What to Plant in Zone 7b in June: A Month-by-Month Gardening Guide
Wondering what to plant in Zone 7b in June? This guide will help you find the best vegetables, herbs, and flowers to grow now for a thriving summer and fall harvest.
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June in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b offers warm days, mild nights, and a long growing season that gardeners can take full advantage of. Whether you’re starting from seed or transplanting seedlings, this is a great month to grow a wide variety of heat-loving vegetables, fast-growing herbs, and colorful summer flowers.
Vegetables to Plant in Zone 7b in June
While it may be too late to sow cool-weather crops like lettuce or spinach, many warm-season vegetables thrive when planted in June—either directly into the ground or as transplants.
Direct Sow:
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Beans (Bush & Pole): Beans love warm soil and germinate quickly in June. Sow every two weeks for a staggered harvest.
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Okra: This Southern staple thrives in heat and is incredibly low-maintenance.
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Corn: Still time to plant an early-to-mid-season corn variety—just ensure full sun and rich soil.
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Squash (Zucchini & Summer Squash): Fast-growing and productive, great for succession planting.
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Cucumbers: Quick-growing and ideal for trellises to save space.
Transplant:
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Tomatoes: If you can find healthy transplants, it’s not too late. Focus on cherry or smaller varieties for faster yields.
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Peppers: Bell, banana, or hot peppers can still thrive if planted in early to mid-June.
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Eggplant: Loves heat and humidity—perfect for 7b’s summer.
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Herbs to Plant in June
Many culinary herbs grow well in hot weather and can be harvested throughout the season.
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Basil: A summer must. Pinch back flowers for more leaf production.
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Oregano: Drought-tolerant and great in containers.
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Thyme: Thrives in dry soil; excellent for borders and raised beds.
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Lemongrass: A tropical herb that flourishes in the heat. Plant it in containers and place all around your patio.
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Cilantro: Plant in a shady spot or succession plant every 2–3 weeks to extend harvest (heat makes it bolt quickly). If it bolts, let it go to seed and save for next year.
Flowers & Ornamentals to Plant
June is a prime month for adding color to your garden. These blooms tolerate heat and attract pollinators like bees and butterflies:
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Zinnias: Easy to grow from seed and bloom all summer.
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Marigolds: Pest-repellent and cheerful, perfect for vegetable garden borders.
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Sunflowers: Plant now for a late summer bloom; choose dwarf or tall varieties.
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Cosmos: Airy, elegant blooms that thrive in poor soil and full sun.
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Portulaca (Moss Rose): Great for dry areas and containers.
Gardening Tips for June in Zone 7b
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Mulch Heavily: With rising temps, mulch helps retain soil moisture and reduce weeds.
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Water Deeply: Water in the early morning to prevent evaporation and mildew.
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Watch for Pests: Aphids, squash bugs, and tomato hornworms become active in June—inspect plants regularly.
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Fertilize: June is a good time to feed heavy feeders like tomatoes and squash with a balanced organic fertilizer.
Succession Planting Opportunities
Zone 7b’s extended growing season means you can succession plant certain crops for a longer harvest window. After early peas or spinach are pulled, fill that space with beans, squash, or even a second round of cucumbers.
Final Thoughts
Gardening in Zone 7b in June is full of opportunities for both beginner and experienced gardeners. Focus on heat-loving vegetables, fragrant herbs, and bright blooms to make the most of your summer garden. With proper watering, mulching, and pest control, you’ll set the stage for a fruitful summer and fall harvest.
Happy Gardening!
Dawn
