June can catch you off guard. One minute, you’re still wearing jumpers, and the next, the garden’s in full swing. It feels like everyone else is harvesting their body weight in strawberries. If you haven’t sown much yet or things haven’t gone to plan, don’t panic. There’s still plenty of time to get growing.
This month is ideal for second chances, speedy crops, and filling gaps where earlier sowings failed or got eaten by slugs. You don’t need a huge plan or a perfect plot, just a few minutes, a bit of compost, and some seeds.
Some of my favourite things to sow in June include quick-growing carrots, especially the shorter varieties, and trusty beetroot, which does well sown in succession. If you’re quick, you can still get sweetcorn going too, just make sure they’re kept warm to germinate well.
Courgettes sown now will still give a decent harvest, and French beans are perfect for direct sowing. Leafy greens like kale and chard are good value crops and look beautiful on the plot. For summer salads, go for bolt-resistant spinach and keep sowing lettuces and mixed leaves every couple of weeks.
Radishes are one of the fastest crops going and great for filling tiny gaps, while spring onions can be dotted in wherever there’s space. Kohlrabi and turnips are still worth a try, especially the faster-growing varieties. If you fancy something a bit different, try pak choi. Wait until later in the month to reduce the risk of bolting.
You can also sow annual herbs like basil and dill and add beauty and biodiversity to the plot with edible flowers such as calendula, borage, and nasturtiums.
If the idea of sowing a full bed feels too much, do one tray. Or sprinkle a few salad seeds into a pot. Gardening doesn’t have to be all or nothing; a few little wins can still put a smile on your face
So if you’ve been feeling behind, consider this your sign: June is the month of second chances. Grab it.
Sarah.
diggingtheearth.org.uk
instagram @sarah.diggingtheearth.org.uk
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