From cherries to chamomile, June is bursting with flavor and folkloreāget inspired with fresh recipes, garden care, and wild flower wisdom.
Ah, June. The month where the sun stays up past your bedtime, gardens go full jungle mode, and every corner of the kitchen smells like something fresh and fabulous. Whether youāre a barefoot-in-the-grass type or more of a “watch-from-the-shade” gardener, this is your sign to lean into the magic of the season.
šæ Essential June Gardening Tips
š§ Watering & Maintenance
Water early in the morning to keep your plants hydrated while avoiding fungal drama. Prune like a pro (or at least like someone who owns pruning shears), yank out those persistent weeds, and refresh mulch to lock in that precious moisture.
āļø Sun Protection & Fertilization
Give your delicate plants a break with some shadeāumbrellas not required. Feed your soil with organic fertilizers so your garden grows strong enough to survive a toddler or a curious cat.
š What Grows in June: Fresh Harvests & Seasonal Produce
June is basically nature showing off. You can expect:
Fruits: Juicy strawberries, vibrant cherries, and early peaches/apricots ready to party.
Vegetables: Tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchinis, and greens that actually thrive in heat.
Herbs: Basil, mint, and other fragrant additions to turn your meals into masterpieces.
Every harvest is a chance to turn your plate into a seasonal celebration.
š½ļø June Seasonal Recipe Ideas
Here are 5 summer-ready recipes that make the most of Juneās delicious bounty:
š„ Spinach & Walnut Salad Fresh spinach + crunchy walnuts + zesty vinaigrette = a lunch so good it almost counts as self-care. Bonus points for adding feta.
š Tomato Basil Bruschetta Chop up those sun-kissed tomatoes and basil, layer on crusty bread, drizzle olive oil, and prepare to wow… yourself.
š¢ Grilled Veggie Skewers Zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms. Skewer. Grill. Repeat. (Preferably while sipping something cold.)
š Peach & Berry Smoothie When your blender becomes your best friendāpeaches, berries, splash of OJ, and boom! Breakfast is served.
š„ Cucumber Mint Cooler Itās like summer in a glass. Cucumber, mint, lemon, sparkle… yes, please.
And if you’re more into self-growth than zucchinis, you might also enjoy my article on how small daily habits can lead to a better, simpler lifeābecause summer isnāt just for tomatoes, itās for thriving too. šæ
š¼ Wild Medicinal Flowers: Nature’s Healing Gifts
Letās get witchyāin the best possible way. Juneās wildflowers arenāt just pretty; theyāre little green pharmacists in bloom. Whether you’re sipping them in tea or turning them into homemade remedies, these seasonal stars deserve a spot in your summer toolkit.
šµ Wild Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)
Chamomile thrives in sunny meadows and blooms throughout June. Harvest early in the morning, snip just the flower heads, and dry them flat in a shaded spot. This herb is famous for its calming, antispasmodic, and anti-inflammatory properties. Perfect for winding down, soothing an upset stomach, or turning bath time into spa therapy. Store dried flowers in airtight jars away from sunlight for year-round comfort.
šŗ Wild Calendula (Calendula officinalis)
Calendula isnāt just a pretty faceāitās a powerhouse in the herbal world. Pick fully opened blossoms in the morning after the dew dries. Use petals in teas to support digestion and immunity, or infuse them into oils to soothe rashes, cuts, and dry skin. Calendula also has mild antifungal properties, making it a multitasker for DIY skincare.
šø Mallow (Malva sylvestris)
This gentle giant blooms in purples and pinks, and offers soothing relief for mucous membranes. Harvest flowers and young leaves during dry weather. Ideal in teas for sore throats, digestive issues, or irritated skin. Mallow-infused compresses also work wonders on insect bites or sunburns. Itās basically your skinās new best friend.
š¼ Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
Harvest yarrow while in full bloom, collecting the top third of the stem including leaves and flowers. Its astringent and anti-inflammatory powers make it a staple for wound healing, menstrual balance, and digestive teas. Infuse into oils, dry for infusions, or turn it into a salve. Just donāt let its lacy look fool youāyarrow means business.
āļø St. Johnās Wort (Hypericum perforatum)
This sun-loving herb blooms from late June and glows with golden petals. Best known for its mood-lifting properties, it’s also amazing in infused oils for nerve pain, muscle aches, and burns. Dry it quickly in small bundles away from light to preserve its potency. Avoid sun exposure after use topicallyāthis one makes skin extra sensitive to light.
And speaking of what grows in the wildādid you know you can turn fir buds into a delicious homemade syrup? If you’re curious about this fragrant, old-school remedy, check out my guide to making your own Fir Syrup: Benefits and Easy Homemade Recipe. Itās like bottling the forest. š²šÆ
š Drying Tips for Medicinal Flowers
Harvest after the dew but before the heat. Gently rinse (if needed), pat dry, and spread in single layers in a shady, well-ventilated space. Turn occasionally. Once crisp and dry, store in clean glass jars away from direct sunlight.
Label everything. Trust me, dried chamomile and calendula look suspiciously similar at midnight tea time. Harvest after the dew but before the heat. Gently rinse (if needed), dry in shade with good airflow, store in airtight jars.
Boomāyou’ve got year-round tea that smells like sunshine.
š Cherries: Summery Sweetness
Cherry season = pure joy. Look for firm, shiny fruits with deep color and bright green stems. Theyāre at peak ripeness in June and practically beg to be snacked on, baked into pies, or tossed into salads.
š Nutritional Perks: Packed with antioxidants (especially anthocyanins), vitamin C, potassium, and anti-inflammatory compounds, cherries support heart health and muscle recoveryāand they just happen to taste like candy.
š„£ Preservation Methods ā What Works Best?
Freezing: Best for retaining taste and nutrients. Pit them, lay them in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to bags. Perfect for smoothies, sauces, or baking later. Slightly soft after thawing, but flavor-packed.
Drying: Great for snacks or baking. Use a dehydrator or oven at low heat. Dried cherries lose some vitamin C but keep fiber and antioxidants. Slightly chewy, naturally sweet.
Jams & Preserves: High in sugar, but excellent for long-term storage. Vitamins drop, but taste is eternal. Works best with sour cherry varieties.
Canning (whole or pie filling): Time-consuming but shelf-stable. Be mindful of added sugar or syrups. Texture changes, but perfect for winter desserts.
āØ Best Option? Freezing wins for everyday convenience + nutrition. Drying comes next. Canning and jam-making are best if you’re chasing that nostalgic pantry vibe. No wrong answerājust delicious trade-offs.
Want to take Juneās garden & kitchen inspiration to the next level?
Download your free printable: June Garden & Kitchen Kit šæš
š The Rich Heritage of June: History, Myths, & Traditions
Did you know June is named after Juno, the Roman goddess of marriage and fertility? Thatās rightāthis month is basically the BeyoncĆ© of the calendar. Myths say the veil between worlds is thin, nature is buzzing, and blessings are ripe for the picking. So dance barefoot, light a candle, plant somethingāand toast to life, love, and juicy peaches.
š Live simply. Eat seasonally. Thrive naturally. #SimplifyWithLela š
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