Gardening experts say these are the best fruits and vegetables to plant in June
From fast-growing vegetables to summer favourites, these are the crops to plant in June.
June can be an ideal time to plant certain fruits and vegetables in your garden. The warm soil, lack of frost, and plentiful sunshine in most regions can allow many plants to flourish quickly. Some of the best fruits and vegetables to plant in June include summertime favourites like strawberries, raspberries, corn, and zucchini. Many of these plants grow from seed to harvest quickly, meaning it won't be long before you can enjoy your bountiful harvest.
In addition to planting your fruits and vegetables at the proper time and ensuring they get the correct amounts of water, sunlight, and nutrients, there are a few other things you can do to help your plants thrive. Companion planting, which is the practice of strategically planting certain items next to each other, can deter pests and promote growth. For instance, planting beans and carrots next to cucumbers can help each of them thrive.
Keep reading to see the best fruits and vegetables to plant in June...
Beetroot
Beetroot, like most root vegetables, are cool-weather crops, so it's generally advised to plant them in milder to cold weather. However, planting them in June - before the peak of the summer heat - may be a good idea. After seeding, beetroot takes 55-70 days to harvest, so you can start harvesting by late summer or early fall. Additionally, the soil is already warmed up by June, which promotes the germination of root vegetables and the sunny weather makes it a favourable time to plant this versatile vegetable.
Another amazing fact about beetroot is that they're a two-for-one veggie. While they mature, you can cut off a few of their leaves (beet greens) and enjoy them in a delicious salad. Just make sure you leave a few leaves after cutting so the roots continue to grow.
Carrots
In June, carrot rust flies, a garden pest that mainly affects carrots, are less common. Infestation usually occurs during spring, so planting them in early summer can work in your favour. Like beetroot, carrots are root vegetables and need a good amount of sunlight (at least six hours every day).
Cucumbers
Cucumbers, a low-calorie fruit, are 96% water. Their high water content makes them a refreshing veggie for hot weather. Plus, they're packed with nutrients like magnesium, potassium as well as vitamins C and K. Typically, cucumbers are vining plants, which require more support in comparison to shrubs (bushes). So, consider using trellises or stakes.
Corn
Corn thrives in full sun and when planted in well-drained soil, making it a perfect addition to your garden this June. This grain is a great source of fibre and antioxidants.
Butternut squash
Like most guards, butternut squash thrive in warm weather and full sun. They're prolific growers, so when planting, make sure you give them enough space to grow and spread.
Bell peppers
Bell peppers are another vegetable that will germinate best when the soil is warm, so planting them this month is ideal. They shouldn't be grown in extremely high temperatures.
Zucchini
Zucchini is a great addition to summer salads. All this summer squash needs to grow successfully is a warm, sunny location, moist soil and regular fertilization.
Green beans
Green beans are relatively easy to grow with full sunlight and moderately rich soil. Green beans can be a delicious addition to summer salads and make wonderful side dishes. What's more, they're loaded with vitamin C, K and folate.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are warm-weather plants, making them one of the best crops for this month. Just make sure they're getting plenty of sunlight and are watered properly. Keep in mind that they need lots of fertilizer and should be pruned regularly in order to thrive.
Melons
Melons (watermelons included) thrive in warm weather, and it’s generally recommended that they’re planted when the soil temperature is 65° or above. They also need at least seven hours of sun. Because of their high water content (90-92%), melons are a great choice for a summer diet.
Grapes
Successfully growing grapes involves having a large, open space. If growing vertically on trellis, grapes need 50 to 100 square feet per vine. If growing horizontally in rows, aim for eight feet between rows. Additionally, they need seven to eight hours of sunlight daily.
Blueberries
Blueberries require lots of sunlight and acidic soil to grow well. To measure your soil’s acidity, you can use testing strips, a digital meter, analog probes or a test kit you’d have to send to a laboratory.
Strawberries
Strawberries can grow in temperatures between 50°F and 80°F. Most strawberries will not set fruit in temperatures over 80°F. Planting them this month, before the height of the summer heat, can work in your favour.
Blackberries
Blackberries are high in vitamin C. Their peak harvest often falls in July and August. While it's recommended to plant bare root blackberry plants in early spring, container-grown blackberry plants can be planted between early spring and late summer.
Raspberries
Raspberries are another delicious berry to grow this summer. Not only are they a source of fiber, they also contain vitamin C and are high in antioxidants. When planting, choose a sunny location and consider using support, like a trellis, to keep the fruit off the ground.
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