What to Plant in June for Self-Sufficiency: Best Plants

Are you looking to become more self-sufficient in your food production?

Consider starting a survival garden with a focus on growing your own foods. Vertical gardening is a great way to maximize space, especially for tomato plants. Not only does it provide you with fresh produce, but it also reduces the need for trips to the grocery store and supports sustainable living practices.

There are several staple crops that can be planted in a sustainable garden for a bountiful harvest.

Winter wheat and grain corn are excellent choices for those looking to produce their own grains, while beans and corn are perfect vegetables for summer meals.

Spring greens such as lettuce and spinach can be harvested within weeks of planting, providing quick results for a survival garden.

Whether you have days or weeks to spare, these options will ensure that you have fresh produce throughout the entire year. So grab a book on gardening, and let’s get started with growing vegetables, green beans, and other nutritious foods from seed!

Benefits of Growing Crops for Self-Sufficiency

Cost-effectiveness

Growing vegetables in your garden, including green beans, can be a cost-effective way to achieve self-sufficiency through vertical gardening. By growing your own foods, you save money on groceries and reduce the amount of money spent on eating out.

You can save money by buying seeds instead of purchasing fully-grown vegetable plants.

To make the most out of your gardening efforts, choose foods that are easy to grow and maintain from seed. Some cost-effective options include green beans and cabbage, and,

• Tomatoes
• Lettuce
• Beans
• Peppers
• Herbs

By growing these foods in your sustainable garden, you can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars yearly while ensuring a sufficient survival garden.

Last update on 2025-11-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Health benefits

Growing your crops in a sustainable garden also has numerous health benefits. For one, it gives you more control over what goes into your food. By using organic methods and avoiding pesticides, you can ensure that the food you eat from your survival garden is free from harmful chemicals.

With a sufficient garden, you can even grow wheat to provide a source of grains for your family.

Homegrown produce, especially from a sufficient garden, is often fresher than store-bought produce. This means that staple crops like cabbage and corn retain more nutrients and have a better flavor profile. Consequently, consuming fresh fruits and vegetables, including these staples, can help improve overall health and well-being.

Some healthy crops to consider planting in June include:

• Kale
• Spinach
• Broccoli
• Carrots
• Strawberries

These nutrient-dense foods, including sufficient garden varieties and staple crops, will provide essential vitamins and minerals and taste delicious. Don’t forget to add some corn to your diet for added nutrition.

Environmental benefits

Growing sufficient garden crops at home with wheat, corn, and other produce is also an environmentally friendly choice for the family. When we buy produce from grocery stores or farmers’ markets, we contribute to carbon emissions by supporting transportation networks that bring products from faraway places.

However, when we grow our own staple crops locally, we reduce the carbon footprint associated with transporting varieties of goods like corn and wheat long distances.

Home gardens promote biodiversity by providing habitats for pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

To further minimize environmental impact while gardening in June for self-sufficiency purposes, consider planting staple crops such as wheat, corn, and other varieties.

• Zucchini
• Cucumbers
• Peas
• Tomatoes
• Sunflowers

These staple crops, such as wheat and corn, are easy to grow and require little maintenance, making them an eco-friendly choice for any family gardener.

Tips for Successful Crop Growth in a Self-Sufficient Garden

Soil Preparation Tips

Soil preparation is crucial for growing staple crops like wheat and corn. A sufficient family garden requires hard work and dedication, but the rewards are worth it.

Here are some tips for preparing your soil:

• Test your soil: Before planting staple crops such as corn and wheat for your family, test your soil to determine its pH level and nutrient content. You can purchase a testing kit at any gardening store or send a sample to a lab for analysis.
• Amend your garden soil: Depending on the results of your soil test, you may need to add amendments such as compost, manure, or lime to adjust the pH level and provide nutrients for your corn and other staple crops that are important for your family’s food supply.
• Use raised beds: If you have poor quality soil or limited space in your garden, consider using raised beds filled with high-quality soil mixtures for staple crops such as corn. This is a great way to provide your family with fresh produce.

Watering and Irrigation Tips

Proper watering and irrigation are essential for successful staple crop growth in any garden. Here are some tips for keeping your staple crops hydrated:

• Water deeply: Instead of watering your garden frequently but shallowly, water deeply once or twice a week. This encourages deeper root growth for your staple crops and helps them withstand drought conditions.
• Mulch: Apply a layer of organic mulch around your garden plants and staple crops to help retain moisture in the soil.
• Consider drip irrigation: Drip irrigation systems deliver water directly to garden plant roots, reducing garden water waste and promoting healthy garden growth.

