Published by Spring Valley Turkey Farm
June is one of the most exciting months for gardeners in Old Bridge, NJ and throughout Central New Jersey. The days are longer, gardens are thriving, and local farm stands are filling up with fresh produce. Whether you have a backyard vegetable garden or a few containers on your patio, now is the perfect time to enjoy the season.
At Spring Valley Turkey Farm, we appreciate the hard work that goes into growing quality food. While we’re best known for our fresh holiday turkeys, we also love celebrating New Jersey agriculture and encouraging our community to shop local and grow their own food whenever possible.
What’s in Season in New Jersey This June?
As summer officially begins, many delicious fruits and vegetables are ready for harvest. According to the Jersey Fresh program, you’ll commonly find:
- Strawberries
- Blueberries (late June)
- Cherries
- Lettuce
- Spinach
- Kale
- Cucumbers
- Sugar snap peas
- Green onions
- Fresh herbs like basil, parsley, and dill
- New potatoes
- Zucchini
- Summer squash
Learn more about seasonal New Jersey produce at https://findjerseyfresh.com/availability/.
Seasonal June produce in New Jersey includes strawberries, blueberries, cucumbers, leafy greens, herbs, peas, and new potatoes—perfect for fresh summer recipes and local gardening.
Gardening Tips for June in Old Bridge, NJ
To keep your garden healthy through the summer months:
- Water deeply in the early morning.
- Add mulch to help retain moisture and reduce weeds.
- Stake tomato plants before they become too large.
- Harvest leafy greens regularly to encourage continued growth.
- Watch for pests such as aphids and tomato hornworms.
- Fertilize vegetables according to their specific needs.
- Continue planting beans, cucumbers, basil, and summer squash for additional harvests later in the season.
Rutgers Cooperative Extension also offers excellent gardening resources for New Jersey homeowners: https://njaes.rutgers.edu/home-lawn-garden/.
A thriving June garden featuring healthy vegetables, herbs, and gardening tools, highlighting best practices for maintaining a productive summer garden in New Jersey.
What Can You Still Plant in June?
If you think you missed your chance to start a garden, don’t worry. Many crops can still be planted this month, including:
- Bush beans
- Cucumbers
- Zucchini
- Summer squash
- Basil
- Dill
- Cilantro
- Swiss chard
- Sunflowers
With proper watering and sunshine, many of these plants will produce well into late summer.
Recipe: Fresh Summer Garden Salad
Take advantage of New Jersey’s seasonal produce with this easy salad.
Ingredients
- 2 cups mixed greens
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1 cup sliced strawberries
- ½ cup blueberries
- Fresh basil leaves
- Crumbled goat cheese (optional)
- Olive oil
- Balsamic vinegar
- Salt and black pepper
Directions
- Combine the greens, cucumber, strawberries, blueberries, and basil.
- Top with goat cheese if desired.
- Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Toss gently and serve immediately.
A colorful summer garden salad featuring fresh lettuce, cucumbers, strawberries, blueberries, basil, and goat cheese – perfect for enjoying New Jersey’s seasonal June harvest.
Recipe: Turkey Garden Wrap
This light lunch is perfect for using fresh vegetables from your garden.
Ingredients
- Sliced roasted turkey breast
- Whole wheat wrap
- Lettuce
- Tomato slices
- Cucumber slices
- Avocado
- Fresh basil
- Hummus or your favorite spread
Directions
- Spread hummus on the wrap.
- Layer turkey and vegetables evenly.
- Roll tightly and slice in half.
- Serve chilled with fresh fruit or a side salad.
A healthy turkey garden wrap filled with crisp lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, avocado, basil, and hummus for a fresh and satisfying summer meal.
Looking Ahead to the Holidays
Gardening teaches patience and planning, and the same can be said for preparing memorable holiday meals. Before you know it, Thanksgiving will be around the corner.
At Spring Valley Turkey Farm in Old Bridge, NJ, we proudly provide fresh, locally raised turkeys for families across Central New Jersey. While you’re enjoying the bounty of your summer garden today, remember that it’s never too early to start thinking about gathering around the table with loved ones later this year.
Whether you’re harvesting tomatoes, picking strawberries, or planning your Thanksgiving menu, we wish you a successful and rewarding growing season!
A beautiful, golden-brown turkey ready to be enjoyed with family and friends.