What to Plant in Your Allotment in June

dorsetcountrylife
5 hours ago
3 min read

As we reach June, summer is in full swing and allotments are buzzing with activity. It’s a key month in the gardening calendar: seedlings are stretching toward the sun, earlier crops are ready for harvesting, and there’s still plenty of time to sow fresh produce.

Whether you’re a seasoned allotment keeper or just getting started, here’s your guide to what to plant in June to keep your plot productive through summer and beyond.

My Dorset Allotment at the beginning of June.

🥕 Vegetables to Sow Outdoors in June

1. Carrots (late varieties) June is your last chance to sow maincrop carrots. Opt for varieties like ‘Autumn King’ or ‘Flakkee’. These can be harvested in late autumn and even stored through winter.

2. French Beans & Runner Beans, Both dwarf and climbing varieties can go in now. Beans are fast growers in warm weather—just remember they’ll need support.

3. Beetroot Perfect for successional sowing. Sow every two weeks to enjoy a steady harvest. Try ‘Boltardy’ for reliability, or my personal favourite ‘Chioggia’ for a beautiful pink-and-white interior.

4. Lettuce and Salad Leaves, Sow a mix of cut-and-come-again varieties like rocket, mizuna, and lamb’s lettuce for fresh, leafy salads all summer. Choose bolt-resistant types for warmer weather especially as it has been so warm and dry already this year.

5. Spring Onions, Quick-growing and easy to tuck between other crops, spring onions like ‘White Lisbon’ which is my personal choice. Spring onions are great for summer salads.

6. Turnips and Kohlrabi, Fast maturing and easy to grow, these root crops add variety to your summer meals. They do best in cooler spells, so try to sow early in the month.

7. Courgettes and Pumpkins,You can still sow courgettes directly outdoors if you missed starting them indoors. Likewise, pumpkins and squash can be planted out now—but they need space and plenty of water.

🌱 Things to Plant Out in June

If you started crops indoors earlier in spring, June is prime time to plant them out:

Tomatoes (especially bush or cordon varieties in greenhouses or warm spots)
Sweetcorn (best planted in blocks for pollination)
Brassicas like cabbages, cauliflowers, and kale (net them to keep cabbage whites away. This year I'm growing mine under a double bed mosquito net)
Leeks (best transplanted now for a winter crop)

🌿 Herbs to Sow and Grow

June is great for both sowing and planting herbs:

Basil (perfect companion for tomatoes, I plant mine in the greenhouse in front of the tomato's)
Parsley, chives, and coriander (enjoy partial shade in hot weather)
Mint (plant in containers to stop it taking over)

🌻 Flowers for Pollinators and Pests

Adding companion flowers can help with pest control and attract pollinators:

Marigolds: deter aphids and whitefly
Nasturtiums: lure pests away from your brassicas
Calendula: edible petals and a pollinator favourite

🌦️ Tips for June Allotment Care

Water wisely: Water deeply, not frequently, to encourage strong root growth.
Mulch: Retain moisture and suppress weeds with a layer of compost or straw.
Watch for pests: Aphids, slugs, and caterpillars can thrive in summer warmth.
Harvest often: Picking crops like peas, beans, and courgettes encourages more to grow.

June is one of the most rewarding months on the allotment. With longer days and warmer nights, you can sow, plant, and reap all in the same week. So grab your tools, soak in the sunshine, and get growing—your allotment will thank you.

Happy growing! Do you have any favourite crops or June planting tips? 🌱