Still Time to Plant: Late-Season Veggie Starts for NC Gardens

Rooted: Thoughts, Stories, and How-To's from Brawley Seed Co.

Think it’s too late to plant vegetables? Not even close. Thanks to our long growing season in North Carolina, June is prime time to put in late-season veggie starts — and still get a solid summer harvest. Whether you're filling in some gaps or just getting started, there are plenty of heat-loving crops that thrive when planted now.

Weekend plans locked and loaded: Fresh Vegetable Plants at Brawley Seed Co.

At Brawley Seed Co., we’re still fully stocked with late-season veggie starts and seeds that thrive in the heat and produce fast. Whether you're filling in gaps or starting fresh, here's what you can plant now and enjoy harvesting before fall.

Why Late-Season Veggies Starts Work in North Carolina

Thanks to our extended growing season and hot, sunny summers, North Carolina gardeners can continue planting vegetables well into June and July. Starting with healthy transplants (aka veggie starts) gives you a head start — especially for crops that mature quickly or love warm soil.

Whether you’re filling gaps or starting a new round of planting, late-season veggie starts for NC gardens are the perfect way to keep the harvest going.

Late-Season Veggies You Can Still Plant in June

1. Okra

Okra loves the heat and grows like a champ in Southern soil. Plant in full sun and harvest pods young and often to keep it producing. Try varieties like Clemson Spineless for reliability. Pro-tip: Wear long sleeves to harvest as okra plants can make you itch.

2. Zucchini & Summer Squash

These fast-growing plants will take off quickly in warm soil. Keep an eye out for squash vine borers and harvest frequently.

3. Bush Beans (Green Beans)

Quick to sprout and fast to harvest — most bush bean varieties are ready in just 45–60 days. We recommend Jade, its a staff favorite! Great for succession planting every couple of weeks through July.

4. Cucumbers

Still plenty of time for cukes! They love warm nights and grow fast. Train them up a trellis to save space and improve airflow.

5. Southern Peas (Crowder, Black-eyed, etc.)

These thrive in heat, enrich your soil, and taste incredible fresh. Direct sow now for harvest in late summer.

6. Short-Season Tomatoes

Yes, you can still plant tomatoes — if you choose early-maturing varieties (think 65 days or less).

→ Tip: Use mulch to cool the soil and reduce stress as they establish.

Don't Forget the Herbs!

Herbs are some of the easiest — and most rewarding — plants to add to your late-season garden. Many grow fast, love the heat, and thrive in containers, raised beds, or even tucked into flower borders.

Here are a few that are still great to plant in June:

• Basil – Loves hot weather and pairs perfectly with summer tomatoes. Pinch regularly to keep it from flowering too early.

• Chives – Hardy, low-maintenance, and great for containers.

• Cilantro – While it prefers cooler temps, you can still grow it in partial shade or sow a second round later in summer.

• Parsley – Slower growing but heat-tolerant and super versatile in the kitchen. Grows well in beds or pots.

• Oregano & Thyme – Mediterranean herbs that love heat and well-drained soil.

→ Pro tip: Most herbs actually like a little neglect — don’t overwater or overfeed, and they’ll reward you with intense flavor all summer long.

And yes, we’ve got plenty of fresh herb starts ready to go at the shop!

Local Harvest of Veggies from customer's garden

Harvest of Green Beans

tomato harvest for late season veggies

Tips for Planting Late-Season Veggie Starts in the Heat

• Water deeply and consistently — especially for new transplants. Early morning is best.

• Mulch, mulch, mulch! A 2–3" layer helps retain moisture and cool roots.

• Use shade cloth or row covers to ease transplant shock during extreme heat.

• Feed with a balanced or veggie-specific fertilizer to help plants establish quickly.

• Watch for pests like aphids, cucumber beetles, and squash bugs — they’re active now.

  
  

What We’ve Got in Stock at Brawley Right Now

Swing by and shop:

• Fresh veggie starts: tomatoes, peppers, squash, cukes, herbs

• Bulk seeds & packets of beans, okra, southern peas

• Organic soil blends & compost

• Mulch and fertilizers made for summer planting

• Trellises, watering tools & garden help if you need it!

Whether you're a seasoned grower or giving summer veggies a go for the first time, we’ve got the plants and advice to get you growing. It's not too late — it’s just the start of your second act!

Life's a garden, dig it!

Kari