Merlin, or the early wonder. These heat-savvy beets will keep your harvest thriving even in June.

12. Radishes

Prepare your taste buds for a delightful adventure with radishes – the spicy, crisp, and zesty wonders of the vegetable world. From fiery varieties akin to raw garlic to milder options like daikon radishes, the flavor spectrum knows no bounds.

Surprisingly, June is a good time to harvest radishes if you plant them by May. As temperatures soar, it’s crucial to avoid excessive heat, which can intensify their pungency. For optimal growth, keep temperatures below 80°F.

Unleash the full potential of your radish crop by providing them with the sunshine they crave. These sun worshippers need at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Avoid excessive shade, as it may divert their energy toward leaf growth instead of root development.

To ensure a thriving radish patch, prioritize moist and well-drained soil, regardless of the season. Embrace the summer spirit by cultivating varieties like French, rover hybrid, or crimson giant, known for their speedy maturation.

Summary of the Top Vegetables to Harvest in June

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