Pest Control Tips

Pests can quickly destroy crops if left unchecked. Here are some tips for controlling pests in your self-sufficient garden:

• Attract beneficial insects to your garden: Plant flowers that attract beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings that eat harmful pests like aphids.
• Companion planting: Some garden plants repel pests naturally. For example, planting marigolds alongside tomato plants in your garden can deter nematodes from attacking the roots.
• Handpick garden pests: If you notice an infestation of caterpillars or other pests in your garden, remove them by hand and dispose of them.

Bonus Tips: Vertical Gardening and Fall Gardens

In addition to the above tips, consider incorporating vertical gardening techniques into your self-sufficient garden. Growing plants vertically saves space and allows for more efficient use of sunlight.

Finally, don’t forget about the fall gardens! Many crops can be sown in late summer for a bountiful fall harvest. Consider planting cool-season vegetables like broccoli, kale, and carrots in June for a delicious autumn crop.

List of Crops to Sow in June for Self-Sufficiency

Variety of Vegetable Options Available

June is a great time to start sowing vegetables for self-sufficiency in your garden. There are many options available, depending on your location and climate.

Some popular choices include:

• Tomatoes: These garden crops love the heat and will thrive in warm weather. They require plenty of sunlight and well-drained soil.
• Peppers: Similar to tomatoes, peppers prefer hot weather and lots of sunshine. They come in many varieties, from sweet bell peppers to spicy chili peppers. Growing them in your garden can be a rewarding experience.
• Cucumbers: These refreshing veggies are perfect for summer salads or pickling. They need plenty of water and well-drained soil.
• Zucchini: This versatile vegetable can be used in many dishes, from stir-fries to breads. It grows quickly and needs plenty of space to spread out.
• Beans: Green beans or snap peas are easy to grow and produce a high yield. They need support as they grow, so plan accordingly.

Seasonal Suitability of Crops

When choosing what crops to sow in June, it’s important to consider the seasonal suitability of each crop. Some plants do better in cooler weather while others thrive in hotter temperatures.

For example:

• Leafy greens like lettuce and spinach prefer cooler temperatures, so they may not do as well if you live in a hot climate.
• Root vegetables like carrots and radishes can handle some heat but don’t like extreme temperatures.
• Squash and melons need warm weather but can be sensitive to frost.

Make sure you research which crops are best suited for your specific location before planting.

High-Yield Potential

Another important factor when deciding what crops to sow is their potential yield. You want to choose plants that will produce enough food for your family without taking up too much space.

Some high-yield options include:

• Tomatoes: These plants can produce a lot of fruit if cared for properly. One plant can yield up to 20 pounds of tomatoes!
• Zucchini: This fast-growing vegetable can produce several pounds of fruit per plant.
• Beans: As mentioned earlier, green beans and snap peas are easy to grow and can produce a high yield.

When planning your garden, consider the space needed for each plant and how much food it will produce. You don’t want to overcrowd your garden or end up with too little food.

Last update on 2025-11-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Consider Family Preferences When Choosing Crops

Choosing the right crops to sow is crucial. June is an excellent time to start planting your field crops. However, before you decide what crops to plant, you need to consider your family’s preferences.

Importance of considering taste preferences

One of the essential factors in choosing the right crop is taste preference. You want to grow something that your family will enjoy eating. It is especially important if you are growing vegetables or fruits for their nutritional value.

If you have picky eaters in your family, try introducing new varieties slowly. For example, if they don’t like spinach, try kale instead. You can also experiment with different cooking methods or recipes to make them more appealing.

Here are some good choices for families who love:

• Sweet flavors: strawberries, watermelon, cantaloupe
• Savory flavors: tomatoes, peppers, onions
• Bitter flavors: arugula, radicchio

Nutritional needs and dietary restrictions

Another factor to consider when choosing crops is nutritional needs and dietary restrictions. If someone in your family has a specific dietary requirement or restriction (such as gluten-free or vegan), you must choose crops that meet their needs.

For example:

• Gluten-free: rice, quinoa, corn
• Vegan: beans, peas, lentils
• Low-carb: cauliflower, broccoli

It’s also important to choose heirloom varieties whenever possible since they tend to be more nutritious than modern hybrids.

