Planting calendar
June Planting Guide for San Jose, CA: Raised Beds, Containers & In-Ground Gardens
In June, San Jose gardeners can focus on warm-season crops and heat-tolerant plants in raised beds, containers, and in-ground gardens. This is an ideal time to plant tomatoes, peppers, and herbs, while starting some fall crops indoors for later transplanting. Avoid planting cool-season vegetables that struggle in the summer heat.
Plant now (quick list)
Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplants, Basil, Zucchini, Green beans, Cucumbers, Melons
Plant now
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Eggplants
- Basil
- Zucchini
- Green beans
- Cucumbers
- Melons
- Sweet potatoes
- Sunflowers
Start indoors
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Cabbage
- Brussels sprouts
- Kale
- Collard greens
- Lettuce (heat-tolerant varieties)
- Swiss chard
- Herbs like parsley and cilantro
- Spinach (for fall transplant)
Avoid
- Peas
- Radishes
- Carrots (slow growth in heat)
- Potatoes
- Broccoli (direct sow outdoors)
- Lettuce (heat-sensitive varieties)
- Spinach (direct sow outdoors)
- Beets
- Cauliflower (direct sow outdoors)
- Brussels sprouts (direct sow outdoors)
Next 2 weeks
- Mulch raised beds to conserve moisture
- Water containers daily during heat waves
- Pinch back herbs like basil to encourage bushiness
- Watch for pests like aphids and caterpillars
- Fertilize tomatoes and peppers monthly
- Thin seedlings in containers to prevent overcrowding
- Stake or cage tall plants like tomatoes
- Harvest early summer crops to encourage continuous production
- Monitor soil moisture regularly
- Prepare soil for fall crop transplanting
FAQs
Can I plant tomatoes directly in the ground in June in San Jose?
Yes, June is a great time to plant tomatoes directly in the ground as the soil has warmed sufficiently for strong growth.
How often should I water container plants during June heat?
Container plants typically need daily watering during hot June days to prevent drying out, especially in San Jose's warm climate.
Is it too late to start cool-season crops in June?
It's best to start cool-season crops like broccoli and cabbage indoors in June to transplant them in late summer for fall harvest.
What vegetables should I avoid planting outdoors in June?
Avoid planting cool-season crops like peas, radishes, and lettuce outdoors now, as high temperatures can stunt their growth.
How can I protect my garden from pests in June?
Regularly inspect plants for pests such as aphids and caterpillars, use organic insecticidal soap if needed, and encourage beneficial insects.
Next steps
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