Best 10 Crops to Direct Sow in June, Worldwide!

As the warm days of May arrive, it's time to get busy in the garden. There are numerous crops that can be direct sown this month, ensuring a bountiful harvest in the coming months. Here are ten top choices for planting in June, along with some tips on how to grow them successfully.

1. Squashes and Melons

Squashes and melons are a joy to grow but can pose challenges depending on your location. These crops are best sown directly into the garden as they have sensitive root systems that don't like being transplanted. They prefer rich soil, full sun, and consistent moisture. Be wary of pests like squash bugs and vine borers, which can devastate crops overnight. To protect your plants, cover them with fine mesh netting or wrap the stems with aluminum foil. Harvest zucchini and summer squash when they're about 8 inches long, and pick melons and winter squash when their skin turns from glossy to matte.

2. Cucumbers

There's nothing like a crisp cucumber on a hot summer day. Cucumbers thrive in hot weather, so wait until a couple of weeks after the last frost to plant them. They enjoy full sun, rich soil, and consistent moisture. Cucumbers can be grown on the ground or vertically on a trellis, which helps keep them off the ground and free from pests. Harvest them when they're about 6 inches long to avoid bitterness and toughness.

3. Sweet Potatoes

Contrary to popular belief, sweet potatoes are not related to regular potatoes. They belong to the morning glory family and can spread extensively. Start sweet potatoes from slips 6-8 weeks before the last frost. They need warm weather, full sun, and well-draining soil. Harvest sweet potatoes when the leaves turn yellow, carefully digging out the tubers and curing them in a warm, ventilated area for about 10 days.

4. Beans

Beans are a versatile crop with both bush and pole varieties. Bush beans are compact and prolific, requiring little to no staking, while pole beans need a trellis or teepee to climb. Both types need full sun, warm moist soil, and should be sown directly into the garden after the last frost. Beans fix nitrogen in the soil, so they don't need much fertilizer. Harvest beans when they're about 6 inches long for fresh eating, or let them dry on the vine for dried beans.

5. Tomatoes

Tomatoes are the reigning royalty of the summer garden. Start them indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost and transplant them outside once the danger of frost has passed. They need full sun, rich soil, and regular feeding. Indeterminate tomatoes need support and pruning, while determinate varieties are more compact. Harvest tomatoes when they're fully colored and avoid refrigerating them to preserve their flavor. Tomatoes can also be grown in small spaces.

6. Basil

Basil is a fantastic companion plant for tomatoes, deterring pests like tomato hornworms. Plant basil 12 inches apart on the sunny side of your tomatoes and pinch off flowers to keep the leaves tender. Different varieties like Thai basil and holy basil are great for attracting pollinators.

7. Peppers and Chilies

Peppers and chilies come in various shapes, colors, and flavors. Start them indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost and transplant them when nighttime temperatures are consistently above 55-60°F. They need full sun, rich soil, and regular feeding. Stake the plants to support the heavy fruit, and harvest peppers when they reach the desired color.

8. Corn

Growing your own corn is a rewarding experience. Corn should be sown directly into the garden in a block rather than a row to ensure proper pollination. It requires full sun and rich, well-draining soil. Harvest corn when the silks turn brown, and the kernels are plump and milky.

9. Okra

Okra is a heat-loving plant that thrives in hot weather. Plant it several weeks after the last frost and enjoy its beautiful flowers and prolific yield. Harvest okra when the pods are young and tender. Okra can also be grown in small spaces.

10. Daisy-Type Flowers

Daisy-type flowers, like Shasta daisies, sunflowers, and marigolds, are great companion plants. They attract beneficial insects and pollinators, helping to keep your garden healthy. Plant them among your crops to enhance biodiversity and beauty.

These ten crops are excellent choices for direct sowing in June, providing you with a variety of delicious produce and beautiful flowers throughout the summer., most of these crops can also be grown in small spaces. Happy planting!