What to Plant in June
Des Moines, IA · Zone 5b
Last frost: Apr 25
Frost-free days: 168
The growing season is in full swing. Transplant any remaining warm-season crops and direct sow fast-growing varieties. Succession-plant beans and greens every two weeks.
June at a Glance
Indoor
Transplant
Direct Sow
1
5
10
15
20
25
Today
Start Indoors 5
Start these seeds indoors under grow lights or on a sunny windowsill.
Kale
Feb 1 – Jul 8
1 per sq ft
50–65 days
Swiss Chard
Feb 15 – Jul 31
4 per sq ft
50–60 days
Squash
Apr 9 – Jun 15
1 per sq ft
45–65 days
Zucchini
Apr 9 – Jun 23
1 per sq ft
45–60 days
Cucumber
Apr 24 – Jun 8
2 per sq ft
50–70 days
Growing guide
Transplant 26
Move these seedlings from indoors to your garden beds.
Chives
Mar 17 – Jun 30
9 per sq ft
60–90 days
Mint
Mar 17 – Jun 30
4 per sq ft
60–90 days
Parsley
Mar 17 – Jul 31
4 per sq ft
70–90 days
Kale
Mar 17 – Aug 23
1 per sq ft
50–65 days
Leek
Mar 17 – Jun 23
4 per sq ft
90–150 days
Lettuce
Mar 17 – Jun 8
4 per sq ft
45–60 days
Onion
Mar 17 – Jun 23
9 per sq ft
100–120 days
Strawberry
Mar 17 – Jun 30
4 per sq ft
60–90 days
Swiss Chard
Mar 17 – Aug 31
4 per sq ft
50–60 days
Broccoli
Mar 24 – Jun 15
1 per sq ft
60–100 days
Brussels Sprouts
Mar 24 – Jun 15
1 per sq ft
80–110 days
Cabbage
Mar 24 – Jun 15
1 per sq ft
70–100 days
Cauliflower
Mar 24 – Jun 15
1 per sq ft
55–100 days
Oregano
Apr 9 – Jun 30
1 per sq ft
60–90 days
Sage
Apr 9 – Jun 15
1 per sq ft
75–90 days
Thyme
Apr 9 – Jun 23
4 per sq ft
70–90 days
Artichoke
Apr 9 – Jul 16
1 per sq ft
85–100 days
Celery
Apr 9 – Jun 15
4 per sq ft
80–120 days
Sunflower
Apr 24 – Jun 8
1 per sq ft
70–100 days
Squash
May 1 – Jul 8
1 per sq ft
45–65 days
Tomato
May 1 – Jun 15
1 per sq ft
65–80 days
Growing guide
Zucchini
May 1 – Jul 16
1 per sq ft
45–60 days
Cucumber
May 17 – Jun 30
2 per sq ft
50–70 days
Growing guide
Eggplant
May 17 – Jun 8
1 per sq ft
70–90 days
Pepper
May 17 – Jun 8
1 per sq ft
60–100 days
Growing guide
Okra
May 24 – Jun 30
1 per sq ft
50–65 days
Direct Sow 10
Plant these seeds directly into the soil outdoors.
Cilantro
Mar 17 – Jun 8
9 per sq ft
30–45 days
Beet
Mar 17 – Sep 8
9 per sq ft
50–70 days
Peas
Mar 17 – Jun 15
8 per sq ft
55–70 days
Radish
Mar 17 – Jun 8
16 per sq ft
22–30 days
Turnip
Mar 17 – Sep 30
9 per sq ft
30–60 days
Carrot
Mar 24 – Aug 8
16 per sq ft
70–80 days
Potato
Apr 1 – Jul 8
1 per sq ft
70–150 days
Dill
May 9 – Aug 8
4 per sq ft
40–60 days
Beans (Bush)
May 9 – Jul 8
9 per sq ft
50–60 days
Corn
May 9 – Jun 15
1 per sq ft
60–100 days
June Gardening Tips
- Start Cucumber, Squash, Zucchini indoors now to give them a head start before transplanting outside.
- Tomato, Pepper, Cucumber can be transplanted outside this month. Harden off seedlings over 5–7 days before planting out.
- Direct sow Corn, Beans (Bush), Carrot straight into the garden — no transplanting needed.
- Water deeply but less often to encourage deep root growth. Morning watering reduces disease risk.
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