June has arrived! Discover the best fruits and vegetables to grow this month. Garden tunnels allow you to grow all year round making them a valuable asset to have in your garden. If you’re struggling to know what to grow in June, look at our helpful growing guide!
WHat can you grow in your polytunnel this season?
June is a great month for polytunnel growing. This is because it’s the time to plant a wide range of crops. It’s also a great time to check on your overwintering plants, which will grow much more in warmer weather!
Growing fruits in June
A polytunnel can provide a controlled environment for your different plants. This can be beneficial when growing various fruits and vegetables and enables you to grow some out-of-season. Now that June has arrived, the fruits and vegetables you start will typically be ready for harvest in late summer or autumn.
Growing strawberries in a garden tunnel
Usually, you would plant strawberries in early spring, but you can plant late-season varieties that will fruit in late summer and early autumn. These will grow well in containers or directly in the soil in your polytunnel and should have enough space between them. June-planted strawberries typically require a few months to establish and develop fruit. Depending on the variety, you can expect to start harvesting strawberries around 4-6 weeks after the plants begin flowering. Look for fully ripe berries with a deep red colour and sweet fragrance. Gently pick them without damaging the plant.
Growing raspberries
Raspberries that fruit in the autumn can be planted in your garden tunnel now and will produce delicious fruit in the later summer or early autumn. Raspberry plants can take longer to produce fruit, typically requiring a year after planting to establish a productive crop. However, some varieties may produce a small harvest during their first year. For most varieties, expect a more substantial harvest in the second year. Harvest raspberries when they are fully coloured, easy to detach from the plant, and have a soft yet firm texture.
Garden Tunnel melons
The heat a polytunnel provides is ideal for melons, and there is just enough time to get them going in June! Melons, including cantaloupes and watermelons, require a longer growing season and warm temperatures to mature and ripen their fruits. Depending on their variety, melons can take anywhere from 70 to 100 days or more from planting to harvest. Look for signs of maturity, such as a change in colour, a sweet aroma, and a slight softening of the fruit’s skin. Additionally, some melon varieties may slip or separate easily from the vine when they are ready to be harvested.
These are general guidelines, and the harvesting times can vary depending on the fruit, climate and growing conditions, as well as the specific requirements of the fruit. Remember to monitor your plant’s growth, observe their fruits’ colour, scent and texture.
Vegetables to grow in June
There is a wide variety of vegetables that you can grow in June in your polytunnel. Some of these include:
Growing root vegetables
Root vegetables are great for growing in your polytunnel. Some of these include beetroot, carrots, and turnips, and these can all be sown directly into the ground in your polytunnel. Beetroots can be harvested around 6-8 weeks after planting when they are small and tender. For larger-size beetroots, wait until they have reached the desired size, usually 2-3 months after planting. Carrots generally take a bit longer, usually 2-3 months after planting, and turnips can be harvested when small and tender 6-8 weeks after planting.
Legumes in a garden tunnel
Some legumes can also be sown in June such as french beans, runner beans and peas. These are typically harvested when pods are fully developed, and the seeds inside are plump. This can range from 8-12 weeks, depending on the variety.
Brassicas
Late-season cabbages, kale and broccoli, can grow in June for a later summer or autumn harvest. These have varying harvest times; leafy greens like kale can be harvested as young leaves within a month or so after planting but can be harvested when they reach a desirable size. Harvest cabbage heads when they are firm and dense and broccoli heads when the florets are developed but not open yet.
Growing squash and pumpkins
You can sow these directly into the ground in June, and they’ll have time to mature by autumn. Summer squash varieties are often harvested when the fruits are young and tender, usually 80 – 120 days from planting to harvest. Harvest the fruits when their skin hardens and the vines start to wither or die back.
Growing tomatoes in a polytunnel
These usually need to be started earlier in the year, but if you buy younger plants (rather than starting from seed), you can still get a good harvest. They can take around 60-85 days from planting to harvest, depending on the variety. Harvest tomatoes when they reach their desired size, colour and firmness. They should be full-coloured and have a slight give when gently squeezed.
Cucumbers and courgettes in a garden tunnel
Like tomatoes, these usually start earlier in the year, but if you can get hold of young plants, you can still plant these now. They tend to be ready for harvest around 50-70 days after planting, depending on the variety. Harvest them when they are firm, crisp, and reach the desired size. Courgettes can be harvested when they are 6-8 inches long and have glossy skin.
Growing herbs
Many herbs, like basil, dill, coriander and parsley, can be sown in June. The harvesting time for herbs can vary depending on the specific herb. However, many herbs can be harvested throughout the growing season, starting when the plants have established enough foliage. You can harvest leaves as needed, ensuring you leave enough for the plant to continue growing.
It’s important to remember that these are general guidelines for growing vegetables in a polytunnel, and harvesting times can vary depending on specific growing conditions. Take a look at our guide on how to raise a thriving garden for more tips!
Planting root vegetables and other crops in June in a polytunnel can provide an ideal environment for their growth and development throughout the seasons and help provide a successful harvest all year round. There are also many other benefits to growing fruits and vegetables such as helping the environment and saving money in the long-run.