June garden tasks: Midwest
June in the Midwest is when the garden reaches peak productivity for cool-season crops and warm-season crops hit their stride. In zone 5--6, June weather is typically ideal -- warm days (70--80°F), adequate moisture, long days. Zone 4 (Minnesota, northern Wisconsin) has its prime growing month in.
June in the Midwest is when the garden reaches peak productivity for cool-season crops and warm-season crops hit their stride. In zone 5—6, June weather is typically ideal — warm days (70—80°F), adequate moisture, long days. Zone 4 (Minnesota, northern Wisconsin) has its prime growing month in June and July before summer heat peaks.
Per UMN Extension, average June temperatures: Minneapolis high 78°F, Chicago high 83°F, Kansas City high 87°F.
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What's growing in June (Midwest)
Per University of Illinois Extension:
- Cool-season crops finishing: peas, spinach, early lettuce are bolting as temperatures climb above 75°F during the day — harvest what remains immediately
- Main-season crops beginning: green beans start producing in zone 6 in June; tomatoes are flowering and setting first fruit; cucumbers and squash are in active vegetative growth
- Sweet corn: knee-high or better by mid-June in zone 6 — the old timing rule holds approximately; per University of Illinois, sidedress corn with nitrogen when plants reach 6—8 inches
- Strawberries: June-bearing strawberries at peak harvest in zone 5—6 in mid-to-late June; pick every 2 days to prevent overripe fruit and gray mold spread