This guide covers some of the best vegetables to plant in June, offering detailed insights into each option to help you cultivate a thriving garden.

Melons

Melons are a summer favorite, bursting with sweetness and juice, making them a refreshing treat. When planting melons in June, varieties such as cantaloupe and watermelon thrive under the warm sun. To ensure good germination and growth, select a sunny location in your garden, as these fruits love heat.

Melons require rich, well-drained soil, so amending your garden bed with compost can do wonders. When planting, ensure you space the seeds or seedlings at least three feet apart. As they grow, they may need some support or trellising; this can help keep the fruits off the ground and prevent rot, while also saving space in smaller gardens.

Zucchini

Zucchini is another excellent choice for June planting. This versatile vegetable is known for its rapid growth and prolific yield. A member of the squash family, it thrives in warm soil and consistent moisture, making June the right time to start.

The optimal method for planting zucchini is to sow seeds directly into the garden, ideally in hills or mounds that facilitate drainage. Be cautious not to overcrowd; spacing them about two feet apart will allow for healthy growth. Regular watering and the occasional application of fertilizer can enhance their yield, and you’ll soon find yourself with more zucchini than you know what to do with!

Corn

There’s something quintessentially summertime about corn on the cob. Planting corn in June allows enough time for this heat-loving crop to reach maturity before fall arrives. Corn requires full sun and well-drained soil, so choose a sunny patch of your garden.

For best results, sow seeds in blocks rather than rows. This arrangement aids with pollination, which is vital for good ear formation. Typically, corn will take about 70 to 100 days to reach a harvestable size, depending on the variety. With proper care, you’ll enjoy sweet, succulent corn that is perfect for summer barbecues.

Cucumbers

Cucumbers are a great vegetable to plant in June, thanks to their quick growth and refreshing flavor. These vines thrive in warm weather, making them ideal for late spring and early summer planting. When selecting a site, ensure the area receives plenty of sun and has well-drained soil enriched with compost.

You can choose to plant cucumber seeds directly in the ground or start seeds indoors for a head start. If pests like aphids or cucumber beetles become a problem, consider companion planting with flowers such as marigolds, which can help deter these nuisances naturally. With just a little care and attention, you’ll soon be enjoying fresh cucumbers in salads or on sandwiches.

Sunflowers

While technically not a vegetable, sunflowers are a fantastic addition to any garden. Planting them in June can provide beautiful blooms that attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, benefiting your vegetable garden overall. Sunflowers thrive in warm soil and are easy to grow, making them an ideal choice for gardeners of all skill levels.

Choose a sunny location and ensure the soil is well-drained. Sunflowers can grow quite tall, so consider their height when planting. Adding sunflowers to your garden not only enhances its beauty but also creates a friendly environment for your vegetables to flourish.

Pumpkins

If you want to ensure a successful Halloween harvest, June is an excellent time to plant pumpkins. These vibrant, robust plants thrive in the summer heat, providing you ample time to grow large, eye-catching fruits. Choose a sunny spot, as pumpkins require a lot of warmth and plenty of space to sprawl.

Plant pumpkin seeds directly in well-amended soil, allowing for space between plants—ideally, three to five feet apart—to accommodate their sprawling vines. Keep the soil consistently moist and consider providing some shelter from strong winds, as the vines can sometimes be delicate. By fall, you’ll have impressive pumpkins ready for carving.

Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are another wonderful vegetable to plant in June. With their sweet, buttery flavor and versatility in cooking, they are a popular choice for many home gardeners. Sweet potatoes thrive in warm, sandy, well-drained soil. This month is perfect for planting slips (young shoots) in your garden.

Position your slips in rows, spacing them about a foot apart to allow for adequate growth. Sweet potatoes prefer full sun and will need consistent watering, especially during dry spells. With a little patience, you’ll reap the rewards come harvest time, enjoying your homegrown sweet potatoes baked, mashed, or in pies.

Basil

Basil is an aromatic herb that complements many summer dishes, making it a fantastic addition to your mid-season planting. This herb grows well in warm weather and is incredibly easy to cultivate. In June, sow seeds directly into your garden or in pots, choosing a sunny spot.

Regular pruning of basil plants promotes bushier growth, and you can either harvest the leaves or let the plant flower. If you’re growing tomatoes, planting basil nearby can improve their flavor—a pairing that has been cherished for centuries. Fresh basil can elevate pesto, salads, and a myriad of dishes, making it a must-have for summer kitchens.

