Let's Get Planting: A Guide for Late Vegetable Garden Starters
Vegetables That Can Still Be Sowed in the Soil
No Worries, It's Not Too Late! Delayed in getting your garden going? Fear not! It's still possible to have your own homegrown produce at the end of June. The Industrial Association of Agriculture (IVA) breaks down what you should consider when planting your late bloomers.
What can still be planted in June?
Popular veggie choices like tomatoes, zucchini, cucumbers, bell peppers, lettuce, and leaf salads, as well as cabbage varieties such as broccoli, cauliflower, or kohlrabi, can be planted as young plants in June. The only disadvantage? You'll pay a bit more for pre-grown plants.
If you prefer saving a few bucks, consider sowing seeds like radishes, arugula, lettuce, and spinach, kohlrabi, Swiss chard, carrots, parsnips, and red beets.
Pro-tip: Legumes are sensitive to roots, so it's better to sow them directly into the bed if the soil is warm enough. This is the perfect time for peas and beans like bush beans, soybeans, or pole beans.
Seedling Speedway
Short on space in the garden bed? No problem! You can still pre-grow lettuce, many cabbage varieties, leeks, and zucchini on a windowsill or in a greenhouse. Plant in small pots to make transplanting a breeze. The IVA recommends using seed pots made of coconut or cellulose to facilitate rooting.
Blooming Combinations
The right blend of vegetables can benefit your plants. However, which ones go well together? Cucumbers or red beets get along well with bush beans and peas. Field salad and chicory thrive next to fennel.
Water-Wise Tips
Vegetable plants need regular watering, preferably water from a rain barrel. Hoeing the bed regularly can help improve water absorption and storage. Remove weeds, fertilize as needed, and tailor your choices to your regional climate for the best results.
Sources: ntv.de, awi/dpa, Harvard Extension School, National Garden Association, University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources
- Tips for Irrigation Efficiency
- Garden Planning
- Seasonal Gardening
- Climate Zone Resources
- Composting
Late June Garden Corner:
- Root Vegetables: Carrots, Beets (can be planted throughout summer, benefit from shade in hotter months)
- Beans: Pole beans, Bush beans (direct seed, plant every 4–6 weeks)
- Summer Squash and Zucchini: Good choices for late planting
- Corn: Can be planted in June in many climates for late summer harvest
- Melons: Best to plant in warmer climates
- Leafy Greens: Swiss chard, Lettuces, Spinach (fast growers, prefer cooler temps)
- Herbs: Basil, perennial herbs like chives, oregano, sage, thyme (best planted as transplants in June)
- Warm-season Vegetables: Okra, Peppers, Eggplants, Cucumbers (grow well in moderate to warm summer)
This gardening roadmap offers options for successfully starting a vegetable garden in June and reaping a bountiful late summer or fall harvest.
Information from Harvard Extension School, National Garden Association, University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources, and Everyday Garden.
- In accordance with the Community policy, it's advisable to tailor your late-June vegetable garden choices to your regional climate for optimal results.
- To conserve water and enhance productivity, consider using efficient irrigation methods as dictated by the employment policy of the National Garden Association.
