June is a prime growing time for gardeners. The warm soil and increased daylight create the ideal conditions for a host of vegetables to thrive, from fast-growing varieties ready to pick in weeks to winter veg that can be harvested by autumn.
If June offers the perfect conditions as it is, this season could be even more profitable than usual. 'With the May we've had this year, the ground temperature is ready to provide a strong start to the germination process,' says Natalie Derham-Weston, Head Gardener at Lainston House, a luxury hotel in Winchester.
So if you're not already busy growing your own, now is the opportune moment to start. We've consulted the experts, and here are 13 brilliant varieties you can start growing in your garden this month.
Cucurbits
Early summer offers the perfect conditions for growing cucurbits, including pumpkins, squashes and courgettes.
'Pumpkins are a fantastic crop to start in June, especially if you’re aiming for a harvest in time for Halloween,' says Lucy Hutchings, co-founder of seed company She Grows Veg, adding that Raymond Blanc's favourite ‘Musquee de Provence’ is a variety worth trying.
'Sow seeds directly into the ground in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Pumpkins need plenty of space, so plant them about 1-2 metres apart. Regular watering and feeding will help your pumpkins grow large and healthy,' she advises.
Winter squashes take longer to mature than summer varieties, but they store well so you can use them throughout winter. 'Sow seeds directly into the ground or start them in pots and transplant them later. Ensure they have plenty of space and water regularly,' Lucy adds.'
If you've skipped sowing courgette seeds indoors over April and May, you can now pop them directly into the ground outside.
'There will be no transplant shock, and one plant can provide a very healthy crop which doesn’t take up too much space in the garden,' says Natalie. Keep the soil moist, especially during germination, which takes 7-10 days. Pick fruits frequently to promote more growth and a longer harvest.
Lettuce
A classic summer veg, lettuce thrives abundantly in warm weather. Natalie hails its ability to act as a filler in the vegetable patch and grow rapidly, making it great for beginners.
'It is easy to overplant lettuce, so the best approach is to sow little and often without overcrowding the produce,' she says. 'Also try to avoid the lettuce bolting by watering regularly and providing shade during particularly hot afternoons.'
Brassicas
If grown in June, kale will be ready to be harvested in late summer and autumn. Lucy recommends 'Precoce di Toscana' and 'Garlic Kale', which are hardy and flavourful. 'Sow seeds in a raised bed or directly into the soil, and thin seedlings to about 45cm apart,' she advises. 'Kale is resilient and can withstand colder weather later in the year.'
Cabbages can be sown now as well, but they take a little longer to mature, ready to be harvested in autumn and winter. 'Start seeds in a seedbed and transplant seedlings to their final positions when they are large enough to handle,' Lucy says. 'Space plants about 45cm apart and protect them from pests.'
Beetroot
Beetroot is another excellent choice for June sowing and growing. 'Seeds can be sown directly into well-prepared soil in shallow drills, with seedlings thinned as they grow. Regular watering is key to producing sweet, tender roots and avoiding woody growth,' says Nick Walker, Head of Agronomy at Florette.
Carrots
Carrots also benefit from the warm soil temperatures, encouraging rapid germination. 'Sow thinly in fine, stone-free soil and keep the seedbed moist until seedlings emerge. Covering crops with a fine mesh can help protect against carrot root fly,' says Nick.
Radishes
For rapid results, consider this fast-growing variety. 'Radishes are perfect for beginners and can be ready to harvest in as little as four weeks,' says Nick. 'Sow little and often throughout June to ensure a steady harvest and keep plants well-watered to prevent roots becoming tough or overly spicy.'
Peas
Peas are typically best grown in milder temperatures, as they are susceptible to heat-related issues like powdery mildew and pests. As Lucy stresses, however, there's no reason to be afraid.
'Sowing peas in June might feel a bit cheeky, but it's totally doable,' she says. 'Plant them in a sunny, sheltered spot with well-drained soil. Give them something to climb, keep them well-watered, and you’ll be snacking on sweet pods before the season’s out.'
Beans
June is also a great time to grow several types of beans, including French and runner beans. Keep in mind that you need to support them, using canes, trellises or teepees.
'French bean varieties like 'Carminat' or 'Monte Gusto' can be sown directly into the ground. Keep them well-watered and enjoy a continuous harvest by picking beans regularly,' says Lucy.
Runner beans are another good choice. Plant them outdoors now and reap the rewards in mid-summer. 'They'll thrive in a sunny, sheltered position with moist and free-draining soil,' advises Chris Bonnett, plant expert and founder of online garden centre Gardening Express. 'The plants will need regular watering, especially when they start to flower and form pods.'
Leeks
Cabbages and squashes are not the only soup and stew staples you can grow now. Get leek seedlings into the ground now to harvest by autumn. Chris notes that you can also wait until a bit later in the season, but this means you'll have to wait until next spring to read the rewards. 'Crops need to be protected from bugs with a fine insect-proof mesh,' he adds.
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