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If you’re anything like us, June feels like the official kickoff to gardening season here in North Idaho. After months of snow, mud, frost warnings, and watching the weather forecast like a hawk, we’re finally reaching that magical time of year when the garden starts to come alive.
Last week we were enjoying temperatures in the 80s, soaking up the sunshine and spending nearly every spare minute outside. This week? Rain showers are sprinkled throughout the forecast. If you’ve lived in North Idaho for any length of time, you know that’s just part of the deal. The weather likes to keep us humble.
Our vegetables are already tucked safely into our raised garden beds and seem to be loving the mix of sunshine and rain. The raised beds have become one of our favorite gardening investments over the years because they warm up faster in the spring and help us maximize our growing space.
Now that June has arrived, it’s the perfect time to fill any remaining garden space, succession plant quick-growing crops, and add flowers and herbs that will support your vegetable garden all season long.
Why June is the Perfect Planting Month in North Idaho
Most areas of North Idaho fall between USDA Hardiness Zones 5 and 6. By June, the soil has warmed enough for many warm-season crops to thrive while cool-season vegetables can still be planted for later harvests.
If you’ve already planted your garden, June is also a great time to review your garden layout and consider adding beneficial companion plants. We recently shared our favorite companion planting guide that helps maximize harvests naturally while attracting pollinators and beneficial insects.
Vegetables to Plant in North Idaho in June
Tomatoes
June is still a great time to transplant tomatoes into the garden if you haven’t already.
Speaking of tomatoes… I may have gotten a little carried away this year. Every spring I start out with a reasonable number of tomato plants, and somehow by planting day that number has mysteriously doubled. At this point I’m convinced tomato seedlings multiply when no one is looking.
The good news is that extra tomatoes mean extra salsa, pasta sauce, and canned goods later in the season.
Peppers
Bell peppers, jalapeños, and sweet peppers all appreciate the warmer temperatures June brings.
Cucumbers
One of our favorite summer crops! Cucumbers grow quickly once the soil warms and are perfect for fresh eating or making homemade pickles.
And if you’re planning to preserve your harvest, don’t forget to stock up on your favorite canning supplies before cucumber season arrives in full force. Trust me, it sneaks up fast.
Summer Squash and Zucchini
If you’ve ever grown zucchini, you already know you’ll probably end up giving some away to neighbors. These plants are prolific producers and thrive in June.
Pumpkins
Thinking ahead to fall? June is the ideal time to plant pumpkins for Halloween and autumn decorating. I overplanted this year, but I’m excited to see our pumpkin harvest and give some as treats to the pigs!
Beans
Both bush beans and pole beans can be directly seeded into the garden this month.
Herbs to Plant in June
Fresh herbs can elevate almost any meal and are incredibly easy to grow.
Consider planting:
- Basil
- Dill
- Parsley
- Chives
- Oregano
- Thyme
- Sage
- Rosemary
Dill deserves its own special mention around here. Last year, I planted dill in one section of the garden, and this year it has apparently decided that the entire property belongs to it. Dill is popping up everywhere. Raised beds. Walkways. Random corners of the garden. Not that I’m complaining: between fresh recipes and pickle season, we’ll certainly put it to good use.
Beautiful Flowers to Plant in North Idaho in June
A garden doesn’t have to be all vegetables. Flowers attract pollinators, brighten the landscape, and make the garden feel complete.
Sunflowers
Perhaps one of the easiest flowers to grow. They also make excellent photo backdrops by late summer.
Zinnias
These colorful flowers bloom continuously and attract butterflies all season long.
Cosmos
Cosmos are drought tolerant, beautiful, and perfect for cut flower bouquets.
Marigolds
A classic garden companion that adds cheerful color throughout the growing season.
Calendula
A favorite among homesteaders for pollinator support and herbal uses.
What We’re Looking Forward to This Year
Even though the garden is already planted, June still feels full of possibility. Every rainy day and warm afternoon seems to bring noticeable growth. Before long we’ll be harvesting cucumbers, gathering baskets of tomatoes, and trying to figure out what to do with all that zucchini.
One thing we’ve learned on the homestead is that abundance comes quickly during the growing season. That’s one reason we love preserving food. Whether we’re canning vegetables, freezing produce, or using our freeze dryer, having a plan for preserving the harvest helps ensure nothing goes to waste.
If you’re interested in long-term food preservation, be sure to check out our article about using a freeze dryer on the homestead. It’s become one of our favorite tools for preserving everything from garden vegetables to eggs from our chickens.
Enjoy The Season
June gardening in North Idaho is all about possibility. Every seed planted today becomes tomorrow’s harvest, bouquet, or family meal. Whether you’re managing a large homestead, a backyard garden, or a few containers on the porch, now is the perfect time to get growing.
The weeds may be winning some days, the tomatoes may be multiplying when you’re not looking, and the dill may be attempting a hostile takeover of the garden, but that’s all part of the adventure.
Happy planting, and may your garden be abundant this season!
From our homestead to yours,
Eliza
