15 Vegetables to Plant in June
A complete growing guide to help you make the most of the summer planting season
Why June Is Perfect for Planting
June marks an optimal time for planting many vegetables as the soil has fully warmed and the threat of frost has passed in most regions. With longer days and plenty of sunshine, plants establish quickly and grow vigorously.
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, planting in June offers numerous benefits:
- Warm soil temperatures promote faster seed germination
- Extended daylight hours support rapid plant growth
- Perfect timing for fall harvests of many crops
- Opportunity to succession plant after spring crops are harvested
- Less chance of frost damage to tender seedlings
The 15 Best Vegetables to Plant in June
1. Beans
Sun Needs
Full sun (6-8 hours)
Water Needs
Moderate, about 1″ weekly
Planting Depth
1-1.5 inches
Spacing
2-4″ apart, rows 24-36″ apart
Soil Type
Well-drained, loamy
Days to Harvest
50-60 days
Benefits
- Beans fix nitrogen in the soil, improving garden health
- High in protein, fiber, and essential vitamins
- Fast-growing crop with high yields in small spaces
- Varieties include bush beans (compact) and pole beans (climbing)
Growing Tips
- Plant beans once soil has warmed to at least 60°F
- Provide support for pole bean varieties
- Avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen, which reduces pod production
- Water at the base to prevent fungal diseases
- Harvest regularly to encourage continued production
2. Cucumbers
Sun Needs
Full sun (6-8 hours)
Water Needs
High, consistent moisture
Planting Depth
1 inch
Spacing
12-18″ apart, rows 3-5′ apart
Soil Type
Rich, fertile, pH 6.0-6.8
Days to Harvest
50-70 days
Benefits
- High water content helps keep you hydrated
- Low in calories and high in nutrients like vitamin K
- Can be grown vertically to save garden space
- Multiple varieties for slicing, pickling, or snacking
Growing Tips
- Grow on a trellis for straighter fruits and to save space
- Regularly pinch off growing tips to encourage lateral growth
- Avoid getting leaves wet to prevent powdery mildew
- Harvest frequently to encourage continued production
- Plant companion plants like marigolds to deter pests
3. Beets
Sun Needs
Full sun to partial shade
Water Needs
Even moisture, 1″ per week
Planting Depth
½ inch
Spacing
3-4″ apart, rows 12-18″ apart
Soil Type
Loose, well-drained, sandy
Days to Harvest
50-70 days
Benefits
- Two-for-one crop: edible roots and nutritious greens
- Rich in folate, manganese, potassium and vitamin C
- Natural detoxifier with betalains that support liver function
- Available in various colors: red, golden, white, and striped
Growing Tips
- Soak seeds for 24 hours before planting to improve germination
- Thin seedlings to proper spacing for better root development
- Keep soil consistently moist to prevent woody texture
- Plant in clusters of 3-4 seeds for more efficient space usage
- Harvest when roots are 1-3 inches in diameter for best flavor
4. Carrots
Sun Needs
Full sun (6-10 hours)
Water Needs
Consistent moisture, not soggy
Planting Depth
¼ inch
Spacing
2″ apart, rows 12-18″ apart
Soil Type
Loose, sandy, stone-free
Days to Harvest
60-80 days
Benefits
- Excellent source of beta carotene, fiber, and antioxidants
- Can be grown in containers for small spaces
- Available in multiple colors and sizes for variety
- Stores well for winter use when properly harvested
Growing Tips
- Use fine, sifted soil for best seed germination
- Mix seed with sand for more even distribution when planting
- Thin seedlings carefully to avoid disturbing remaining plants
- Keep soil covered with light mulch to maintain moisture and prevent green shoulders
- Choose shorter varieties for rocky or heavy soils
5. Peppers
Sun Needs
Full sun (6-8 hours)
Water Needs
Moderate, consistent
Planting Depth
Transplant to same depth as container
Spacing
18-24″ apart, rows 24-36″ apart
Soil Type
Well-drained, fertile, pH 6.0-7.0
Days to Harvest
60-90 days from transplant
Benefits
- Excellent source of vitamins A, C, and antioxidants
- Available in many varieties from sweet to super-hot
- Can be eaten at any stage of ripeness
- Many peppers can be dried or frozen for long-term storage
Growing Tips
- Plant when soil temperature reaches at least 65°F
