June 2, 2024
June is a vibrant month for UK gardens, with many plants in full bloom and plenty of tasks to keep your garden flourishing. Here are some key pieces of gardening advice for June:
- Deadheading Flowers: Regularly deadhead spent blooms on roses, bedding plants, and perennials to encourage continuous flowering.
- Watering: Ensure your garden is well-watered, especially during dry spells. Water early in the morning or late in the evening to reduce evaporation.
- Weeding: Keep on top of weeds by regularly hoeing beds and borders. Weeds compete with your plants for nutrients and water.
- Lawn Care: Mow the lawn regularly, but avoid cutting it too short in hot, dry weather to prevent stress. Feed with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer to promote healthy growth.
- Support for Tall Plants: Stake tall plants like delphiniums and lilies to prevent them from being damaged by wind or heavy rain.
- Harvesting: Start harvesting early crops like lettuce, radishes, peas, and strawberries. Pinch out side shoots of tomato plants to encourage fruiting.
- Pruning Shrubs: Prune spring-flowering shrubs like lilacs and forsythia after they have finished blooming to shape them and promote healthy growth.
- Mulching: Apply mulch around plants to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and improve soil quality.
- Pest Control: Keep an eye out for pests like aphids, slugs, and snails. Use organic or chemical controls as needed, and encourage natural predators like ladybirds and birds.
- Sowing and Planting: Continue sowing seeds for fast-growing annuals and biennials for next year. Plant out summer bedding plants and vegetables like beans, courgettes, and pumpkins.
- Greenhouse and Conservatory: Ventilate greenhouses and conservatories to prevent overheating and reduce the risk of disease. Water and feed container plants regularly.
- Enjoy Your Garden: Take the time to enjoy your garden, whether by relaxing in the sun, hosting a barbecue, or simply taking in the beauty of your hard work.
By following these tips, you can ensure your garden remains healthy and beautiful throughout June.