Eggplant

Eggplant, with its glossy purple skin and distinct flavor, is another vegetable that loves the summer heat. When planting in June, choose a sunny, well-drained area of your garden. Eggplants thrive in nutrient-rich soil; adding compost or a balanced fertilizer at planting time supports their development.

Space the plants about two feet apart to enable their bushy growth, and provide vertical support, as some varieties may need it. With diligent care—consistent watering and pest monitoring—you’ll soon be harvesting delicious eggplants, perfect for grilling, baking, or adding to stir-fries.

Tomatoes

Though it may be cliché, you can never go wrong planting tomatoes in June. These beloved garden staples thrive in the warm summer months, so if you haven’t planted them yet, now is the time. Choose a sunny spot and use cages or stakes to support the plants as they grow, as they can become quite tall and unwieldy.

Opt for indeterminate varieties if you desire a longer harvest period, while determinate types are bushier and can provide a one-time crop. Regularly watering and applying mulch will help maintain soil moisture and suppress weeds. With proper care, your tomato plants will yield fruits perfect for salads, sauces, and sandwiches.

Beans

Beans are an exceptional choice for June planting, particularly pole and bush types. They thrive in warm soil and can be harvested relatively quickly, making them an engaging project for any gardener. Beans prefer well-drained soil and full sunlight, so choose a suitable location in your garden.

Plant bean seeds directly into the ground, spacing them appropriately depending on the variety. For pole beans, provide trellises or vertical supports; their climbing habit can help save space. As the days heat up, relish the pleasure of harvesting tender, fresh beans in just a few weeks.

Tomatillo

Tomatillos are a lesser-known gem worthy of a spot in your June planting schedule. This Mexican staple is perfect for salsas and other dishes, imparting a unique flavor. Tomatillos thrive in warm, sunny environments, so a location with full sun is essential.

Plant seeds or seedlings after the last frost date and space them about two feet apart to accommodate their growth. These plants may need support as they grow, so don’t forget to provide stakes. Frequent watering will ensure healthy fruit production, and with patience, you’ll be enjoying homegrown tomatillos in no time.

Ground Cherries

Ground cherries are delightful little fruits that are often overlooked by gardeners. They resemble small tomatoes encased in a papery husk and have a sweet, tropical flavor. Planting them in June gives these small fruiting plants plenty of time to mature.

Ground cherries prefer sandy or loamy soil in a sunny area. Space them about two feet apart when planting, as they can spread out. Regular watering will keep the plants healthy, allowing you to savor their delicious bounty as summer unfolds.

Malabar Spinach

If you’re looking to add a unique twist to your garden in June, consider Malabar spinach. Unlike traditional spinach, this heat-loving vegetable thrives in warm weather and can be grown vertically, saving garden space. Malabar spinach thrives in sunny locations with consistent moisture.

Plant the seeds directly in the ground, providing them with adequate support during their growth. Harvest the leaves as they grow, as they can be used in salads, soups, and stir-fries. This nutritional powerhouse adds not only flavor but also a beautiful green presence to your summer garden.

Beets

Beets are nutritious root vegetables that can be sown in late spring or early summer, making June an ideal time for planting. With their vibrant colors and sweet, earthy taste, beets can enrich any garden and culinary experience. Choose a well-drained area in your garden and plant beet seeds directly into the soil.

Beets benefit from consistent moisture, so ensure they are watered regularly. They can be harvested at various stages, either as small, tender roots or allowed to mature for larger harvests. Not only are beets delicious, they also provide lovely foliage that can serve as a colorful addition to your garden.

Chard

Swiss chard is a leafy green vegetable that thrives in warm weather, making it another excellent candidate for June planting. Recognizable for its colorful stems and vibrant leaves, chard is a stunning addition to your garden that also offers a wealth of nutritional benefits.

You can plant chard seeds directly into the soil in rows, spacing them adequately for their mature size. Chard is quite tolerant of heat, and with regular watering, it can produce continuously throughout the summer months. Its versatile leaves can be used raw in salads or cooked in a variety of dishes, making it a delightful farm-to-table ingredient.

Collard Greens

Collard greens are a hearty, nutritious leafy green that can be planted in June. While they are often associated with cooler weather, they can thrive in the heat of summer. These greens are a staple in many Southern cuisines and are celebrated for their rich flavor and health benefits.

Choose a sunny patch in your garden to plant collard green seeds directly into the soil. They will benefit from regular watering, especially during dry spells. With some attention, you’ll enjoy a bountiful harvest, perfect for steaming, sautéing, or adding to soups and stews.