It’s was a great start to spring with much sun, settled weather and no late frost. The soil is heated now and plants have exploded into life with foliage and colour. The end of May / start of June brought cooler temperatures, increased cloud cover, and lots of much-needed rainfall. With more rain on the way it presents some challenges too; perfect conditions for garden bugs and pests, not to mention increased risk of root and fungal infections in plants. Here’s a look at some key tasks to tackle in the garden this month.
Planting
The recent rainfall has replenished soil moisture, creating favourable conditions for sowing and planting:
- Vegetables: Direct sow fast-growing crops like beetroot, carrots, radishes, and lettuce. Ensure consistent moisture for successful germination.
- Herbs: Plant basil, coriander, and parsley in well-drained soil. Consider using cloches or fleece to protect tender seedlings from strong winds.
- Flowers: Sow hardy annuals such as English marigolds, cornflowers, and poppies directly into prepared beds.
- Tender Plants: It’s safe to plant out tomatoes, courgettes, beans, and dahlias. However, provide wind protection for young plants during breezy periods.
Pruning
To promote continuous blooming, deadhead roses regularly and pick sweet peas frequently. This not only encourages new flowers but also prevents the plants from setting seed prematurely.
June is also a suitable time to perform the “Chelsea Chop” on certain perennials like asters and phlox. This technique involves cutting back the plants to encourage bushier growth and a prolonged flowering period.
Lawn Care
Grass growth accelerates in June, necessitating regular mowing to maintain a tidy appearance. Aim to mow once a week, adjusting the mower height to avoid cutting the grass too short, which can stress the lawn. Additionally, take this opportunity to dig out persistent weeds such as dandelions and thistles to prevent them from spreading.
- Set the mower blades high to avoid scalping the lawn and damaging new growth.
- If your lawn is patchy continue to sow seeds.
Feed the Soil
A generous mulch of homemade compost or well-rotted manure around plants will help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and improve soil quality.
Watering
Despite recent rains, it’s crucial to use water wisely. Newly planted areas and containers require consistent moisture, so consider mulching to retain soil moisture and reduce evaporation. Utilise rainwater collected in water butts whenever possible, and water plants during the early morning or late evening to minimise water loss.
Weeding
Weeding may seem like a chore, but it is time well spent to prevent a widespread problem later on, and certainly gives a huge amount of satisfaction for a job well done. A hoe can be a very valuable tool to make weeding as easy as possible, saving your back.
Pest Control
The increased humidity can lead to a rise in slug and snail activity. Implement environmentally friendly deterrents such as beer traps, crushed eggshells, or copper tape around vulnerable plants. Regularly inspect plants for signs of pests and diseases, addressing any issues promptly to prevent widespread damage.
Sowing Now
Root Vegetables: Direct sow carrots, beetroot, and parsnips into well-prepared soil. Thin seedlings as they grow to allow ample space for development.
Leafy Greens: Lettuce, spinach, and chard can be sown now for a continuous harvest throughout summer.
Beans and Courgettes: Plant out runner beans and courgettes but cover if there’s a late frost. Provide support for climbing varieties and ensure they’re in a sunny, sheltered spot.
Potatoes: Continue earthing up potatoes as they grow to protect developing tubers from light and to encourage a better yield.
Feed the Birds
Continue feeding birds with appropriate seeds and suet to support them during nesting season.
