10 Heat-loving plants to add to your herb garden in June

June isn’t too late to put these heat-loving plants in the herb garden.

If you’re looking to refresh your herb garden for summer, choosing heat-loving plants in June is one of the smartest moves you can make. Many “cool-season” herbs like parsley, cilantro, and dill decline quickly once temperatures hit the 90s. But there are other herbs that not only tolerate those temperatures — they thrive in them. These herbs flourish in warm soil, long daylight, and dry conditions typical of Eastern North Carolina summers.

Below are 10 reliable, heat-loving herbs chosen specifically for our climate, along with how to plant them, soil prep advice, watering schedules, spacing recommendations, companion planting ideas, and harvest guidance.

Why June is a great month to plant heat-loving plants and herbs

When soil warms into the mid-70s:

Growth accelerates
Flavor oils increase (especially in Mediterranean herbs)
Plants establish quickly
Roots deepen naturally

For gardeners in Eastern NC, June is ideal for building a steady harvest that lasts through August, September, and often early October.

1. Basil

Basil is one of the easiest heat-loving herbs to plant in June.

How to plant

Choose a site with 6–8 hours of sun
Amend the soil with compost to improve drainage
Plant transplants 12–18 inches apart

Watering guidance

Water deeply every 2–3 days for the first two weeks
Once established, water the top 2 inches of soil dry out

Maintenance

Remove flower buds to keep leaves tender
Pinch the top pair of leaves every 7–10 days to promote branching

Pro tip:
Grow Genovese for classic basil, Lemon basil for poultry dishes, and Thai basil for stir-fries.

2. Oregano

Oregano is highly drought-tolerant once established.

How to plant

Choose full sun
Use sandy or well-drained soil
Mix in a small amount of lime if the soil is acidic
Space transplants 10–12 inches apart

Watering

Water lightly — oregano prefers to dry between waterings
Water only when the soil is dry 2–3 inches down

Harvesting

Clip stems 4–6 inches long
Best flavor comes right before flowering

Best use:
Pasta sauces, grilled vegetables, and marinades.

3. Rosemary

Rosemary loves heat, sun, and dry soil.

How to plant

Choose at least 6 hours of sun
Amend the soil with coarse sand to improve drainage
Space plants 24–36 inches apart, depending on variety

Watering

Water deeply the day you plant
After that, allow the soil to dry between waterings
Avoid soggy soil — rosemary hates wet feet

Long-term growth
Rosemary becomes a small shrub, so plan for long-term placement.

4. Thyme

Thyme thrives in heat and poor soil conditions.

How to plant

Plant in full sun
Mix sand or crushed granite into the soil for drainage
Space plants 12–18 inches apart

Watering

Water twice weekly for the first 2 weeks
After being established, water weekly during dry spells

Harvesting

Trim stems lightly to encourage fresh growth
Never cut more than 40% at a time

This is a top companion for rosemary and oregano because they share watering needs.

5. Lemongrass

Lemongrass brings tropical flavor and thrives when the June heat hits.

How to plant

Plant in full sun with rich soil
Dig holes twice as wide as the plant base
Space plants 24–30 inches apart (they get large!)

Watering

Water every 2 days for the first 2 weeks
After established, water deeply once per week

Harvesting

Cut outer stalks first
Leave the center stalks to continue growing

Usage
Teas, marinades, soups, and sauces.

6. Mint (in containers only)

Mint loves heat, but spreads aggressively — so a container is mandatory.

How to plant

Use a pot at least 12 inches wide
Fill with rich potting soil + compost blend
Place the container where it receives morning sun and afternoon shade

Watering

Water anytime the top 1 inch dries out
Mint prefers even moisture

Pro tip:
Place the pot on concrete or in a tray — never directly in the garden.

7. Holy Basil (Tulsi)

Holy basil is exceptionally heat-tolerant and thrives when the weather gets hot and humid.

How to plant

Choose full sun
Amend the soil with compost for balanced nutrition
Space plants 18–20 inches apart

Watering

Water deeply twice weekly for the first 3 weeks
After that, water weekly

Harvesting

Pinch regularly to prevent woody growth
Harvest early morning for the best oil content

Excellent for teas and medicinal use.

8. Cuban Oregano (Spanish Thyme)

Cuban oregano has thick, succulent leaves that store moisture — perfect for hot summers.

How to plant

Place in full sun (but tolerates light afternoon shade)
Use well-drained soil mixed with sand
Space plants 18–24 inches apart

Watering

Water lightly; soil should dry between waterings
Do not overwater — it is succulent-like

Harvesting

Remove outer leaves first
Avoid stripping the central growing point

Perfect in Caribbean dishes and marinades.

9. Chives

Chives tolerate heat well once established and continue producing all summer. Keep them in a spot with full afternoon shade; they prefer morning sunshine.

How to plant

Plant crowns 8–12 inches apart
Slightly enrich the soil with compost
Choose full sun to partial shade

Watering

Water deeply weekly
Never allow soil to stay waterlogged

Harvesting

Snip leaves 1 inch above soil surface
Cut flowers to encourage fresh leaf growth

10. Sage

Sage thrives in hot climates and maintains quality flavor through summer.

How to plant

Plant in full sun
Soil should be loose, sandy, and well-drained
Space plants 18–24 inches apart

Watering

Water deeply once weekly
Avoid overwatering — sage is prone to root rot if the soil stays wet

Harvesting

Harvest in the morning
Clip stems above branching nodes to encourage growth

Perfect for roasted vegetables, poultry, and herb butters.

Soil Prep Strategy for a Successful June Herb Garden

Here’s a soil prep guide that applies to all herbs above:

Loosen native soil 8–10 inches deep
Mix compost into the planting area
Avoid heavy clay by amending with sand or pine fines
Maintain pH between 6.0 and 7.0

Healthy soil = higher flavor oils and continuous harvest.

Watering Schedule for June Heat

General outdoor herb watering rhythm:

The first 2 weeks: water consistently to establish roots
After that: water deeply, less often
Avoid daily light sprinkling

Deep watering encourages deep roots, which are essential for summer drought tolerance.

Heat-loving plants and herbs make June one of the best months

June is one of the best times to plant heat-loving herbs in Eastern North Carolina. By choosing rosemary, thyme, basil, lemongrass, sage, and others that love warm soil, you build a garden that thrives through July and August while producing continuous harvests for your summer cooking. Plant with good drainage, space correctly, water deeply, and harvest regularly — and your herb garden will stay productive long into fall.

Have a lawn or garden problem to solve? Text a photo to me at 252.287.3376 – we will gladly help you find a solution.

Author Profile

Deborah Tayloe

Deborah Tayloe is the CEO and co-founder of Tayloe's Lawn Care Services, LLC. She has a B.S.Ed and holds certificates in soil and water management and herbology from accredited programs.