Amount needed for family consumption

Finally, when deciding what crops to sow in June for self-sufficiency purposes, it’s essential to consider how much of each crop you’ll need for your family’s consumption.

The amount you’ll need depends on several factors, such as the number of people in your family and how much each person eats.

A general rule of thumb is to plant enough to provide each person with two servings daily.

Here are some examples of how much to plant for a family of four:

• Tomatoes: 12 plants
• Green beans: 24 plants
• Lettuce: 16 plants

It’s also important to consider how long each crop takes to mature and how much yield you can expect. For example, if you have limited space, it may be better to choose crops that produce a lot in a small area, such as cherry tomatoes or zucchini.

Maximize Space: Onions and Garlic

Space-saving qualities of onions and garlic

Maximizing space is crucial. Onions and garlic are excellent crops to sow in June because they have space-saving qualities. These crops take up very little room in your garden, making them perfect for small-scale farming.

Onions can be grown in various ways, including from sets or seeds. They have a shallow root system, which means they don’t need much space to grow.

You can plant onions as close as four inches apart in rows that are 12-18 inches apart. This allows you to maximize the number of plants per square foot.

Garlic is another crop that takes up very little space but yields big rewards. It grows well in raised beds or containers and can be planted as close as six inches apart.

If you’re short on outdoor space, you can even grow garlic indoors under grow lights.

Versatility in cooking

Onions and garlic are staples in many kitchens worldwide due to their versatility in cooking. They add flavor to dishes and are used as a base for many sauces, soups, stews, and casseroles.

Onions come in a wide range of varieties with different flavors and textures. Some popular types include red, white, yellow, shallots, and scallions (green onions). They can be eaten raw or cooked and are commonly used in salads, sandwiches, burgers, omelets, quiches, stir-fries, curries, and more.

Garlic has a strong flavor that adds depth to dishes without overpowering other ingredients. It’s often used as a seasoning for meats like chicken and beef or roasted vegetables like potatoes and carrots. Garlic is also an essential ingredient for making tomato sauce.

Long shelf life

Another benefit of growing onions and garlic is their long shelf life. When stored properly, they can last for months without spoiling.

This makes them ideal crops for self-sufficiency because you can harvest them in the summer and enjoy them throughout the fall and winter.

Cut off the tops and roots to store onions, leaving a small amount of stem intact. Place them in a cool, dry place like a root cellar or basement. You can also store onions in plastic boxes with holes for ventilation.

Garlic should be dried before storing to prevent mold growth. Hang garlic bulbs in a warm, dry place until the outer layers are papery and brittle. Then remove any dirt or debris and store the bulbs in a mesh bag or basket in a cool, dark place.

Easy-Storing, High-Calorie Crops: Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes, Winter Squash

If you’re looking to become more self-sufficient in your food supply, one of the best things you can do is grow your own crops. While there are many different types of vegetables and fruits that you can grow, some are better suited for long-term storage and high-calorie density than others.

Nutritional Value and Calorie Density

One of the main reasons why these crops are so great for self-sufficiency is because they offer a lot of nutritional value and calorie density.

For example:

• Potatoes: A single potato contains around 110 calories and is a good vitamin C, potassium, and fiber source.
• Sweet Potatoes: A single sweet potato contains around 100 calories and is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, and fiber.
• Winter Squash: One cup of cooked winter squash contains around 80 calories and is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, and fiber.

By growing these crops yourself instead of relying on the grocery store to provide them for you, you’ll have access to nutrient-dense foods that will help keep you healthy while also providing plenty of energy to fuel your daily activities.

Long-Term Storage Capabilities

Another benefit of these crops is their long-term storage capabilities. Unlike many other vegetables that need to be eaten within a few days or weeks after harvesting them (such as carrots or collards), potatoes, sweet potatoes, and winter squash can last for several months if stored properly.

Here are some tips for storing each crop:

• Potatoes: Store in a cool (40-50°F), dark place with good ventilation (such as a basement or root cellar). Do not store near onions or apples, as they can cause potatoes to spoil faster.
• Sweet Potatoes: Store in a cool (55-60°F), dark place with good ventilation. Do not refrigerate, as this can cause the sweet potatoes to become hard and woody.
• Winter Squash: Store in a cool (50-55°F), dry place with good ventilation. Do not stack squash on top of each other, as this can cause them to rot.

By growing these crops and storing them properly, you’ll have access to fresh, nutritious food even during the winter months when other crops may not be available.

