From Yard to Plate: What You Can Harvest in Early Summer

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Welcome to early summer in Sacramento—where edible gardens come alive with vibrant color, bold flavor, and nourishing abundance. Thanks to our unique Mediterranean climate of hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters, Sacramento is one of the best places in the country to grow your own food. And right now, as late May turns into June, many spring-planted crops are hitting their stride—ready to harvest and enjoy.

At Yard to Fork, we believe your landscape should do more than just look good. It should feed you, inspire you, and connect you to the land right outside your door. Here’s what you can expect from your foodscape this time of year—and how to keep the harvest going strong all summer long.

What's Ripe and Ready in Early Summer?

If you've been nurturing your edible yard since spring, you’re likely seeing some early wins. Here's what should be filling your basket right now:

Leafy Greens

While Sacramento heat can challenge cool-season greens, with the right care, many varieties still thrive. Lettuce, Swiss chard, and kale may still be going strong, especially if you planted early and protected them with mulch and consistent watering. Pro tip: harvest leaves individually and frequently to keep plants producing longer.

Abundant Herbs

This is the season when herbs shine! Mint, cilantro, parsley, and basil grow rapidly in early summer warmth. Regular harvesting encourages bushier, more productive plants. Chop them fresh into salads, muddle into drinks, or dry for later use.

Strawberries Galore

Sacramento strawberries love the early summer sun. If you've planted them in a sunny, well-drained spot, you're probably seeing bright red berries just begging to be picked. They’re perfect for snacking, desserts, or even tossing into a garden-fresh salad.

Peas (But Act Fast!)

Sugar snap and snow peas often hold out into early June, adding a sweet crunch to salads and stir-fries. However, once the daytime temps climb consistently, these cool-season plants may begin to fade. Harvest them regularly to extend their run just a little longer.

Garden Maintenance Tips for Peak Harvest

To get the most out of your early summer bounty:

  • Harvest in the Morning: Plants are fully hydrated and cooler, which helps preserve flavor and texture.

  • Use Clean Tools: Prevent spreading disease by cleaning your pruners or scissors before harvesting.

  • Watch for Bolting: When greens like lettuce or herbs start to flower and seed, they’re "bolting." The leaves may become bitter, so this is a good cue to pull them and make space for new crops.

What’s Next? Succession Planting for Summer

Don't stop with your first harvest! Succession planting is key to keeping your garden productive throughout the heat of summer.

Once your early crops are spent, replant with warm-season favorites like:

  • Bush beans

  • Summer squash

  • Heat-tolerant greens like Malabar spinach or amaranth

  • Cucumbers, eggplants, and cherry tomatoes

Stagger your plantings every few weeks to ensure a steady stream of produce instead of one big glut.

Not Sure What to Plant or When? We’ve Got You.

At Yard to Fork, we design, install, and maintain edible yards across the Sacramento region—and we know exactly what grows well and when. We even nurture plants in our nursery so they’re primed to thrive when planted—even during "off-seasons" like the heat of July.

So whether you're dreaming of a seasonal salad straight from your garden or want to start harvesting your own herbs and fruit, we’re here to help make your foodscape flourish.

Let Your Yard Feed You

Your yard has the power to nourish you—not just visually, but literally. With the right plants, smart timing, and a little planning, your landscape becomes a living pantry. Early summer is just the beginning. Let's grow something amazing together.

Book a consultation today and let us help you turn your yard into your personal farmers’ market.