The days are long, the sun is strong, and June is the ideal time to get into a summer gardening rhythm. Whether you’re a beginner or a hobbyist, this June gardening tips checklist will help you stay on top of what to do in the garden in June.
What to Plant in June
With the danger of frost well behind us, June is a great month to plant:
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Warm-Season Vegetables – Tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, corn, cucumbers, beans, and zucchini love the warmth.
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Herbs – Basil, parsley, chives, oregano, dill, and thyme flourish now.
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Annual Flowers – Add instant color with marigolds, sunflowers, zinnias, cosmos, and nasturtiums.
Consider planting summer garden tasks that involve succession sowing—this means planting a new round of seeds every few weeks to ensure continual harvests.
What to Prune
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Spring-Blooming Shrubs – Lilacs, forsythia, and azaleas can be pruned after flowering.
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Deadhead Flowers – Remove faded flowers to encourage more blooms.
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Thin Fruit Trees – Trim smaller or excess fruits to prevent branches from breaking.
What to Harvest
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Leafy Greens – Lettuce, spinach, kale, and Swiss chard may be ready now. Harvest early in the day for best flavor.
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Strawberries – Pick ripe berries regularly to encourage new fruiting.
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Herbs – Snip regularly to promote bushy growth and prevent bolting.
Extra Tips
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Weed Weekly: Weeds compete for water and nutrients—get them while they’re small.
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Fertilize as Needed: Use organic compost or balanced fertilizers for veggies and flowering plants.
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Stake Tall Plants: Tomatoes, beans, and sunflowers may need support to keep growing strong.