- Plant two pepper seedlings per container for better pollination
- Stake or cage larger varieties for support
- Apply mulch to retain moisture and prevent weeds
- Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which promote foliage over fruit
6. Tomatoes
Sun Needs
Full sun (6-8 hours)
Water Needs
Consistent, 1-2″ per week
Planting Depth
Bury 2/3 of stem when transplanting
Spacing
24-36″ apart, rows 4-5′ apart
Soil Type
Rich, well-drained, pH 6.0-6.8
Days to Harvest
60-100 days from transplant
Benefits
- Rich in lycopene, vitamins A, C, and potassium
- Huge variety of sizes, shapes, colors, and flavors
- Can be preserved through canning, drying, or freezing
- Both determinate (bush) and indeterminate (vining) varieties
Growing Tips
- For June planting, choose determinate varieties for faster harvests
- Plant deeply, burying 2/3 of the stem to develop stronger roots
- Remove lower leaves when planting to prevent soil-borne diseases
- Support with stakes, cages, or trellises
- Mulch heavily to prevent soil-borne diseases from splashing onto leaves
7. Summer Squash
Sun Needs
Full sun (6+ hours)
Water Needs
Consistent, 1-2″ per week
Planting Depth
1 inch
Spacing
3-6 feet apart each way
Soil Type
Rich, well-drained soil
Days to Harvest
40-55 days
Benefits
- Extremely productive plants with continuous harvests
- Low in calories and high in vitamin C, potassium, and fiber
- Many varieties including zucchini, crookneck, and pattypan
- Edible flowers can also be harvested and eaten
Growing Tips
- Plant in warm soil when temperatures are consistently above 60°F
- Plant in hills or mounds to improve drainage
- Harvest frequently when fruits are small for best flavor
- Watch for squash bugs and cucumber beetles
- Consider succession planting every 2-3 weeks for continuous harvest
8. Okra
Sun Needs
Full sun (6-8 hours)
Water Needs
Moderate, drought-tolerant once established
Planting Depth
½ – 1 inch
Spacing
12-18″ apart, rows 3′ apart
Soil Type
Well-drained, pH 6.5-7.5
Days to Harvest
50-65 days
Benefits
- Rich in vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants
- Produces continuously until frost
- Attractive plant with hibiscus-like flowers
- Excellent for thickening soups and stews
Growing Tips
- Wait until soil temperature is at least 75°F for planting
- Soak seeds overnight in warm water before planting
- Harvest pods when 2-4 inches long for tenderness
- Wear gloves when harvesting to avoid skin irritation from hairs
- Use pruners rather than pulling pods to avoid damaging the plant
9. Corn
Sun Needs
Full sun (6-8 hours)
Water Needs
High, 1-2″ per week
Planting Depth
1-2 inches
Spacing
8-12″ apart, rows 30-36″ apart
Soil Type
Rich, well-drained, pH 5.8-6.8
Days to Harvest
60-100 days
Benefits
- Homegrown corn has exceptional sweetness and flavor
- Many varieties from super-sweet to ornamental and popcorn
- Can be frozen or processed for later use
- Stalks and husks can be used for fall decorations
Growing Tips
- Plant in blocks (at least 4 rows) rather than single rows for better pollination
- For June planting, choose early-maturing varieties
- Consider the “hill method” of planting in small circular groupings
- Water deeply, especially during tasseling and ear formation
- Side-dress with nitrogen when plants are knee-high
10. Lettuce
Sun Needs
Partial shade in summer
Water Needs
Consistent moisture, not soggy
Planting Depth
¼ inch
Spacing
4-8″ apart, rows 12-18″ apart
Soil Type
Rich, well-drained, pH 6.0-7.0
Days to Harvest
30-60 days
Benefits
- Quick-growing crop that can be harvested multiple times
- Many varieties with different colors, textures, and flavors
- Can be grown in containers, raised beds, or in-ground
- Low in calories but high in vitamins A, K, and folate
Growing Tips
- Choose heat-tolerant varieties for June planting
- Plant in partial shade or provide afternoon shade in hot climates
- Succession plant every 10-14 days for continuous harvest
- Harvest in the morning for best flavor and texture
- Use row covers to protect from heat and pests
11. Radishes
Sun Needs
Full sun to partial shade
Water Needs
Consistent moisture
Planting Depth
½ inch
Spacing
1-2″ apart, rows 6-12″ apart
Soil Type
Loose, well-drained, stone-free
Days to Harvest
21-30 days
Benefits
- One of the fastest-growing vegetables for quick results
