15+ Crops to Direct Sow in June, Wherever You Live!
Direct sowing is the process of planting seeds directly into the ground where they are to grow. Here are ten crops that you can direct sow in June, suitable for various climates.
Beans (Bush and Pole)
Why: Beans are quick to germinate, usually within 7-10 days, and grow rapidly, making them an excellent choice for summer planting. They are also nitrogen fixers, which means they can improve soil health by adding nitrogen back into the soil.
Tips:
- Bush Beans: These are compact and do not require support. They can be planted in rows with seeds spaced about 2-3 inches apart and rows 18-24 inches apart.
- Pole Beans: These are vining plants and need support, such as trellises or poles. Plant seeds about 3-4 inches apart at the base of the support structure.
- Ensure the soil is well-drained and rich in organic matter. Beans prefer a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
- Plant in full sun (at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day).
- Water consistently, keeping the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged.
Cucumbers
Why: Cucumbers thrive in warm weather and can produce a large harvest throughout the summer. They grow quickly and can be harvested in about 50-70 days from sowing.
Tips:
- Choose a sunny location with at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
- Plant seeds 1 inch deep and 12 inches apart in rows spaced 3-4 feet apart for bush varieties. For vining varieties, plant near a trellis or support structure.
- Cucumbers prefer well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0-6.8.
- Water regularly to keep the soil moist, but avoid wetting the foliage to reduce the risk of disease.
- Mulch around plants to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
Zucchini (and other summer squash)
Why: Zucchini and other summer squash are known for their rapid growth and high yield. They can be ready to harvest in as little as 45-55 days from planting.
Tips:
- Plant seeds in hills (mounds) or rows. For hills, plant 4-5 seeds per hill and thin to 2-3 strong seedlings. Space hills 3-4 feet apart. For rows, space seeds 2-3 feet apart.
- Ensure they have plenty of space to spread out. Summer squash plants can grow quite large.
- Grow in full sun with at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
- Water deeply and consistently, aiming to keep the soil evenly moist.
- Harvest regularly to encourage continuous production.
Corn
Why: Corn requires warm soil to germinate and grows best in warm weather. It is wind-pollinated, so planting in blocks rather than rows increases the chances of successful pollination.
Tips:
- Plant in blocks of at least 4 rows, with seeds spaced 8-12 inches apart and rows 24-36 inches apart.
- Corn needs full sun, with at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
- Soil should be well-drained and rich in organic matter, with a pH of 6.0-6.8.
- Water consistently, especially during tasseling and ear development.
- Fertilize with a high-nitrogen fertilizer during the growing season.
Carrots
Why: Carrots are well-suited for summer sowing as they develop best in warm soil. They can be harvested in about 70-80 days from planting.
Tips:
- Sow seeds directly in loose, well-drained soil. Carrots prefer a sandy or loamy soil to allow roots to grow straight and long.
- Plant seeds 1/4 inch deep and space rows 12-18 inches apart. Thin seedlings to 1-2 inches apart.
- Keep the soil moist, especially during the germination period, which can take 14-21 days.
- Ensure the soil is free from rocks and clumps to prevent misshapen roots.
- Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Harvest when roots reach the desired size, and before they become woody.
Beets
Why: Beets are resilient and can tolerate heat, making them a great choice for summer planting. They mature quickly, typically in about 50-70 days.
Tips:
- Soil Preparation: Beets prefer well-drained, loose soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Adding compost can improve soil fertility and texture.
- Planting: Sow seeds about 1/2 inch deep and 1-2 inches apart in rows spaced 12-18 inches apart.
- Thinning: Thin seedlings to 3-4 inches apart once they are a few inches tall to ensure enough space for root development.
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Mulching can help retain soil moisture and regulate temperature.
- Harvesting: Beets are ready to harvest when they reach about 1.5-3 inches in diameter. Both the roots and greens are edible.
Radishes
Why: Radishes are among the fastest-growing crops, maturing in as little as 20-30 days. This makes them ideal for quick and successive harvests.
Tips:
- Soil Preparation: Radishes prefer loose, well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Avoid overly rich soil to prevent excessive top growth.
- Planting: Sow seeds about 1/2 inch deep and 1 inch apart in rows spaced 8-12 inches apart.
