What to plant in June.

June is one of the hardest months for the Phoenix Gardener.  In fact, the hottest ever recorded temperature occurred June 26, 1990.  It got to 122* F.  That’s hot, so hot that they grounded all airplanes from leaving Phoenix airport because they were afraid the heat would reduce the lift and the airplanes couldn’t take off!

What’s even crazier to me is there are still things that will grow in the Valley of the Sun during these crazy temperatures.  Honestly, it’s Mind boggling.

death valley, sunset, plane-4275549.jpg
OK, maybe a bit dramatic. But it got HOT!

So what can be planted in Phoenix during the month of June?

Here’s the very short list:

Amaranth – This can be planted from Seed or Transplants

Armenian Cucumber – They love the heat, and can be planted via seed.

Armenian Cucumber, Fresh Cut
Perfect size for Armenian Cucumbers.

Basil – You have an outside chance of getting basil to grow (February to April are the best months to plant it).  I prefer to get the fresh potted basil at the grocery store and transplant it.

Black-eyed peas (Cowpeas) – These things love the heat, and while production slows down during the hottest months, they will make it through the entire summer and into fall.  They can be planted by seed or transplant.

Gardening Black-Eyed Pea
Fresh shelled Black-Eyed Peas

Cantaloupe – Plant this via seed, like everything else, they taste way better grown fresh.

Sunflowers – If you want seeds to eat, Mammoth is the way to go.  However, really any sunflowers can be grown.  Plant these via seeds.

Sunflower Seeds Ready to be Boiled and Roasted for Eating.

Sweet Potatoes – These can be planted via sweet potato slips.  This is your last month to get these in the ground for the year.

There are 3 plants in a window sill. They are sweet potatoes that are starting to grow slips. The slips vary in color from purple to green.
Sweet Potato Slips Waiting to be Planted in the Garden.

Yardlong beans (Snake Beans) – These are a super fun crop to grow, as the beans get really long.  They can be planted via seeds or transplants.

Size of a Yardlong (Snake Bean). They can get much longer too.

Summary:

It’s a tough month to get things started here in the desert.  However, these will grow.  I wish you the best of luck.  Get out and Garden!