Early June is when the growing season really kicks off and the perfect time to direct-sow heat-loving crops. Now that all of your seedlings have been moved from inside to outdoors in your garden, you can look to start quick-growing plants directly in your garden soil. Here are 10 plants you can start in June in most US planting zones that will bring you a harvest later this summer.
Bush Beans
Bush beans are one of the most reliable direct-sown crops. The warm soil in June helps to promote fast germination. You can expect a quick harvest in 50 to 60 days. Bush beans are self-supporting and do not require staking, making them an excellent choice for smaller spaces or container gardens.
Pole Beans
Pole beans also thrive in the warm June soil. They take a bit longer to produce a harvest (about 60 to 70 days for most varieties). You will need to provide a trellis or other support for the beans to climb on. A trellis helps save space and often results in higher yields throughout the season.
Sweet Corn & Popcorn
Corn does not transplant well, so direct-sowing is the best option. In many regions, early June planting works well. For small scale home gardeners, it’s best to plant your corn in patches, rather than long rows because it is wind-pollinated. The plants need to be close enough to one another for pollination. Harvest is usually in 70 to 100 days.
Cucumbers
Cucumbers will germinate and grow quickly in warm conditions and direct-sown plants often out-perform transplants. You can expect to harvest your first cucumbers in 50 to 70 days. Pickling cucumbers are often ready before the larger slicing varieties. Be sure to provide a trellis or support.
Summer Squash
Summer squash like zucchini and yellow squash are among the quickest growing June-planted crops. You will be harvesting a bounty of squash in 45 to 55 days. These prolific producers are easy to grow and offer high yields, providing you with a continuous harvest if you pick them regularly while they are still young and tender.
Winter Squash
Winter squash like butternut, acorn, and delicata need more growing time and do not transplant well. Direct-sowing in June will give these fall-harvested squash the 80 to 110 days they will need. Once harvested, these varieties benefit from a short curing period in a warm, dry spot, which helps them store well for months.
Pumpkins
June is when pumpkins are typically planted. Most varieties need 90 to 120 days before they are ready to harvest. The smaller varieties, like sugar pumpkins will be ready earlier than large Jack O’Lantern pumpkins. Since these are vining plants, be sure to provide them with plenty of space in the garden to spread out.
Melons
The classic fruits of summer, melons, like watermelon, cantaloupe, and honeydew require warm soil for germination. They thrive in the warm weather and you can expect to start harvesting in 70 to 100 days. Cantaloupes will often be ready earlier than watermelons.
Okra
Okra is a hot weather vegetable. In fact, it can struggle to grow in cooler temperatures. June is prime planting time across much of the U.S. Okra will be ready to harvest in 50 to 60 days and should be harvested regularly to encourage constant production throughout the summer.
Sunflowers
Sunflowers germinate quickly in warm soil and are easy to direct sow. Sunflowers come in a wide range of colors and sizes, from dwarf teddy bears to towering mammoth sunflowers. They are attractive to pollinators and will provide tasty seeds for wildlife, and you. Depending on whether you are growing them for cut flowers or seeds, you can expect to start harvesting 70 to 100 days.
Early June is one of the best times to direct sow warm-season crops, giving you a chance to take advantage of rising soil temperatures and long summer days. Whether you’re looking for a quick harvest of bush beans and zucchini, or planning ahead for pumpkins and winter squash, planting these seeds now will prepare you for months of fresh produce and beautiful blooms. So what are you waiting for? Grab your seeds, prepare your soil, and get planting!
