Helpful information
Timing: June
Where to do it: Outdoors
Garden space: Large garden, small garden, balcony
For those of you who haven't started planting yet, not to worry! You can still get planting in June. We share tips on what vegetables and flowers you can grow now.
- Caring for plants engages our nurturing instincts, with optimism for the future
- Sowing seeds or planting small plants can involve bigger and smaller bodily movements, helping to keep us active and supple
- The opportunity to spend time in nature. Pause from time to time and enjoy what’s around
Flowers blooming in a garden in summer
You may be forgiven for thinking that June is too late for planting. The busiest season for getting seeds and young plants may have passed, but there is still plenty of the growing season left to enjoy!
It is only in early May that gardens are generally considered 'safe' from frosts. In June, we are just a few short weeks past this time. You can start plants now that are typically started a month earlier and you should still get blooms or produce from them. They may just come a little later than normal.
Make it easier
It may be June, but there's no hurry. You could sow seeds over time, rather than all at once. This will give you plenty of time for breaks and reduce the risk of overdoing it - so easy with gardening! Just mark wherever you have got to and carry on from there next time.
Lettuce growing in a garden bed
Some food plants grow and mature fast. They can be planted and harvested most of the year around, including in June. For example:
- Radish
- Spring onions
- Salad leaves
- Chicory
Some food crops can be sown directly into the ground outside. The seed packet should usually tell you this. Even if the seed packet says May is the last month to direct sow, you can still try in June. The earth is warmer by now and the plants should have time to mature before the growing season ends - especially if there's a warm, late summer. These include:
- Beans
- Carrots
- Pumpkins
- Courgettes
- Beetroot
Make it easier
Even when sowing seeds into the ground, you could work from a seated position to reduce strain on your legs and back. Read our guide to direct sowing in drills for more tips.
For some plants, it's too late to start from seed. But, if you can find young plants they should still have time to mature. These include:
- Peppers
- Aubergine
June can be a good month to sow some slower growing crops that you harvest in winter. These include:
- Winter cabbages
- Parsnips
- Swede
Remember, different varieties may have different growing times and needs. Always read the information on the seed packet or online for your specific crop.
Bright yellow sunflower heads
There are some flower seeds you can sow in June and will bloom this same year. These include:
- Sunflower
- Night-scented stocks
- Love-in-a-mist (nigella)
- Nasturtium
- Cosmos
There are flowers that you can sow seeds of now ready for future colour. These include:
- Pansy (will flower next spring)
- Primrose (will flower next spring)
- Wallflowers (will flower next spring)
- Foxgloves (will flower next summer)
- Lupin (will flower next summer)
Some of these may be better started in seed trays, then moved into the garden when they are bigger. Check the seed packet for advice.
June is also a good month to plant containers or create a summer hanging basket. You can usually find small plants in garden centres or online specifically for containers or baskets. A great way to enjoy a fine summer flower display!
The magic of free plants with cuttings
June is an ideal month to take softwood and semi-ripe cuttings. Doing this is a great way to get extra plants for free! If you have too many, you can always share with friends and neighbours.
Hopefully, you can see there is still plenty to do in the garden if you wish. Also, that it is usually possible to make up for lost time! Being a little later with tasks does not generally matter too much. With a bit of flexibility and imagination (and a good summer!) your garden can look - and taste - wonderful this year.
Related content
How to take softwood cuttings
Taking softwood cuttings is a cheap way to increase your number of plants. We offer advice on how to do it and tips to make it easier.