Versatile Culinary Uses

Finally, one of the great things about these crops is their versatility in the kitchen. They can be used in a wide variety of dishes and prepared in many different ways.

Here are some ideas for using a crop:

• Potatoes: Roasted, mashed, boiled, fried, baked – potatoes are incredibly versatile and can be used as a side dish or incorporated into main dishes like stews or casseroles.

Last update on 2025-11-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Succession Planting to Maximize Your Harvest

Explanation on Succession Planting

Succession planting is a technique gardeners use to maximize their harvest throughout the growing season. It involves planting crops in stages rather than all at once, to ensure a continuous supply of fresh produce. This method can help you make the most of your garden space and extend your harvest well into the fall.

How it Can Increase Yield

By planting crops in succession, you can avoid having all of your vegetables ripen at once, which can be overwhelming. Instead, you can stagger plantings to have a steady supply of fresh produce throughout the season. This means you’ll be able to enjoy your harvest for longer and waste less food overall.

Succession planting also helps to prevent soil depletion by rotating crops and allowing nutrients to replenish between plantings. It can help you avoid pest and disease problems that often arise when plants are grown too close together.

Example Crops Suitable for Succession Planting

Here are some examples of crops that are suitable for succession planting:

• Lettuce: Sow lettuce seeds every two weeks from early spring until late summer for a continuous supply of fresh greens.
• Radishes: These fast-growing vegetables only take about 3-4 weeks to mature, so they’re perfect for succession planting.
• Beans: Bush beans can be planted every two weeks from late spring until midsummer for multiple harvests.
• Carrots: Sow carrot seeds every few weeks starting in early spring or late summer for a steady supply of these tasty root vegetables.
• Peas: Plant peas in early spring and again in midsummer for two separate harvests.

Planning Your Succession Planting Strategy

To get started with succession planting, it’s important to plan out your garden space and choose which crops will work best for your needs. Consider factors such as how much space you have, how long each crop takes to mature, and when you want to harvest your produce.

Here are some tips for planning your succession planting strategy:

1. Make a list of the crops you want to grow and their growing season.
2. Determine how much space you have available for each crop.
3. Decide on a planting schedule based on the needs of each crop and the length of your growing season.
4. Keep track of planting dates and expected harvest times so that you can plan ahead for preserving or using your produce.

By following these tips, you’ll be able to maximize your garden’s potential and enjoy a bountiful harvest all season long.

Happy planting!

Conclusion on Crops for Self-Sufficiency in June

Growing your own crops for self-sufficiency can be a rewarding experience, both financially and health-wise. By sowing the right crops in June, you can ensure a bountiful harvest later in the year.

Here are some key takeaways from this article:

• Growing your own crops for self-sufficiency can save you money while providing fresh, healthy produce.
• To ensure successful crop growth, consider factors such as soil quality, water supply, and sunlight exposure.
• In June, consider sowing crops such as beans, cucumbers, tomatoes, and peppers for a variety of fresh produce options.
• When choosing which crops to sow, consider your family’s preferences to maximize enjoyment and reduce waste.
• Certain crops like onions and garlic can help maximize space, while others like potatoes and winter squash provide high-calorie options that store well.

To get started on your journey towards self-sufficiency through crop growing, we recommend doing some research on the specific types of plants that will grow best in your area during this time of year. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different varieties to find what works best for you.

FAQs

Q: Do I need any special equipment or tools to start growing my own crops?

A: While there are certain tools that can make gardening easier (such as a hoe or trowel), they are not essential. With some basic supplies like seeds and soil, you can start growing your own crops today!

Q: How much time do I need to commit each day/week to maintain my garden?

A: The amount of time required will depend on the size of your garden and the types of plants you are growing. However, most gardens require at least a few minutes daily for watering and maintenance tasks.

Q: Can I grow all types of vegetables/fruits in my garden?

A: Depending on where you live and the conditions of your garden, some crops may be more difficult to grow than others. However, with some research and experimentation, you can find a variety of fruits and vegetables that will thrive in your garden.

Q: Is it possible to grow crops year-round for self-sufficiency?

A: While it may be challenging depending on your location and climate, growing crops year-round using greenhouses or other protective structures is possible.

Q: Are there any health benefits to growing my own produce?

A: Yes! By growing your own produce, you have control over what chemicals (if any) are used in the growing process. Fresh produce is often more nutrient-dense than store-bought options that may have been sitting on shelves for extended periods of time.

Good Luck With Your Gardening!