June marks the heart of the growing season, but what you can plant this month depends greatly on where you live. From cooler northern regions to sweltering southern zones, knowing your USDA hardiness zone helps you choose the best flowers, herbs, and vegetables to plant for summer success. Whether you’re looking to fill garden gaps, start a late crop, or add beauty to your landscape, this guide has you covered. Here’s what to plant in June by zone:
Zone 3–4 (Colder Northern Climates)
Shorter growing seasons mean gardeners here need to focus on fast-maturing crops and hardy blooms.
1.) Vegetables:
–Bush beans, radishes, lettuce, spinach, beets.
2.) Herbs:
3.) Flowers:
Zinnias, sunflowers, celosia, snapdragons.
4.) Perennials:
–Echinacea, black-eyed Susans, phlox.
- Bonus Tip: Mulch to conserve moisture and reduce weeds as the heat picks up.
- Gardener’s Pick: Use a compact greenhouse grow tunnel to extend the season or protect seedlings from chilly nights.
Zone 5–6 (Mid-Atlantic & Midwest Regions)
Gardens are in full swing, and there’s still time to plant a variety of warm-season crops.
1.) Vegetables:
Corn, cucumbers, squash, beans, carrots.
2.) Herbs:
3.) Flowers:
Zinnias, sunflowers, celosia, snapdragons.
4.) Perennials:
–Echinacea, black-eyed Susans, phlox.
- Pro Tip: Apply a layer of organic straw mulch to reduce weeds and retain moisture.
- Related article: June Gardening CheckList: Mid-Atlantic Edition
Zone 7–8 (South, Lower Midwest, Mid-Atlantic)
By June, it’s all about succession planting and heat-loving crops.
1.) Vegetables:
Okra, sweet potatoes, southern peas, eggplant.
2.) Herbs:
Oregano, basil, rosemary, lemongrass.
3.) Flowers:
Vinca, lantana, gaillardia, salvias.
4.) Perennials:
- Tip: Water early in the morning and provide shade cloth for heat-sensitive plants.
- Heat Defense Hack: Use UV-resistant shade cloth for plants that stress in extreme sun.
- Related article: Everything you need to know about gardening in zone 7a
Zone 9–10 (Southeast & Southwest)
In hotter regions, June is about maintenance and heat-tolerant planting.
1.) Vegetables:
Heat-tolerant greens (Malabar spinach, New Zealand spinach), hot peppers.
2.) Herbs:
Thai basil, mint (in pots), lemongrass.
3.) Flowers:
4.) Perennials:
- Note: Focus on drought-tolerant and low-maintenance varieties to thrive in the summer heat.
- Must-Have: Keep a soaker hose system on hand for efficient summer watering.
Zone 11–13 (Tropical & Subtropical Climates)
June in these zones can still support year-round planting, but it’s key to focus on tropical and resilient crops.
1.) Vegetables:
Eggplant, okra, cherry tomatoes (heat-tolerant varieties).
2.) Herbs:
Cilantro, Thai basil, lemongrass.
3.) Flowers:
Bougainvillea, zinnias, Mexican heather.
4.) Perennials:
- Extra: Be cautious of pests and fungal diseases in humid zones—practice crop rotation and use organic pest deterrents.
- Garden Tip: Keep pests at bay with a natural neem oil spray.
June is a beautiful month to be in the garden, but success comes from understanding your local climate and planting accordingly. Whether you’re in a cool mountain town or a sunny southern suburb, there’s something perfect to plant this month. Embrace the rhythm of the seasons and grow with confidence.
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Sources:
-USDA Hardiness Zone Map
-Almanac.com
-University Extension Services
