What to Plant in June in Ontario, Alberta, and BC

Gardening in June is a rewarding experience across Canada, especially in Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia. The warmer days and longer sunlight hours create ideal conditions for planting a variety of vegetables, herbs, and flowers. Whether you’re just starting a garden or looking to add more to your growing space, knowing what to plant in June can help you make the most of the season. Each province has different weather patterns and growing zones, so understanding what works best in your area is key to a successful harvest.

This guide is meant for beginners and experienced gardeners alike. We’ll break down the best things to plant in June for each province, including vegetables that love warm soil, herbs that thrive in containers, and flowers that bring colour to your yard. From Toronto to Calgary to Vancouver, you’ll find helpful tips that match your region’s climate and growing season.

What to Plant in June in Ontario

Ontario gardens are in full swing by June. The risk of frost is mostly gone, making it a perfect time to plant both warm-season vegetables and fast-growing crops.

Vegetables:

In Southern Ontario, you can safely plant tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, zucchini, corn, and beans. These crops love the warm soil and will grow quickly with regular sun and watering. If you’re planting tomatoes, choose a sunny spot and use cages or stakes for support. Beans can be planted directly into the soil and don’t need much maintenance aside from watering.

Herbs:

Basil, parsley, thyme, and cilantro grow well when planted in June. Basil loves heat and does best when started from transplants rather than seeds. These herbs can be planted in garden beds or containers, making them ideal even for small spaces like balconies.

Flowers:

Marigolds, zinnias, cosmos, and sunflowers are great choices for Ontario gardens. These flowers grow quickly and bring pollinators like bees and butterflies. You can also plant perennials like echinacea and black-eyed Susans if you’re looking to build a lasting flower garden.

What to Plant in June in Alberta

Alberta has a shorter growing season due to its cooler climate, but June is the ideal time to plant fast-maturing vegetables and hardy plants that can handle temperature swings.

Vegetables:

By June, the soil has warmed enough for planting carrots, lettuce, radishes, peas, and Swiss chard. These cool-weather vegetables grow quickly and can be harvested within a few weeks. You can also plant transplants of cabbage, cauliflower, and broccoli for a late summer harvest.

Warm-Season Crops:

If you’re in Southern Alberta, you can try planting tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers using starter plants. Make sure to place them in the sunniest spot in your garden and protect them if a surprise cold night hits.

Herbs:

Hardy herbs like chives, dill, mint, and oregano do well in Alberta gardens. Dill and mint can spread quickly, so growing them in containers can help keep them under control. June is also a good time to divide and replant established herbs to give them more space.

Flowers:

Petunias, violas, and snapdragons are great annuals for Alberta. These flowers are cold-tolerant and can handle the cooler nights. You can also plant perennials like lupins and yarrow that will come back year after year.

What to Plant in June in British Columbia

British Columbia has a diverse climate, but many areas—especially along the coast—enjoy a long and mild growing season. June is one of the best times to plant a wide range of crops.

Vegetables:

In most parts of BC, you can plant beans, squash, pumpkins, tomatoes, eggplants, and corn in June. These warm-season vegetables thrive with steady sun and warm soil. Fast-growing crops like spinach, lettuce, and radishes can still be planted for another round of harvest.

Herbs:

Herbs like rosemary, basil, sage, and thyme thrive in BC’s moderate temperatures. These herbs prefer full sun and well-draining soil. They can be planted in the ground or in pots, and they’ll produce all summer if harvested regularly.

Flowers:

June is a good month for planting colourful annuals like nasturtiums, calendula, and begonias. If you’re looking for lasting blooms, perennials such as lavender and coreopsis are excellent choices in BC. These plants also attract pollinators and are drought-tolerant once established.

Fruit and Berries:

You can also plant strawberries and raspberry bushes in June. These fruits will not only produce this year (depending on the variety), but also give you even better results next summer. Make sure they get full sun and consistent watering.

General Gardening Tips for June in Canada

1. Water Wisely:

Water your garden early in the morning or late in the evening to reduce evaporation. Focus on the roots rather than the leaves to help plants grow strong and healthy.

2. Mulch:

Adding mulch around your plants helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and keep the soil temperature even. Organic mulch like straw or shredded leaves is ideal.

3. Feed Your Plants:

Use a balanced fertilizer for vegetables and flowering plants. Herbs usually don’t need much fertilizer, but leafy greens like lettuce or spinach will grow better with a little boost.

4. Watch for Pests:

Check the undersides of leaves and new growth for signs of pests. Use natural solutions like neem oil or hand-picking when possible.

5. Succession Planting:

To make the most of your garden space, consider succession planting. As soon as one crop is harvested, plant another in its place. Lettuce, radishes, and spinach are great for this method.

Knowing what to plant in June in Ontario, Alberta, and BC can help you grow a healthy and beautiful garden. Whether you're focused on growing your own vegetables, harvesting herbs for the kitchen, or simply adding colour with flowers, June is a great month to get things growing. Each province has its own climate, so choosing the right crops for your location is important for success. Stick with warm-season vegetables, fast-growing greens, and heat-loving herbs to enjoy a productive garden throughout the summer. Keep your soil healthy, your plants watered, and your space well-loved—and your garden will thank you.