If you’re wondering what to plant in June Zone 7, you’re in luck. This is a fantastic month to fill your garden with color and harvests that thrive in the summer heat.
June brings warm soil and long days, perfect for many plants. While spring crops are finishing, summer ones are just getting started. Your garden can be more productive than ever with the right choices.
What To Plant In June Zone 7
This list focuses on plants that will establish quickly and perform well through the hot months ahead. Remember to keep new plantings well-watered as they settle in.
Vegetables for a Bountiful Summer
You can still plant several fast-maturing vegetables in early June. For later in the month, focus on crops for fall harvest.
- Beans (Bush & Pole): Sow seeds directly. They love warm soil and will produce in about 50-60 days.
- Southern Peas (Cowpeas): These are extremely heat-tolerant. Plant seeds now for a late summer yield.
- Sweet Potatoes: It’s the ideal time to plant slips. They need a long, hot growing season.
- Okra: A summer classic. Soak seeds overnight before planting to improve germination.
- Summer Squash & Zucchini: You can make a final direct seeding in early June for a continuous supply.
- Cucumbers: Choose heat-tolerant varieties and plant seeds directly for crisp pickles and slicers.
- Pumpkins & Winter Squash: Plant seeds now for a autumn harvest. They need plenty of room to sprawl.
Herbs to Flavor Your Kitchen
Many herbs adore the heat. Planting them now ensures you’ll have fresh flavors all season long.
- Basil: Plant transplants or sow seeds. Pinch off flowers to encourage leafy growth.
- Oregano & Marjoram: These perennial herbs do well when planted from transplants in summer.
- Rosemary: Plant a established transplant. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun.
- Dill & Cilantro: Sow seeds sucesively every few weeks for a constant supply. Choose slow-bolt varieties for cilantro.
Flowers for Continuous Color
Don’t forget about beauty! Many annuals and perennials planted now will bloom into fall.
- Marigolds & Zinnias: These are incredibly easy from seed and bloom reliably all summer.
- Sunflowers: Sow seeds directly for dramatic late-summer blooms that birds love later.
- Gomphrena & Celosia: Excellent heat-loving annuals that provide great cut flowers.
- Pentas & Lantana: Plant these as transplants. They are butterfly magnets and thrive on heat.
- Perennials like Coneflower & Black-eyed Susan: Planting transplants now gives them time to establish roots for a stunning show next year.
Succession Planting for Non-Stop Harvest
June is key for succession planting. As you pull out spent spring crops like lettuce or radishes, have something ready to go in its place.
- Clear the space of old plants and weeds.
- Add a shovelful of compost to replenish nutrients.
- Plant your chosen warm-season crop immediately.
- Water thoroughly and consider a light mulch to retain moisture.
Planning for Your Fall Garden
It might seem early, but late June is the time to start seeds indoors for fall broccoli, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts. These cool-season crops need a head start in summer to mature in autumn’s cooler weather.
Essential June Gardening Tips
Getting plants in the ground is just the first step. Proper care ensures they thrive.
Watering Wisely
New plantings need consistent moisture. Water deeply at the base of plants in the morning to reduce evaporation and prevent disease. Drip irrigation or soaker hoses are very efficient.
Mulching is a Must
A 2-3 inch layer of mulch conserves water, suppresses weeds, and keeps soil cooler. Use straw, shredded leaves, or wood chips around your plants.
Feeding Your Plants
Most vegetables are heavy feeders. A balanced organic fertilizer or side-dressing of compost applied a few weeks after transplanting gives them a boost for strong producton.
Pest Patrol
Summer brings insects like squash bugs and tomato hornworms. Check your plants regularly. Hand-pick pests when you see them and use row covers for protection if needed.
Common June Planting Mistakes to Avoid
- Planting Too Deeply: Follow seed packet instructions. A seed planted to deep may not emerge.
- Overcrowding: Give plants the space recommended on the tag. Good air flow prevents many fungal issues.
- Ignoring Soil Prep: Never skip amending the soil with compost. It improves drainage and nutrient content.
- Waiting Too Long to Water: Don’t let new seedlings or transplants wilt. Consistent water is critical for establishment.
FAQs: Planting in Zone 7 in June
Is it too late to plant tomatoes in June?
For full-sized tomatoes, it is likely too late for a optimal harvest from seed. However, you can still plant fast-maturing cherry tomato varieties or purchase large transplants for a good late-summer crop.
What can I plant in late June in Zone 7?
In late June, focus on beans, southern peas, okra, and sweet potatoes. You can also start seeds for fall crops like pumpkins, winter squash, and begin planning your first plantings of cool-season vegetables for autumn.
Can I plant perennials in the summer heat?
Yes, but extra care is needed. Plant on a cloudy day or in the evening, water deeply at planting and daily for the first week or two until established. Mulch well to conserve moisture.
What flowers can I plant in June that will bloom all summer?
For instant color, buy transplants of marigolds, zinnias, pentas, and angelonia. For flowers from seed, try direct-sowing sunflowers, zinnias, and cosmos—they grow remarkably fast in warm soil.
How do I protect new seedlings from intense sun?
Use a shade cloth or even a light bedsheet supported by stakes for the first 3-5 days after transplanting. This helps reduce transplant shock while they acclimate to there new home.
June in Zone 7 is a dynamic and rewarding time to garden. By choosing the right plants and providing simple, consistent care, you can create a vibrant and productve oasis. Your efforts now will be rewarded with fresh flavors, beautiful blooms, and the deep satisfaction of a summer garden in full swing.