Subtle Dialogue

June arrives gently but insistently—grass lush beneath bare feet, bees humming in the raspberries, and the long, golden evenings stretching toward solstice. It is the month where time dilates in the garden: growth is rapid, energy abundant, and the air holds a kind of reverent stillness as if nature herself is pausing to catch her breath before summer’s full bloom.

Here in Washington, June is a gardener’s threshold. We tend the present—watering, harvesting early greens, managing rapid growth—and simultaneously step into the future, sowing seeds that won’t mature until the days grow shorter again. It is a month of balance. Of humility. Of listening.

A Meditation on Water

Gardeners often fluctuate between underwatering through neglect and overwatering through panic. Somewhere in the middle lies a subtle conversation between water, soil, and plant. June invites us to enter into this dialogue more consciously.

Not all soils drink the same. Light, sandy soil thirsts often but drinks lightly. Heavy clay swells and holds—slow to absorb and slow to release. Fertile soils, rich in life and humus, act like deep wells, storing moisture gently, generously.

The best way to know what your garden needs? Kneel. Dig down 5–7 inches, feel the soil with your hands, and listen to what it tells you. If it forms a tight, sticky ball, let it be. If it crumbles like cake, offer water like a blessing.

When you irrigate, do so with intention. Water in the early morning or late evening when the sun is low and the soil receptive. If you water by hand, use a rose head or fan, lifting the stream skyward and letting droplets fall like soft rain. If you use sprinklers, test and tune them. Place dishes to measure coverage and adjust accordingly.

For those ready to commit to long-term efficiency, drip irrigation or microsprinklers can be a gift. These systems reduce waste and save time—but like all good tools, they require care and observation. At Eco-Restore, we can help you assess whether these systems are right for your landscape, design and install them with intention, or refine what you already have.

Honoring the Solstice

The summer solstice—the longest day of the year—is traditionally honored with fire: bonfires, candlelight, the warmth of community gathered under a lingering twilight. Whether you light a candle at dusk, host a backyard dinner, or simply walk among your plants and whisper thanks, consider marking this day. The sun, after all, has carried you and your garden to this point. Acknowledge it with reverence.

June Sowing Guide

Sow Outdoors Throughout June
These crops love the lengthening days and warm soil. Stagger plantings for a continuous harvest into late summer.

Amaranth Family (Amaranthaceae)
Amaranth, Greens

Beet Family (Chenopodiaceae)
Lambsquarters, Orach, Quinoa

Carrot Family (Apiaceae)
Cilantro, Dill

Mustard Family (Brassicaceae)
Asian Greens

Onion Family (Amaryllidaceae)
Broadleaf Chives, Garlic Chives, Scallions

Pea Family (Fabaceae)
Snap Beans (Bush & Pole)

Purslane Family (Portulacaceae)
Purslane

Squash Family (Cucurbitaceae)
Cucumbers (Pickling & Slicing), Summer Squash

Sunflower Family (Compositae)
Lettuce

Late June: Begin Fall & Winter Crops

This quiet shift is one of the most sacred rhythms in the garden: preparing for what’s ahead even as we celebrate what is.

Start seeds in flats or nursery beds for transplanting later. Root crops must be sown in place.

Beet Family
Beets, Swiss Chard

Carrot Family
Carrots, Bulbing Fennel

Mustard Family
Brussels Sprouts, Cauliflower, Cabbage, Rutabagas, Turnips

Onion Family
Pearl Onions, Scallions

Sunflower Family
Endive, Escarole, Radicchio

Flowers for September Bloom

Still time to sow beauty. Keep beds moist and stay curious—these blooms offer color, nectar, and soul-stirring joy.

Boraginaceae
Borage

Ranunculaceae
Love-in-a-Mist (Nigella spp.)

Capparaceae
Spider Flower (Cleome spinosa)

Scrophulariaceae
Slipper Flower (Calceolaria chelidonioides)

Araliaceae
Blue Lace Flower (Trachymene coerulea)

Tropaeolaceae
Nasturtium

Solanaceae
Butterfly Flower, Flowering Tobacco

Compositae
Calendula, Creeping Zinnia, Sunflower, Zinnia

In Service to the Land

June is when many gardens begin to show what they truly are: lush or thirsty, wild or orderly, overwhelmed or quietly flourishing. If your garden feels out of sync, or if you’re dreaming of refining your irrigation, choosing better-adapted plantings, or simply bringing more balance into your space, Eco-Restore is here to help.

Through thoughtful visits, coaching, and hands-in-the-dirt design, we help you attune your garden to its own natural rhythm—supporting water-wise strategies, abundance, and peace of mind. Our approach is slow, gentle, and grounded in the seasons.

This month, may your garden grow full and your spirit feel held by the sun. And if you need guidance, we’d be honored to walk the path beside you.