June's Planting Guide: Fall Crops to Sow Now

As the weather begins to warm up in June, it might seem counterintuitive to start thinking about fall crops, but now is the perfect time to plant certain vegetables and grains that will thrive in cooler temperatures. By getting a head start, you'll be rewarded with a bountiful harvest come autumn. Let's delve into the world of fall crops and explore the best ones to plant in June.

Before we dive into the specific crops, it's essential to understand the concept of "days to maturity." This term refers to the number of days it takes for a plant to reach harvest from the time you sow the seed. When choosing fall crops, select varieties with a shorter days to maturity, typically 60 days or less, to ensure they have enough time to grow and mature before the first frost.

Cool-Season Vegetables

Cool-season vegetables are those that prefer cooler temperatures and can withstand light frosts. They are typically planted in early spring or late summer to early fall, making them ideal for June planting.

Cool-season vegetables can be further categorized into leafy greens, root vegetables, and brassicas. Let's explore some of the best cool-season vegetables to plant in June.

Leafy Greens

Leafy greens are some of the easiest and most rewarding crops to grow. They are quick to mature and can be harvested continuously throughout the fall season. Some popular leafy greens to plant in June include:

• Lettuce: Choose heat-tolerant varieties like 'Black-Seeded Simpson' or 'Ithaca' for a fall harvest.
• Spinach: Opt for fast-growing varieties like 'Space' or 'Bloomsdale' to beat the heat.
• Arugula: Also known as rocket, this peppery green is perfect for salads and sandwiches.

Sow seeds thinly and directly into the soil, keeping them consistently moist until they germinate. Thin seedlings as they grow to ensure adequate space for each plant.

Root Vegetables

Root vegetables are another excellent choice for fall gardens. They can be harvested throughout the fall and even stored for later use. Some root vegetables to plant in June are:

• Carrots: Choose quick-growing varieties like 'Paris Market' or 'Thumbelina' for a fall harvest.
• Beets: Both the roots and greens are edible and can be harvested within 50-70 days.
• Radishes: These quick-growing crops can be harvested in as little as 20-30 days and come in various colors and shapes.

Plant root vegetables in well-draining soil with plenty of compost. Keep the soil consistently moist, and thin seedlings as they grow to ensure proper spacing.

Brassicas

Brassicas are a family of vegetables that includes cabbages, broccoli, kale, and cauliflower. They prefer cooler temperatures and can be planted in June for a fall harvest. Some brassicas to consider are:

Cabbages

Cabbages come in various shapes and sizes, from compact 'Piccolo' to large 'Savoy Perfection.' Choose varieties with a days to maturity of 70 days or less for a fall harvest. Plant cabbage seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last spring frost or direct sow outdoors in June.

Broccoli and Cauliflower

Broccoli and cauliflower are cool-season crops that require consistent moisture and cooler temperatures to thrive. Plant seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last spring frost or direct sow outdoors in June. Opt for fast-growing varieties like 'Romanesco' or 'De Cicco' broccoli and 'Cheddar' or 'Snow Crown' cauliflower.

Kale is another brassica that can be planted in June for a fall harvest. Choose varieties like 'Lacinato' or 'Red Russian' and sow seeds directly into the soil. Kale is a cut-and-come-again crop, meaning you can harvest the outer leaves and allow the plant to continue growing.

Grain Crops

Grain crops like wheat, barley, and oats can be planted in late summer to early fall and harvested the following summer. These crops can add beauty and structure to your garden and provide food for both you and your local wildlife. Some grain crops to consider are:

Winter Wheat

Winter wheat is planted in the fall and overwinters, allowing it to be harvested the following summer. Choose hardy varieties like 'Yuma' or 'Jagger' and plant seeds in well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Winter wheat can be used for baking, animal feed, or cover crop purposes.

Barley and Oats

Barley and oats are cool-season grains that can be planted in June for a fall harvest. Both crops prefer well-draining soil and full sun. Barley is often used for animal feed, while oats can be used for human consumption or as a cover crop. Choose varieties like 'Hudson' barley or 'Oregon Sweet' oats and sow seeds directly into the soil.

When planting grain crops, it's essential to consider the space they require. Winter wheat, for example, needs about 1.5-2 inches of space between plants and 18-24 inches between rows. Barley and oats require slightly less space, with 1-1.5 inches between plants and 12-18 inches between rows.

As you plan your fall garden, don't forget to consider succession planting. This technique involves planting a new crop in the same space as a previously harvested one. By rotating crops and using succession planting, you can maximize your garden's productivity and maintain soil health.

Incorporating fall crops into your garden can extend your harvest season and provide you with a bountiful supply of fresh, homegrown produce. By understanding the concept of days to maturity and choosing the right crops for your climate, you can create a thriving fall garden that will serve you well into the cooler months. So, get out there and start planting – your fall harvest awaits!