June in Houston is the start of the hot season, and although the temperatures make gardening more of a challenge during this season, there is still so much that can be planted.

As the temperatures heat up over the next month or so, prioritize getting these hot season plants into the garden as early this month as possible. This will allow the roots to become established for the hottest months of the summer, July, August and September.

Nightshade Family

Jalapenos, tomatillos and eggplant are plentiful during this season in the garden.

This family of plants are heavy feeders, and require regular fertilizing with a high phosphorus, organic fertilizer.

As they grow 3-4’ stakes will help support the plants and keep them upright as fruit develops.

Legume Family

Legumes are versatile and easy growers and come in bush and pole varieties.

Bush beans can be tucked into empty corners, along border or even in the center space of the kitchen garden. Pole varieties can be placed along the trellis for easy, low maintenance growing.

During the hot season yard long beans are suited to withstand the rising temperatures. They look and produce similar to a typical green bean planted during Houston’s two warm seasons.

Legumes are planted directly into the soil by seed and watered daily until germination and then consistently after that.

Roselle Family

Okra is a Southern favorite in the kitchen garden and gaining popularity in others states as well.

This productive vegetable thrives from June-September and is loaded with vitamins and minerals. A strong producer throughout the spring, summer and into the fall. Just a few okra plants will produce enough to enjoy a summer meal at least once each week.

Okra is easy to start from seed or can be transplanted by plant. Be sure to direct water seeds for the first two weeks and provide consistent water thereafter.

Cucurbit Family

Cucumbers are typically considered the quintessential spring vegetable, which Houston has two opportunities to grow in.

However, this Suyo cucumber variety, and Armenian too, are winners in the summer kitchen garden. They are heat resistant and a plentiful producer of this garden favorite.

Plant cucumbers by direct seed 1” into the soil. Be sure they receive top down watering for the first two weeks to ensure germination and consistent watering after that.

Lamiaceae Family

Basil loves the heat and humidity of Houston summers, so much so it will need frequent pruning to not overtake the garden

Sweet basil is the variety most well known for versatility and popularity of summer basil dishes. However, African Blue Basil and Thai Basil are useful and beautiful varieties that attract pollinators when allowed to flower and bring interest to your garden too.

Other herbs in the Lamiaceae family include rosemary, sage, thyme and oregano. These perennial herbs will last several years in the kitchen garden. Plant these herbs this month and enjoy them all summer long!

What to Tend in the Houston Kitchen Garden in June

While the focus is on planting this month, there's loads of tending to do. 

You'll see an increase in pests in the garden this month, mostly due to the warmer weather.  Here are the things you want to be certain to care for during the month of June.

Water: 

As the temperatures rise, be certain that your plants are receiving adequate water.  Drip irrigation systems should be increased to run for longer intervals or short intervals every day.  Spray irrigation should be applied for longer periods as well.  

Pruning:

Be certain you trim back your Cool and Warm Season plants to make way for your Hot Season ones.  Also, cut the older and lower leaves from most your plants to keep the leaves off the soil and less susceptible to pest attack.  Each week, trim the vegetables and herbs in the garden to keep them healthy and pest free. 

Managing Garden Pests in June in the Kitchen Garden

Pest Control: 

At the first site of pests, be sure to remove any damaged leaves.  Our recommended pest control plan is to have the healthiest soil and plants to start and then monitor and treat pests as necessary.

If you have a pest issue, these are our recommended steps in treatment:

• Dr. Bronner's Castille Soap 

• Garlic Barrier

• Neem Oil

• Monterey BT

We generally only resort to using Monterey BT after trying the other options.  

Support: 

Plants like bush beans, squash & zucchini, and peppers can benefit from being supported around the base of the plant by adding a little compost as a 'hill.'  This encourages the roots to spread out and stabilize the plant more.

Fertilize:

All plants in the Nightshade family benefit from receiving fertilizer at least once a month, if not every one to two weeks.  Once the first flowers form, fertilize with a phosphorous rich fertilizer at the base of the plant.  I've had great success using composted chicken manure or even simply pure compost.  This addition will provide your plant the necessary boost it needs to produce more and more fruit all season long.  

What to Harvest in June in the Houston Kitchen Garden

Though it's  a great time to be planting in June, there's also a lot to harvest.  

This month, you'll be pulling the end of your Cool Season crops like kale and other greens.  You'll also finish harvesting any remaining root crops or peas. 

You'll also be able to harvest from plants you installed at the beginning of Warm Season I in March.  This includes tomatoes, squash, beans, cucumbers, and loads and loads of herbs.  

Try to harvest a little at a time so you can use and enjoy each thing inside your kitchen without too much labor.  

Get Started Growing This Summer with Rooted Garden

The wonderful part of gardening in Houston is there is not a bad time to start! we can grow all year long and when many parts of the country are covered by snow we are still enjoying the kitchen garden.

Even in the heat of the Houston summers we are harvesting herbs, okra, eggplant, hot peppers, yard long beans, Suyo and Armenian cucumbers and more. The garden never stops in Houston!

Working with Rooted Garden for your turnkey kitchen garden installation ensures that you are supported from the beginning. We offer personalized coaching sessions, monthly garden classes and events, monthly and quarterly planting services, access to Gardenary 365 and many others resources to help you have a successful and productive kitchen garden.

Working with us begins with a garden consultation with a trained garden designer. We will help you determine the perfect garden space, create a personalized garden design and a professional artist rendering so that you can begin to envision your new garden space!

We provide an estimate and proposal for a full, turnkey kitchen garden taking the guesswork out of setting up a garden on your own. We are typically able to complete cedar garden installations within two weeks and metal garden installations within 4 weeks.