June brings the heat—and with it, the perfect conditions to get your summer garden growing strong! This month marks the heart of the season, which promises long, sunny days, warm soil, and endless opportunities to plant, tend, and harvest. If May was the warm-up, June is when the real action begins, especially for heat-loving crops, bold blooms, and fragrant herbs. Wondering what to plant in June? This quick growing guide will help you get started, so you can enjoy bountiful late summer harvests in the blink of an eye!
Come June, most fruiting plants should already be rooted and growing, but some summer vegetables still have time to shine! This month's all-star lineup includes melons, okra, and summer squash, to name a few. And the sun isn't the only thing bringing the heat this June; it's also the perfect time to grow peppers, whether you're looking for something spicy, like jalapeño peppers, or sweet, like bell peppers.
Looking to fill your flower beds? If you didn't get to tend to your spring garden in time, don't worry: there are plenty of drought-tolerant annuals, like sunflowers and cosmos, that will flourish under the summer sun. So, with the soil warmed and the weather on your side, it's the perfect time to get your hands dirty and give your garden a fresh boost. Just check your USDA hardiness zone, throw on your favorite sun hat, and dig into this guide to what to plant in June!
Fruits and Vegetables to Plant in June
1. Melons
Nothing beats a juicy slice of watermelon on a hot day—except knowing you grew it yourself! With warm soil and plenty of sunshine, conditions are just right for planting melons like cantaloupe, honeydew, and watermelon. Pick a sunny spot with loose, well-draining soil, and give those vines room to sprawl, as melons love to stretch out. If space is tight, consider growing smaller varieties or using a trellis to guide the vines upward. Consistent watering is key (especially once fruits begin to form), but be sure not to overdo it. Plant now, and by late summer, you'll be slicing into sweet, sun-ripened fruit.
2. Okra
June is the perfect time to plant okra, especially if your garden is soaking up the heat. This sun-loving Southern staple thrives in hot weather (around 85 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and no lower than 60 degrees at night) and will reward you with crisp, tender pods all summer long. Sow okra seeds directly into warm, well-drained soil, spacing them about 12 to 18 inches apart. Okra can grow tall—sometimes up to six feet—but be sure to harvest pods when they're around three inches long to avoid a tough texture. Once it's established, okra is pretty low-maintenance and even tolerant of drought, though regular watering will help boost production. Pick often, and your plants will keep producing right into fall!
3. Peppers
As their spicy essence suggests, peppers love the warmth of summer, making June an ideal time to get them in the ground! Depending on the variety, peppers typically mature between 65 and 120 days, with many ready to harvest around the 75-day mark. These sun-loving plants do best in full sun and well-draining soil. If your summer temps climb above 90 degrees, consider giving your peppers some afternoon shade to keep them from getting stressed. For cooler regions, bell peppers tend to perform better than hotter varieties like jalapeños. No matter what variety you choose to plant in June, provide them with proper care, and you'll be rewarded with a colorful, flavorful harvest from mid to late summer. Your favorite summer salads and salsas are calling!
4. Summer Squash
It isn't summer without squash! And if you're looking for a fast-growing, high-yield veggie to grow in June, the oblong plant is a top pick. With warm soil and long sunny days, conditions are just right for varieties like zucchini, yellow Crookneck, and Patty Pan to thrive. Most types mature quickly—often within 50 to 60 days—so you'll be harvesting before you know it. Plant squash in full sun with well-draining, nutrient-rich soil, giving each plant plenty of space to sprawl. Summer squash is especially productive when picked often and tastes best when the fruits are small and tender.
5. Basil
Add basil to your summer herb garden, and you'll have the key ingredient for fresh Caprese salads at your fingertips all season long. This fragrant favorite loves warm weather and thrives once nighttime temperatures stay above 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Plant basil in a sunny spot with well-drained soil, and be sure to pinch off the tops regularly to encourage bushier growth and prevent early flowering. It also does great in containers, making it a flexible option for patios and small spaces. Whether you're growing classic Genovese for pesto or spicy Thai basil for stir-fries, you'll get a flavorful harvest in as little as three to four weeks.
6. Beans
Beans are a summer garden staple for a reason: they thrive in warm soil and full sun, and they grow fast. As long as your garden gets at least eight hours of sunlight a day, you're in business! Choose between bush beans, which grow quickly and can be ready to harvest in as little as 35 days, or pole beans, which climb and produce over a longer stretch. Both types are easy to care for and perfect for gardeners of any level. Whether you're growing them for crisp green pods or just the joy of watching vines climb and flourish, beans bring reliable summer flavor with minimal fuss.
7. Eggplant
With its punchy purple hue and rich flavor, eggplant is a heat-loving crop that truly shines in summer. These plants thrive in full sun and need a long, hot growing season to produce their best fruit, making June a great time to plant them. Eggplant benefits from regular watering, fertilizer, and a layer of mulch to retain moisture and keep the soil evenly warm. Support may be needed as the plants grow and start to bear heavy fruit. When they reach full size, with glossy skin and firm flesh, you can harvest eggplants to make fried eggplant, stuffed eggplant, and creamy baba ghanoush!
Flowers to Plant in June
1. Sunflowers
Is there any symbol that captures the spirit of summer better than a sunflower? These cheerful blooms soak up the sunshine and return the favor with golden petals that light up any garden space. They're also a favorite among pollinators, drawing in bees, butterflies, and even birds once the seeds form. Plant them in a sunny spot with well-drained soil, and watch them take off—some varieties can shoot up to 15 feet tall! Whether you grow towering giants or compact types for bouquets, sunflowers bring warmth, color, and life to your yard all season long.
2. Cosmos
Delicate, daisy-like blooms, feathery foliage, and fuchsia hues make cosmos a charming addition to any summer garden. Cosmos thrive in full sun and poor to average soil, making them a perfect low-maintenance pick for garden beds, borders, or wildflower patches. These summer-hardy annuals grow quickly, bloom continuously through summer and fall, and attract pollinators like bees and butterflies along the way. With their airy stems and bright, cheerful petals in shades of pink, white, and orange, cosmos are perfect for cut flower arrangements—or just for adding a soft, whimsical touch to your yard. The more you cut them, the more they bloom!
3. Lavender
From its soothing scent to silvery foliage, lavender represents the soft side of summer. June is a fine time to plant lavender, especially in warmer climates where the soil is well-drained, and the sun is plentiful. Lavender thrives in full sun and needs minimal watering once established, so it's a great choice for drought-tolerant gardens. It does best in slightly sandy or rocky soil and prefers a bit of space to promote airflow around its stems. Not only does lavender add an air of elegance to borders and raised beds, but it attracts pollinators and deters pests! Plus, it's a favorite for dried arrangements and homemade sachets, so you'll be enjoying this fragrant herb long after the blooms fade.
Nitya Rao is the editorial assistant at The Pioneer Woman, covering stories ranging from food, fashion, beauty, lifestyle, news, and more.
