Summer Vegetable Gardening Canada: Smart Planting, Soil Care & Watering Tips Every Gardener Should Know

As we move into the height of summer here in Vancouver—and across much of Canada—gardeners are faced with two big questions:
“What can I still plant right now?” and
“How do I keep my garden healthy in the heat?”

After 25 years of working in landscaping and over a decade helping customers at DH Garden Centre, I’ve seen many gardens thrive—and many fail—simply because of timing, soil care, and watering habits.

In this post, I’ll walk you through:

• What seeds you can still plant in June (and what you shouldn’t),

• How to fix dry, cracked soil in pots and raised beds,

• Moisture retention tips that actually work,

• The power of succession planting,

• How to protect herbs and leafy greens from summer heat.

Let’s dig in—literally.

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What Can You Still Plant in June in Canada?

Here in Vancouver, by the time June 10th rolls around, it’s too late to start warm-season crops like tomatoes, zucchini, peppers, and eggplants from seed. These need longer growing seasons, and you won’t get much fruit before fall frost sets in.

But it’s not too late to grow food. In fact, it’s the perfect time to start planting:

✅ Leafy Greens:

• Lettuce

• Mustard Greens

• Arugula

• Spinach (in cooler microclimates)

✅ Brassicas:

• Broccoli

• Cabbage

• Cauliflower

• Brussels Sprouts

✅ Herbs (partial sun preferred):

• Basil

• Cilantro*

• Parsley

• Dill*

*Note: Cilantro and dill tend to bolt (go to seed) in heat. We’ll talk about how to prevent this below.

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Starter Plants: The Smart Shortcut

If you’re still dreaming of summer tomatoes or zucchinis, don’t give up. Just buy starter plants instead of using seeds. At DH Garden Centre, we carry a wide selection of local, healthy starter vegetables—including tomatoes, peppers, squash, and more.

Starter plants give you a 4–6 week head start. They’re not “cheating”—they’re how smart gardeners adapt to the seasons.

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Soil Cracking? Why Water Just Runs Through Your Pot

Let’s talk about one of the most overlooked issues in summer gardening: dry, compacted soil.

You know the problem:

• The soil in your pot pulls away from the edges.

• You water, and it runs straight down the sides or out the bottom.

• The plant stays thirsty, even though you just watered.

What’s happening?
Your soil has dried out too much. When that happens, it loses its sponge-like structure and forms cracks—especially near the edge of pots or raised beds. Water bypasses the roots and drains away.

The Fix:

Before watering, use your fingers to gently break up the top 1–2 inches of soil around the edges. Push the soil back toward the pot wall. This allows water to be absorbed evenly rather than draining through channels.

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Moisture Retention: Mulch, Timing, and Smart Watering

In summer, the sun can dry out your soil in just a few hours—especially in containers or shallow raised beds. That means even daily watering might not be enough.

Here’s how to keep your soil moist and your roots happy.

1. Water in the Early Morning

• Water before 9 AM.

• Plants can absorb water throughout the day.

• Morning watering also prevents mold, fungus, and slugs that thrive in damp nighttime conditions.

2. Mulch Is a Game-Changer

Add a thin layer of:

• Straw

• Shredded leaves

• Unsprayed grass clippings

This acts like a shade cloth for your soil, slowing down evaporation and keeping temperatures more stable.

3. Avoid Watering on Top of Compacted Soil

Always loosen the topsoil slightly before watering. If you water onto compacted, cracked soil, most of the water will escape.

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Microclimates: Your Best Friend for Summer Gardening

If you’ve ever wondered why your cilantro bolts while your neighbour’s thrives, the answer might be microclimates.

Every garden has zones that get different amounts of sun, wind, and heat. Use that to your advantage.

🔍 Look For:

• Morning sun + afternoon shade = perfect for leafy greens and herbs that don’t love heat

• Full sun all day = great for tomatoes, peppers, and squash

If needed, create your own shade using:

• A taller crop (like tomatoes)

• A bamboo trellis with a thin cloth

• A draped bedsheet over garden stakes

Just a 3–5°C drop during midday can prevent bolting in herbs like cilantro and dill.

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Succession Planting: A Steady Harvest, Not a Glut

Too many gardeners plant all their lettuce seeds at once—only to end up with 15 heads of lettuce in one week… and none the next.

Here’s the better way:

✅ Succession Plant Every 2 Weeks

• Start small: just a few seeds per crop.

• Repeat every 10–14 days.

• That way, you’ll get a continuous supply of fresh greens rather than one big wave.

Bonus: If your first planting fails to germinate, you’ve got a backup already growing.

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Container Gardening: Don’t Let Space Stop You

Don’t have a backyard? No problem.

You can grow a lot in containers on balconies, patios, or even windowsills.

Great veggies for containers:

• Arugula

• Basil

• Radishes

• Mint (best grown alone—it’s invasive)

Tips for Container Success:

• Use fabric grow bags or large pots with drainage holes.

• Water more often (they dry out faster).

• Use a loose, well-draining potting mix, not heavy garden soil.

• Add compost monthly to keep nutrients up.

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Soil Health = Plant Health

You’ve heard it before, but it’s worth repeating: healthy soil grows healthy plants.

Even in small gardens, soil can get depleted fast. Make it a habit to:

• Add compost every 3–4 weeks.

• Use organic amendments like:

  • Worm castings

  • Fish emulsion

  • Seaweed extract

These feed the soil biology and build long-term fertility—without burning roots.

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Observation: The Gardener’s Most Powerful Tool

I always tell new gardeners this:

“Spend 10 minutes every morning just walking around your garden.”

Why?

You’ll start to notice things—what’s wilting, what’s flowering, what’s struggling. You’ll catch pests before they become infestations. You’ll learn how your garden reacts to heat, water, and light.

No book can replace that.

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Final Word: Gardening in Summer Isn’t About Perfection—It’s About Paying Attention

Gardening in the summer can be intense—but it’s also deeply rewarding.

You’ll learn:

• What works in your microclimate

• How to read your soil

• When to give your plants a break from the sun

And best of all, you’ll enjoy fresh, homegrown food in just weeks.

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🌿 Visit DH Garden Centre in Vancouver

Looking for plant starters, fresh compost, or Vancouver-friendly organic seeds? We’ve got you covered.

Come see us at:

DH Garden Centre LTD.
3742 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V6R 2G4
📞 604-929 7335
🌐 dhgardencentre.com

We also carry:

• Handmade Vietnamese pottery

• Organic fertilizers

• Shade solutions

• Local gardening advice you can trust

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I still plant tomatoes in June in Vancouver?

Yes, but only from starter plants—not seeds. By June, it’s too late to grow tomatoes from seed outdoors.

Q2: What are the best leafy greens to plant in summer?

Lettuce, mustard greens, and arugula are great choices. Provide partial shade to avoid bolting.

Q3: How often should I water in summer?

Water deeply every 1–2 days for raised beds or every day for containers—especially during heat waves.

Q4: Why is my soil pulling away from the sides of the pot?

It’s dried out and compacted. Loosen the edges before watering to help it absorb moisture.

Q5: How do I stop herbs from bolting in the heat?

Plant in morning sun and afternoon shade. You can also use shade cloth or taller plants to block midday heat.