Summer here we come!
It’s official, June is when summer eventually arrives, and we can’t wait. Spring has been challenging and as we entered June, that unpredictable weather pattern continues.
Mercury hitting the 20s on some days and back to 10 on others, we don’t know what to wear so no wonder some crops and blooms are early, whereas others are yet to fully show their potential.
However, June is normally one of the hottest months of the year and we are planning for a scorcher. The water butts are full, thanks to the recent rain, and the feeds are ready to go.
There is a lot to pack in this month and the garden is buzzing with activity, especially if you have kept a small part of the lawn unmown from ‘No Mow May’.
Whether you are reaping what you sowed earlier in the year or looking to sow for late crops and blooms, there is still a lot to do in the garden this month.
Blooming lovely
- It may be getting a little crowded in the borders, lift and divide clumps of flowers and tubers.
- Once spring flowers have finished flowering, removed faded blooms.
- Lift and store tulip bulbs once flowering has finished.
- Plant summer bedding and fill any gaps in borders.
- As plants start to grow, support as necessary. Train rambling roses on frames and stake new climbers or tall stems which need further support.
- Plant garden favourites such as nasturtiums and primulas.
- If you have sweet peas this year, cut and display inside the home for some added colours and fragrant smells.
- In addition to sweet peas, there are a range of flowers which are great for cutting. Take a look at the ‘Growing Flowers for Cutting’ blog for some inspiration.
- June is a good time to start plants from seed or planting out young plants started in the greenhouse. If planting out, use Vitax Q4 Rootmore to help embed the roots and encourage strong growth.
- It’s feeding time. Add a good feed to your watering routine. There is a good variety to choose from including Q4 All Purpose Liquid Feed or Organic All Purpose Liquid Plant Food, both which are good, all-round feeds.
- Feed hanging baskets and tubs with a specialist feed such as Tub & Hanging Basket Feed.
- Don’t forget those houseplants. Check to ensure they have not dried out and protect from direct sunlight.
Sow & Grow
- It’s time to sow. June is the last time to sow those pumpkins for Halloween. There is a huge variety to choose from. If you are planting for size or taste, ensure you choose the right variety.
- Pak choi, fennel, and a range of beans can now be sown but ensure as they are properly supported as they grow.
- Plant salad crops regularly to prevent running out. Salad leaves, herbs and spring onions can be sown every couple of weeks to ensure there is a continuous supply.
- Unearth early potatoes. If flowering has finished, they should be good to pick, but to check size gently remove soil until the top potatoes are visible. If they look small, re-cover and leave for a few more weeks.
- Keep an eye on onions and garlic. Once the leaves start to yellow and sag, they should be ready for picking.
- Pinch out side shoots on tomatoes to encourage stronger fruit growth. Tomatoes are greedy eaters and require a specialist feed such as Organic Tomato Food to keep them healthy and produce tastier crops. If you are new to growing tomatoes take a look at the ‘Growing the Tastiest Tomatoes’ blog for inspiration and advice.
- Plum trees can start to be pruned. Unlike apple and pear trees, pruning in winter increases the risk of silver leaf disease.
- Protect cherries, raspberries and other soft fruits with netting.
- Cold-stored runner strawberries can be planted now for late-summer fruiting – perfect for hanging baskets!
Keep pests at bay
- Not a pest but definitely a pest to keep under control – weeding. Weed as you go is the best way to keep them under control. If crops and blooms are full steam ahead – so are those weeds.
- Keep an eye out for powdery mildew especially on roses. Using a protection such as Organic Rose Guard is an ideal way to protect against disease.
- Look out for aphids, especially on the underside of leaves. Remove as soon as possible and apply Organic Plant Guard to continue protecting over the summer months.
- Slugs and snail continue to nibble on those fresh shoots. Apply Slug Gone around the base of the plants requiring protection ensuring that no leaves are overhanging the protection of Slug Gone’s mat.
General maintenance
- Lawns continue to grow. Mow regularly and if dry, mow at a higher setting.
- Keep bird baths clean and filled with water.
- Apply Summer Cloud Greenhouse Shade to greenhouse glass to prevent overheating. Open vents and doors during the really warm weather to circulate air.
- Check plants daily and water if dry. Water early morning or early evening when the strength of the sun has gone. Where possible use rainwater.
Summer solstice is upon us and with it the longest day. There may still be more to be done, but enjoy the garden and the fruits of your labour.