Read by Matilda Longbottom
Welcome to the June 2025 issue of Food Gardening Magazine!
June brings that magical moment when the garden truly comes alive. Here in the Northeast, we’ve finally moved past the threat of frost, and I find myself spending every possible moment outdoors. My tomato seedlings are finally in the ground, my herb garden is unfurling with new growth, and I’ve been rediscovering the simple joy of dirt under my fingernails.
This month, I’ve been experimenting with companion planting more intentionally than ever before. The marigolds I’ve tucked between my tomato plants aren’t just pretty—they’re working hard to repel pests. And the nasturtiums scattered throughout my vegetable beds are pulling double duty as both vibrant decorations and edible treats that add a peppery punch to summer salads.
I’m also embracing what I call “garden listening”—taking time each morning to simply observe what’s happening in my garden without immediately jumping to fix, weed, or harvest. It’s amazing what you notice when you slow down: the pattern of leaf growth that signals a need for more water, the specific buzz of beneficial insects, or the subtle color change that indicates your lettuce is about to bolt. These quiet moments often reveal the most important garden tasks of the day.
Fresh Takes
June is a month of transition and opportunity in the garden. Whether you’re planting heat-loving crops or battling the season’s first wave of pests, we’ve got you covered with zone-specific guidance:
- What to Plant in June in Zones 4-6: Make the most of your shorter growing season with fast-maturing crops and succession planting strategies.
- What to Plant in June in Zones 7-8: Balance heat management with planting opportunities as summer intensifies.
- What to Plant in June in Zones 9-10: Navigate the challenging combination of heat and humidity while preparing for fall planting.
Plant Close-Ups
This month’s plant profiles tackle some of the most fascinating (and occasionally frustrating) aspects of garden management:
- Taming Invasive Oregano Without Losing Your Garden or Your Sanity: Strategic containment methods that preserve flavor without sacrificing your entire garden bed.
- Decoding Tomato Leaf Aromas to Detect Disease Before Visible Symptoms: Train your nose to catch problems before they spread.
- Why Your Sweet Basil Suddenly Tastes Like Licorice and How to Fix It: Understanding the environmental factors that trigger flavor shifts in herbs.
- Root Pruning Secrets to Convert Unruly Blackberry Plants into Productive Bushes: Transform sprawling canes into manageable, high-yielding plants.
- How Cucumber Tendril Patterns Reveal Crucial Information About Plant Health: Read the subtle signs your climbing vegetables are sending you.
Get Your 2025 Summer Garden Planning Calendar Kit
June is the perfect time to fine-tune your garden plan for maximum harvest through fall. Our Summer Garden Planning Calendar Kit offers monthly guidance for planting, maintenance, and harvesting. Gold Members can download this invaluable resource today!
Featured Videos
Expand your gardening horizons with this month’s video collection:
- Planting an Herb Garden: From Seed to Seasoning: Create a culinary herb garden that transitions seamlessly from garden to kitchen.
- Herby Green Goddess Dressing: Transform garden herbs into a versatile dressing that elevates summer salads and grilled vegetables.
- Grilled Eggplant Marinade with Garlic and Basil: Make the most of summer’s nightshade bounty with this flavor-packed preparation.
- Planning Raised Beds: Questions to Ask First: Essential considerations before building that ensure long-term success and easy maintenance.
- How to Propagate a Blueberry Bush from Cuttings: A Step-by-Step Guide: Expand your berry patch without breaking the bank.
Burger Bonanza
Nothing says June quite like firing up the grill! We’ve gathered our favorite garden-to-grill burger recipes that showcase seasonal produce:
- Savory Sweet Potato Burger: Earthy, satisfying patties topped with garden-fresh fixings.
- Soy Sauce Burgers with Coleslaw: Umami-rich beef burgers paired with crisp, tangy homegrown cabbage slaw.
- Turkey Burgers with Greek Yogurt Dressing: Lighter fare featuring fresh herbs and cool yogurt sauce.
- Guac Turkey Burgers: Southwestern-inspired patties topped with creamy avocado and garden tomatoes.
- Garden Basil & Caramelized Onion Chicken Burgers: Aromatic herb-infused patties complemented by sweet, slow-cooked onions.
Let Your Garden Lead the Way
Don’t forget to download your Summer Food Garden Planning Calendar Kit! Gold Members can explore our Gardening Kits tab for additional resources:
Check them out now, and download your favorites!
As June unfolds, remember that the garden responds best to attentive care rather than rigid schedules. Listen to what your plants are telling you, respond to their needs, and take time to simply enjoy the abundance that surrounds you. The most successful gardens are those tended with both knowledge and joy.
Happy gardening!
Warm regards,
Christy Page
Editor & Publisher
P.S. Have you ever noticed how herbs can taste dramatically different depending on when you harvest them? I’ve found that basil picked in the cool morning hours has a brighter, more complex flavor than afternoon-harvested leaves. What garden observations have surprised you lately? Share in the comments below!
