June planting guide · Central Europe · Zones 5–6

☀️ What to Plant
in June

June is a month full of work and reward. The garden is in full bloom, vegetables are growing fast and the first crops are ready to harvest. Water regularly, hoe weeds and keep an eye on pests. Summer pruning of fruit trees should not be forgotten.

☀️ Early summer 🍓 Strawberry season 📍 Czech Republic & Central Europe
29
Plants to water and care for
5
Trees & shrubs to prune
20
Crops ready to harvest

💧 Water and care for

June demands regular watering. Water in the morning or evening — never at midday in full sun. Feed fruiting and flowering plants weekly.

🍅
Tomato

Water, tie in and remove side shoots weekly. Consistent watering prevents blossom end rot and fruit cracking.

🌶️
Pepper

Water and feed weekly with a high-potash fertiliser. Pepper plants like warmth — in cold spells, protect with a cloche.

🥒
Cucumber

Water generously and feed every 2 weeks. Cucumbers are mostly water — drought causes bitter fruit.

🫑
Courgette

Water generously at the base. Give each plant plenty of space — they spread 1–2 m. Feed fortnightly.

🧅
Onion & Garlic

Stop watering both in June to allow bulbs to ripen. Garlic is ready when leaves begin to yellow and fall over.

🍇
Grapevine

Pinch out growing tips beyond the last bunch. Remove leaves around bunches for better air circulation and sun exposure.

🌿
Basil

Water regularly and pinch out flower tips to keep leaves coming. Basil bolts quickly in heat — keep it bushy.

💜
Petunia

Water daily and feed weekly. Deadhead regularly to keep flowers coming. One of the best balcony plants for June.

✂️ Pruning & trimming

Summer pruning keeps trees and hedges in shape and reduces disease risk. June is the only correct time for walnut.

🌰
Walnut tree

June is the ONLY correct month for pruning walnut in Czech Republic. Walnut bleeds heavily in winter/spring. Summer pruning after leaves fully open avoids this.

🍎
Apple & Pear (summer)

Cut back new extension growth to 4–5 leaves. This is the summer pruning that shapes the tree and improves fruit quality.

💜
Lilac

Prune IMMEDIATELY after flowering — removing spent flower heads and shaping. Lilac sets next year's flower buds in summer, so late pruning removes them.

🧺 Harvest in June

June brings the year's first big harvests. Strawberries and cherries are the highlights.

🍓
Strawberry

The main strawberry harvest! Pick every day in peak season. Remove runners unless you want new plants.

🍒
Cherry

Harvest ripe cherries as soon as they colour — birds will strip the tree in hours. Net the tree or pick promptly.

🔴
Red currant

Harvest red currants in full bunches. They keep well for a week in the fridge. Great for jams, juices and desserts.

🫛
Peas

Harvest young pods regularly — the more you pick, the more the plant produces. Do not let pods become hard and starchy.

Elderflower

Collect elderflower heads for cordial and lemonade. Pick on a dry sunny day when flowers are fully open and aromatic.

💜
Lavender

Harvest lavender just before fully open for the strongest fragrance. Dry in small bundles hung upside down.

💡 June gardening tips

  • Water in the morning or evening — never in midday heat
  • Remove tomato side shoots (suckers) weekly for better yield
  • Feed flowering and fruiting plants with high-potash fertiliser
  • Harvest strawberries, lettuce and herbs regularly

⚠️ Common June mistakes

  • Irregular watering — leads to blossom end rot and fruit cracking in tomatoes
  • Forgetting to tie in tomatoes and beans — stems snap in wind
  • Leaving over-ripe fruit on plants — it stops further production

Frequently asked questions

What can I harvest in June in Czech Republic?

June is the start of the main harvest season. You can harvest: lettuce, radishes, early peas, kohlrabi, spinach, strawberries, early raspberries, red currants, cherries, elderflowers (for cordial), chives, parsley, mint, thyme, rosemary and lavender as it begins to flower.

When should I prune a walnut tree?

June is the only correct time to prune a walnut tree in Czech Republic. Walnut trees bleed severely if pruned in winter or spring. Prune after the leaves are fully open in June. Remove dead wood and branches that are crossing or growing inward.

How often should I water tomatoes in June?

Water tomatoes regularly and consistently in June — irregular watering causes blossom end rot and fruit cracking. Water at the base, not on the leaves. In hot weather, water every day or every other day. Consistent moisture is more important than the total amount.

When should I remove tomato side shoots?

Remove tomato side shoots (zálistky) weekly throughout the growing season. Side shoots grow in the junction between the main stem and a leaf. Break them off when small — below 3 cm. This keeps indeterminate (cordon) tomatoes as a single stem and improves air circulation.

Log your June harvests

Keep a record of what you pick and when. A free garden diary helps you plan better each year.

Create free garden diary →

All months