Now that summer is in full swing, as a gardener, you are likely thinking about plants, plants and more plants. While you may have already started planting around your yard (as soon as that last frost has passed, you can’t wait to get out there!), perhaps there are more vegetable plants that you’d like to add to your garden. 

Well, guess what? It isn’t too late to plant seeds in June! In fact, according to Karen Musgrave, horticulturalist and certified nursery landscape professional (CNLP) at Hicks Nurseries in New York, June is a good month to sow seeds because the soil temperatures are warming up and we have more daylight. 

“Many vegetables actually grow better in June than they do in April or May because the temperatures are warmer and the danger of frost has mostly passed,” Musgrave says. “Seeds sprout more readily in warm soil and establish themselves quickly with consistent sunshine. The key is choosing crops that grow quickly and thrive in summer conditions.”

To incorporate some of these fast-growing plants into your vegetable garden, read on for seven that you can plant in June. 

1. Carrots

Carrots can be planted in early June, as Musgrave says, adding that you should sow the seeds directly into loose, rock-free soil while avoiding compacted areas. You’ll then plant the seeds about a ¼ inch deep and thin seedlings to roughly two inches apart. 

“Keep the soil evenly moist and mulch lightly to help retain moisture during hot weather,” Musgrave advises, and goes on to say that smaller carrot varieties tend to mature more quickly and perform especially well in summer gardens. 

2. Cucumbers

Musgrave says that cucumbers thrive in warm summer temperatures and grow very quickly once established. 

If planting the seeds in early to mid-June, you’ll need to sow seeds directly into the soil, about one inch deep and 12 inches apart. “Install a trellis for climbing varieties,” she recommends. “Water deeply and regularly and use mulch to help keep the roots cool and moist.”

When it comes time to pick those cukes, Musgrave says that you should harvest them “while they are still young” for the best flavor and texture. 

3. Bush Beans

With their long stalks, you can’t miss bush beans growing in vegetable gardens. Musgrave says that bush beans are actually “one of the easiest vegetables to grow from seed and are typically ready to harvest in about two months.” 

You can plant bush beans anytime in June. 

“Sow seeds directly into the soil about one inch deep and two to four inches apart. Space rows 14 to 18 inches apart in a sunny location. Water consistently at the base of the plant and harvest often to encourage continued production,” Musgrave instructs. 

4. Radishes

You can plant radishes anytime in June. “Radishes are one of the fastest-growing vegetables you can grow from seed and are often ready in less than a month,” Musgrave says. 

She lists the care steps, saying that you can sow the seeds directly into the soil about a ½ inch deep and one inch apart. “Keep the soil consistently moist and thin seedlings if they become overcrowded,” she says. “Harvest promptly to prevent the roots from becoming woody or overly spicy.”

5. Beets

Musgrave says that beets are a “great dual-purpose crop” because both the roots and greens are edible. 

“Plant anytime in June,” she says. “Sow seeds about a ½ inch deep and space them two to three inches apart. Water consistently to encourage tender roots and healthy growth.”

Young beet greens can be harvested early and are excellent in salads or sautéed dishes. 

6. Swiss Chard

Sow the seeds about a ½ inch deep and space the plants six to 12 inches apart. Swiss chard can be planted anytime in June and does well in full sun to partial shade.

“Swiss chard is known for tolerating summer heat well and will often continue producing into fall,” Musgrave says. “Its colorful stems also make it one of the prettiest vegetables in the garden. Water regularly and harvest outer leaves first to encourage continued growth.” 

7. Zucchini

You have the freedom to plant zucchini anytime in June. Musgrave says that you should sow the seeds about one inch deep and space the plants two to three feet apart in full sun. 

“Zucchini is one of the easiest and most productive summer vegetables to grow. A single plant can provide an abundant harvest,” Musgrave says. “Water at the base of the plant to help prevent mildew and fungal issues. Harvest zucchini while the fruits are still small and tender for the best flavor.”