- Succession Planting: For continuous harvests, plant a new batch of seeds every 1-2 weeks.
- Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist to ensure rapid growth and prevent the roots from becoming woody.
- Harvesting: Radishes are ready to harvest when they reach about 1 inch in diameter. Harvest promptly to avoid them becoming pithy.
Lettuce
Why: While lettuce generally prefers cooler temperatures, certain varieties are bred to be more heat-tolerant and can be grown successfully in summer.
Tips:
- Variety Selection: Choose heat-resistant varieties such as ‘Jericho’, ‘Buttercrunch’, or ‘Summertime’.
- Planting: Sow seeds about 1/4 inch deep and 1 inch apart in rows spaced 12-18 inches apart. Thin seedlings to 6-12 inches apart depending on the variety.
- Shade and Watering: Provide afternoon shade and keep the soil consistently moist to prevent bolting (premature flowering and seed setting). Mulching can help retain moisture and keep the soil cool.
- Harvesting: Lettuce can be harvested as baby greens or mature heads. Cut leaves from the outside of the plant to allow continuous growth.
Spinach
Why: Although spinach typically prefers cooler weather, certain varieties are more heat-tolerant and can be grown in the summer.
Tips:
- Variety Selection: Choose heat-tolerant varieties such as ‘New Zealand’, ‘Malabar’, or ‘Bloomsdale Long Standing’.
- Planting: Sow seeds 1/2 inch deep and 2-3 inches apart in rows spaced 12-18 inches apart. Thin seedlings to 4-6 inches apart.
- Shade and Watering: Plant in a partially shaded area and keep the soil well-watered to prevent bolting. Mulching can help retain moisture.
- Harvesting: Spinach can be harvested as baby greens or mature leaves. Regular harvesting of outer leaves encourages new growth.
Turnips
Why: Turnips are fast-growing and can handle summer conditions, maturing in about 30-60 days depending on the variety.
Tips:
- Soil Preparation: Turnips prefer well-drained, loose soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Adding compost can improve soil fertility and texture.
- Planting: Sow seeds 1/2 inch deep and 2-3 inches apart in rows spaced 12-18 inches apart. Thin seedlings to 4-6 inches apart to allow proper root development.
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the germination period and early growth stages.
- Harvesting: Turnips can be harvested when roots are 2-3 inches in diameter. Both the roots and greens are edible and nutritious.
Peppers
- Why: While peppers are usually started indoors, in warm climates, they can be direct sown in June.
- Tips: Plant in full sun with well-drained soil. Keep the soil consistently moist until germination, which can take up to 2-3 weeks.
Melons & Pumpkins
- Why: Warm soil and long growing seasons are ideal for these crops.
- Tips: Sow seeds in hills, spaced 4-6 feet apart. They need full sun and consistent watering, especially during fruit set.
Winter Squash
- Why: Like melons, they need a long growing season and warm temperatures.
- Tips: Plant in hills, spaced 4-6 feet apart. Provide plenty of space for vines to spread and grow in full sun.
Sweet Corn
- Why: Needs warm soil to germinate and grow effectively.
- Tips: Plant in blocks rather than rows for better pollination. Space seeds about 9-12 inches apart and water well.
Okra
- Why: Thrives in heat and is drought-tolerant once established.
- Tips: Sow seeds 1 inch deep and 12-18 inches apart in full sun. Keep soil moist until germination.
Kale
- Why: Hardy and can be grown in warm and cool temperatures, although it prefers cooler weather.
- Tips: Sow seeds in rows, spaced 12-18 inches apart. Thin seedlings to 8-12 inches apart. Provide some shade in extremely hot weather.
Chard
- Why: Tolerates heat well and can be harvested continuously.
- Tips: Sow seeds 1/2 inch deep and 12-18 inches apart. Water regularly and provide some shade during the hottest part of the day.
Additional Tips for Success:
- Soil Preparation: Ensure the soil is well-drained and rich in organic matter. Adding compost can help improve soil fertility and moisture retention.
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the germination phase. Once established, water deeply but less frequently to encourage deep root growth.
- Mulching: Applying mulch around plants can help retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and reduce weed growth.
- Pest Management: Monitor plants regularly for pests and diseases. Use organic methods like neem oil or insecticidal soap if necessary.
