June Garden Planning for Zone 9: What to Plant Next & How to Stay Ahead of the Heat
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As we wrap up May and step into June, the garden feels like it’s in full swing—but also, like it’s entering a new chapter. The spring blooms and first harvests of lettuce and sugar snap peas are winding down, and the tomatoes, okra, and squash are ready to steal the show.
If you’ve been following the 15-Minutes-a-Day Gardening Calendar, you know this whole journey is about creating a garden that’s sustainable, joyful, and manageable—no matter how full your schedule is. We started with slow, intentional prep back in January. We built momentum through February and March, and we reveled in spring growth through April and May. Now? It’s time to shift gears for summer.
June is a turning point in the garden. The heat is no longer creeping in—it’s here. That means our gardening strategy needs to shift too. This month is about supporting what’s already growing, planting what thrives in the heat, and making small adjustments every day so we’re not caught off guard by rising temps, pests, or fading crops.
I know from experience: this is where that 15-minutes-a-day habit really becomes a lifesaver. You don’t need to overhaul your entire garden in a weekend. You just need to check in, water deeply, harvest what’s ready, and give a little TLC to your hardworking summer plants.
Let’s look at what to plant next—and how to keep your garden thriving through June and beyond.
What to Plant in June in Zone 9
Heat-Loving Greens
Malabar spinach- Amaranth greens
New Zealand spinach
Succession Planting for Summer Harvests
Zucchini, okra, cucumbers, bush beans- Basil, lemongrass, purslane
Start Fall Crops Indoors
Pumpkins
Winter squash
Flowers for Pollinators & Shade
Sunflowers
Zinnias, cosmos, marigolds
Smart Strategies for Gardening in the Heat
Water deeply, early in the day
Mulch heavily—refresh any thin or dry areas
Add shade cloth to sensitive crops
Check daily for squash bugs, cutworms, hornworms
Prune tomatoes and thin dense plants to improve airflow
Stay consistent, stay cool, stay hydrated (you and the garden!)
Harvest Now, Plant for Later
Harvest: Tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, squash, okra, beans, herbs
Plant: More cucumbers, zucchini, bush beans, okra, basil Start indoors: Pumpkin, winter squash
Reflect: What did well in May? What would you plant more of next time?
Garden-to-Table Inspiration for June
Tomato basil caprese salad
Cucumber mint yogurt dip Zucchini ribbons with lemon vinaigrette
Grilled chicken with rosemary & thyme
Watermelon, feta & mint salad
Garden Shopping List for June
Here’s what you might want to pick up this month:
Essentials:
- Organic fertilizer (for fruiting crops)
- Compost or compost tea
- Drip irrigation supplies or watering timers
- Neem oil or insecticidal soap
- Mulch (shredded leaves, straw, or pine bark)
- Shade cloth or row cover
Seeds to Restock or Add:
- Okra
- Bush beans
- Basil (varieties like Thai or lemon basil)
- Malabar spinach
- Pumpkin or winter squash
- Zinnias, cosmos, sunflowers
June Wishlist (Because Dreaming is Free)
If you’re looking to level up your garden game (or just treat yourself a little):
A garden kneeler or rolling seat (your knees will thank you)
A shade canopy or garden umbrella for mid-day garden breaks A beautiful, functional harvest basket
A garden journal for tracking what works
A native pollinator house or bee hotel
A wide-brim sunhat you actually like wearing
Your June Garden Game Plan
Review May’s wins and challenges Mulch, fertilize, and water deeply Plant your summer stars Start prepping for fall crops indoors Keep up with pest patrol and stay hydrated Reflect, adjust, and keep the joy in gardening alive
Want the full weekly breakdown? Don’t forget to check out the June Gardening Calendar—complete with weekly tasks, reminders, and garden-to-table recipes.
And hey, don’t garden alone—tag your updates with #15MinuteGarden so we can cheer each other on. Here’s to a thriving, joyful June! 
