Grow veggies in pots for year-long restaurant supply; these are 7 June-friendly vegetables for space-saving home harvests
June is the ideal time to start a vegetable container garden, even with limited space like urban balconies or decks. This month, consider growing these seven crops for a bountiful harvest:
Top Vegetables for Container Gardening in June
Bok Choy
Also known as pak choi, this Asian leafy crop offers a mildly peppery taste suitable for salads or stir-fries. You can either buy plants this month for direct planting or sow seeds for a budget-friendly option. Choose a container at least 10-12 inches wide and filled with quality potting soil.
Green Onions
Known as spring onions or scallions, these fast-growing alliums thrive in shallow-rooted pots at least 18 inches wide. They are ready to harvest in approximately 60 days. The classic, reliable 'White Lisbon' variety can be sourced from Burpee.
Zucchini
Growing zucchinis is effortless, and their high productivity means one plant is often enough for a summer's supply. Compact-growing bush varieties are best for container gardens. To grow, use a large container (5-10 gallons) and sow seeds in the soil. Regular watering, balanced fertilizer, and prevention of overwatering are key for growing healthy zucchinis in pots.
Bush Cucumbers
Cucumbers may not be the first crop to come to mind for container gardening, but bush cucumbers are suitable for pots. Ideally, choose a container at least five gallons in size, and place it where it can enjoy plenty of summer sunlight. Bush cucumbers can be directly sown into containers or grown from store-bought plants.
Chard
Ornamental as well as edible, chard is a versatile and easy-to-grow crop. The 'Rainbow Mix' of Swiss Chard seeds produces vividly colored stems and leaves, adding texture and visual interest to any space. Sow seeds directly into containers at least 12 inches wide.
Radishes
Radishes add zest to any summer salad and are quick to mature, taking about four weeks to grow. Direct sow radishes into 12-inch-wide pots. As a multi-germ crop, sow seeds thinly to prevent excessive thinning and to make the most of thinned seedlings in salads.
Beets
Beets come in a variety of shapes and colors, suitable for eating raw, roasted, pickled, or further cooked. Sow beet seeds thinly onto the surface of compost (given the multi-germ nature of beet seeds) and covered with an inch of soil. Keep containers sunny, well-watered, and watch for thinning as seedlings develop.
FAQs
Can I sow tomato seeds in June?
June is late for planting tomatoes, but early sowing this month might still produce a crop. For potted tomatoes, consider the 'Veranda Red Hybrid' variety from Burpee, a compact plant that yields cherry tomatoes quickly.
Can I plant carrots in June?
Yes, carrots can be sown this month, and short-, rounded varieties are ideal for container gardens. For traditional, longer-rooted carrots, deeper pots (at least 18 inches) are necessary.
Can I plant potatoes in June?
Early potato varieties can be planted in June for a summer harvest, making them suitable for container gardens.
ForContainer Gardening Success:- Sunlight: Most vegetables require at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.- Soil: Use well-draining potting mix.- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist (but not waterlogged).- Support: Use trellises or cages for climbing plants like cucumbers and zucchini.
- Succulent raised beds can complement a vegetable container garden, enhancing the home-and-garden lifestyle by adding a touch of nature and colors.
- After a long day of gardening and cooking, one can unwind by trying out new food-and-drink recipes, such as a refreshing zucchini salad or radish and beet pickles.
- In the world of fashion-and-beauty, the vibrant stems and leaves of chard can make a stunning addition to summer-inspired makeup looks or floral arrangements.
- For a bountiful container garden harvest, consider growing bush cucumbers, chard, and beets alongside traditional crops like bok choy, green onions, zucchini, radishes, and even early potato varieties, all in your home-and-garden space.
