It's June, and it's not too late to get planting!
As the summer sun warms the soil and everything is turning green, it's time to roll up our sleeves and plant a bountiful vegetable garden! June delivers a beautiful opportunity to sow various crops that thrive in our favorable growing conditions. These are the top veggies to plant in June, ensuring a season of delicious harvests and garden-to-table foodie fun. Let's dive in and get growing the best plants to grow in June!
Tomatoes:
June is the perfect time to plant tomato seedlings or transplant young tomato plants into your garden. With warm temperatures and longer days, these sun-loving plants will thrive. Choose from a plethora of tomato varieties such as heirlooms, cherry tomatoes, or beefsteaks. Be sure to provide support for taller varieties and indulge in the anticipation of juicy, vine-ripened tomatoes later in the season.
Garden Tip: Grow what you might not find at a farmer's market, branch out and try something new! I'm trying pineapple tomatoes this year!
Cucumbers:
Crisp and refreshing cucumbers are an excellent addition to any garden. Sow cucumber seeds directly into well-drained soil or consider transplanting seedlings. Depending on your preferences, opt for varieties such as slicing cucumbers or pickling cucumbers. With consistent watering and a trellis for support, your cucumber vines will flourish, providing an abundance of delicious, homegrown cucumbers for salads and pickling.
Garden Tip: Pick early and when small for fewer seeds and less bitter skins.
Zucchini and Summer Squash:
Known for their prolific production, zucchini and summer squash thrive in Wisconsin's fertile soil. These fast-growing vegetables can be sown directly into the ground or if you have to transplant them as seedlings. Make sure to provide ample space for these sprawling plants to spread their leaves and produce an abundance of fruit. Get creative with zucchini in recipes such as zucchini bread, stir-fries, and grilled vegetable medleys. I also quarter, chop, and freeze to save for winter chili.
Garden Tip: Make lots of friends before the abundance arrives so you have people to give them to.
Beans:
Beans, whether it's bush beans or pole beans, are an excellent addition to your June planting list. These legumes love warm weather and will appreciate the longer days of sunlight. Sow bean seeds directly into well-drained soil and provide support for pole bean varieties. With regular watering and some patience, you'll soon be harvesting crisp, tender pods to enjoy in salads, stir-fries, or as a nutritious side dish.
Garden Tip: Blanch and freeze them for later.
Leafy Greens:
While some leafy greens prefer cooler temperatures, certain varieties can still be planted in June for a fresh, homegrown supply of greens. Consider planting heat-tolerant greens like Swiss chard, collard greens, or Malabar spinach. These resilient leafy greens will thrive in the warmth of Wisconsin's summer and provide you with a continuous harvest of nutrient-packed leaves for salads, sautés, or green smoothies.
Garden Tip: Toss in lots of lettuce seeds around all your plants to act as ground cover, suppress weeds, and act as a trap plant, attracting bugs you don't want on your other plants.
Radishes:
Radishes are quick-growing vegetables that are perfect for June planting in Wisconsin. Sow radish seeds directly into the soil and watch them sprout within a week or two. These crisp, peppery delights are ready for harvest in as little as three to four weeks. Enjoy them sliced into salads, pickled, or as a crunchy snack with a smear of butter—a classic combination!
Garden Tip: Get them in ASAP. They don't like the heat and might bolt, but you can plant them again in August for a fall harvest!
Herbs:
June is an ideal time to establish an herb garden in Wisconsin. Popular herbs like basil, cilantro, dill, and parsley thrive in the warmth of summer. Plant herb seeds or transplants in well-drained soil and provide adequate sunlight. These delicious herbs will add fresh flavors to your meals and can be harvested for an endless supply of flavorful herbs throughout the season.
Garden Tip: Harvest frequently, every few days; the more you harvest, the bigger the plant will grow. Herbs are also delicious in water to add a little extra farm-fresh flavor.
As June arrives, it's the perfect time to embrace the abundance of the growing season and plant a diverse array of vegetables. From juicy tomatoes to refreshing cucumbers, versatile zucchini to crisp beans, and a selection of leafy greens and radishes, your garden will thrive with these summer-loving veggies. Remember to give them proper care, including watering, fertilizing, and occasional pest control, as you nurture your garden to a fruitful harvest.
Gather your gardening tools, prepare your soil, and enjoy the joy of growing your own vegetables. Embrace the journey of garden-to-table goodness, and remember, if you have questions or challenges, reach out; I'm here to help!
Happy gardening and happy eating!
Comments