What to Plant in June for Northwest Gardeners

June marks the beginning of summer in the Pacific Northwest, and it's time to get your hands dirty in the garden. If you're wondering what to plant in June in this region, you're in luck. With long days of sunshine, moderate temperatures, and abundant rainfall, the Pacific Northwest offers ideal growing conditions for a variety of plants. Here are some suggestions for what to plant in your Northwest garden this month.

1. Vegetables

If you want a healthy and fresh supply of vegetables throughout the summer and fall, June is the perfect time to plant them. You can sow seeds of beans, beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, kale, lettuce, peas, radishes, spinach, and Swiss chard. You can also transplant tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants that were started indoors or bought from nurseries. Make sure to water them regularly and provide support if necessary.

Broccoli plants growing in a garden

2. Herbs

Herbs are essential ingredients in many dishes, and having a herb garden in your backyard can save you money and enhance the flavor of your meals. You can plant basil, chives, cilantro, dill, fennel, mint, oregano, parsley, rosemary, sage, thyme, and more. Most herbs prefer well-drained soil and full sun exposure, but some like mint and parsley can tolerate partial shade.

Mint plants growing in a pot

3. Flowers

Flowers add color, fragrance, and beauty to any garden, and there are plenty of options to choose from in June. You can plant annuals such as petunias, marigolds, zinnias, cosmos, and sunflowers, or perennials such as peonies, irises, daylilies, salvia, and phlox. Some flowers attract pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, while others repel pests such as mosquitoes and deer.

A field of sunflowers

4. Fruits

If you have space and patience, you can also plant fruit trees, bushes, and vines in June. Some popular choices for the Pacific Northwest include apples, pears, cherries, plums, blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, and grapes. Keep in mind that most fruits require several years to bear fruit, so it's a long-term investment. Also, make sure to choose disease-resistant varieties and prune them regularly to maintain their shape and health.

Apple trees in an orchard

Now that you know what to plant in June for your Northwest garden, it's time to roll up your sleeves and dig in. Don't forget to enjoy the beauty and bounty of nature along the way!