Direct Sow These 17 Seeds in June

Summary

In this gardening video, Bri from Urban Gardening Canada, gardening in Ottawa (zone 5), shares 17 seeds that can be directly sown in June. These include vegetables like bush beans, cucumbers, zucchini, and corn, as well as herbs such as basil, dill, and cilantro, and flowers like nasturtium, sunflowers, and pansies. Bri emphasizes the challenges of direct sowing during hot summer months, offering tips on proper watering and timing for successful germination. She also highlights her gardening course for building a resilient garden, making this video a practical guide for gardeners looking to maximize their summer harvests.

Takeaways

• 😀 June marks the start of the perfect growing season, with the last frost hopefully behind you.
• 🌱 Direct sowing in summer months like June, July, and August requires extra attention to watering due to hotter temperatures and less controlled environments.
• 🌞 Regular watering is essential for successful seed germination during hot summer months, especially in temperatures above 30°C (86°F).
• 🌿 Brussels sprouts should ideally be started indoors in May and planted outside in June to benefit from colder weather for sweeter sprouts.
• 🌱 Bush beans and pole beans are easy to direct sow and can produce great results when planted in June.
• 🥒 Cucumbers can be successfully direct sown outdoors, with the added benefit of avoiding cucumber beetles when timed well.
• 🌼 Zucchini can also be direct sown in June, although it may not grow as large or produce as much fruit compared to indoor-started plants.
• 🌽 Corn can be direct sown late in the season, with potential for a late harvest, even in colder climates like Ottawa.
• 🥕 Carrots are perfect for succession planting; make sure to keep the soil moist for successful germination, especially in drier months.
• 🍅 Herbs like basil, dill, and cilantro can be direct sown in June, with basil thriving in hot temperatures, dill being great for beneficial insects, and cilantro needing cooler conditions.
• 🌸 Flowers like nasturtiums, calendula, sunflowers, pansies, and snapdragons can be direct sown in June, bringing vibrant colors and supporting pollinators throughout the season.

Q & A

Why is June a good time for direct sowing seeds?

June marks the beginning of the warmer weather and, for many regions, the last frost date has passed, making it a great time to direct sow vegetables, herbs, and flowers. However, it is important to keep in mind that the summer heat can make germination more challenging, requiring regular watering.

What are some key considerations when direct sowing seeds in hot weather?

In hot weather, you need to ensure that the seeds stay consistently moist. Watering frequently, especially during heatwaves, is important for germination. It's also helpful to create a way to retain moisture in the soil, like using mulch or providing shade.

How can direct sowing help with cucumber beetles?

Direct sowing cucumbers in June may help avoid cucumber beetles. By the time the cucumbers flower, the beetles will have typically completed their life cycle. This reduces the likelihood of the beetles attacking your plants.

Why might zucchini plants grown by direct sowing be smaller than those started indoors?

Zucchini plants direct sown in the garden may not grow as large as those started indoors, likely due to the plants' smaller size at the time of planting. This can result in fewer zucchinis, but it can still be an effective way to use garden space and potentially avoid pests like the squash vine borer.

What should gardeners consider when direct sowing corn in June?

Direct sowing corn in June can be successful, even in cooler climates. Some gardeners have managed to harvest corn in October by sowing in late summer. If you're in a colder region, try planting corn now and see how late you can push the planting season.

What vegetables are ideal for succession sowing in June?

Carrots, beets, and radishes are excellent vegetables for succession sowing in June. By sowing them at regular intervals, you ensure a continuous harvest throughout the summer and fall.

How can you prevent lettuce from bolting when direct sowing in the summer?

To prevent lettuce from bolting in the heat, choose varieties that are heat-tolerant or drought-resistant. Alternatively, opt for loose-leaf varieties that are less likely to bolt compared to full-head varieties like Roma.

Why is it important to keep carrot seeds moist during germination?

Carrot seeds need consistent moisture to germinate properly. In hot or dry conditions, this moisture can easily evaporate, which may hinder germination. Keeping the soil moist ensures a better germination rate.

What is the advantage of planting basil in June?

Basil thrives in the heat of summer, making June a great time to direct sow it. However, since basil seeds are small, you will need to thin them out and provide enough space for proper growth.

Which flowers are good for direct sowing in June?

Flowers like nasturtiums, calendulas, sunflowers, pansies, and snapdragons are all suitable for direct sowing in June. These flowers add beauty to the garden and attract beneficial insects, enhancing your garden's overall ecosystem.