- Good source of vitamin C, folate, and potassium
- Available in many colors, shapes, and flavors
- Excellent companion plant that can repel certain pests
Growing Tips
- Choose summer varieties that are heat-tolerant
- Plant in partial shade during hot summer months
- Keep soil consistently moist to prevent pithiness and splitting
- Succession plant every 7-10 days for continuous harvest
- Harvest promptly when ready to prevent becoming woody or bitter
12. Melons
Sun Needs
Full sun (6-8 hours)
Water Needs
Regular, deep watering
Planting Depth
1 inch
Spacing
24-36″ apart, rows 6′ apart
Soil Type
Well-drained, sandy loam, pH 6.0-6.5
Days to Harvest
70-100 days
Benefits
- High in vitamins A and C, potassium, and antioxidants
- Naturally sweet treat during hot summer months
- Many varieties including cantaloupe, honeydew, and specialty melons
- Can be grown vertically on strong trellises to save space
Growing Tips
- Choose faster-maturing varieties for June planting
- Plant in hills or mounds to improve soil drainage
- Add compost or manure to soil before planting for nutrition
- Reduce watering when fruits begin to ripen for better flavor
- Place ripening fruits on a board or mulch to prevent rot
13. Eggplant
Sun Needs
Full sun (6-8 hours)
Water Needs
Consistent moisture
Planting Depth
Transplant to same depth as container
Spacing
18-24″ apart, rows 30-36″ apart
Soil Type
Rich, well-drained, pH 5.5-7.0
Days to Harvest
70-120 days from transplant
Benefits
- Rich in fiber, potassium, and antioxidants
- Beautiful plants with purple-tinged foliage and lavender flowers
- Many varieties in different shapes, sizes, and colors
- Works well in containers or raised beds
Growing Tips
- Plant when soil temperature is consistently above 65°F
- Try dark-colored containers to warm soil faster
- Support plants with stakes or cages as fruits can be heavy
- Mulch to maintain consistent soil moisture and temperature
- Try smaller-fruited varieties for faster harvests
14. Swiss Chard
Sun Needs
Full sun to partial shade
Water Needs
Consistent moisture
Planting Depth
½ inch
Spacing
6-12″ apart, rows 18-24″ apart
Soil Type
Rich, well-drained, pH 6.0-7.0
Days to Harvest
45-60 days
Benefits
- Extremely nutritious with vitamins A, K, C, and minerals
- Heat and cold tolerant for extended growing seasons
- “Rainbow” varieties add beautiful color to the garden
- Can be harvested continually for months
Growing Tips
- Provide afternoon shade in hot climates
- Harvest outer leaves first, allowing center to continue growing
- Keep soil consistently moist for tender leaves
- Use row covers to protect from leaf miners
- Plant in decorative containers for edible landscaping
15. Pumpkins
Sun Needs
Full sun (6-8 hours)
Water Needs
Regular, deep watering
Planting Depth
1 inch
Spacing
3-5 feet apart, rows 6-8′ apart
Soil Type
Rich, well-drained, pH 6.0-6.8
Days to Harvest
90-120 days
Benefits
- Rich in beta-carotene, fiber, and vitamins
- Dual-purpose for both decoration and eating
- Many varieties from tiny ornamentals to massive giants
- Seeds can be roasted for nutritious snacks
Growing Tips
- Choose faster-maturing varieties for June planting
- Plant in hills or mounds to improve soil drainage
- Consider small or bush varieties if space is limited
- Hand pollinate if bee activity is low
- Place ripening pumpkins on boards to prevent rot and pest damage
Key Tips for June Planting Success
General Planting Guidelines
- Ensure soil has fully warmed to appropriate temperature for each crop
- Consider using shade cloth for heat-sensitive crops during peak summer temperatures
- Apply mulch around plants to retain soil moisture and reduce watering needs
- Choose shorter-season varieties when planting later in the growing season
- Water deeply in the morning rather than with frequent shallow watering
Pest & Disease Prevention
- Monitor plants regularly for common summer pests like aphids and squash bugs
- Use row covers for susceptible crops until they begin flowering
- Practice crop rotation to reduce soil-borne disease issues
- Consider companion planting to naturally repel pests
- Water at the base of plants to prevent fungal diseases on foliage
With proper planning and care, your June-planted garden can provide a bountiful harvest from mid-summer through fall. Happy Gardening…
