Tasks vital for your vegetable and flower garden this month, as recommended by two skilled horticulturists:
Fresh Take on June's Kitchen Garden Jobs
Get the lowdown on what's hot in the kitchen garden this month from horticulturist Aaron Bertelsen and head gardener Benjamin Pope. Here's your list of essential garden tasks, plus recommendations on the best plants for June, what to sow, and top gardens to visit.
Gardening Jobs Galore
- Plant Out Brassica Seedlings: adapted to be around 45cm apart in the ground. Kale can thrive in pots with closer spacing, around 20cm. These crops love rich soil and are usually pigeon and cabbage white caterpillar magnets. Beware of chemical treatments; try netting to keep the pests at bay.
- Tomatoes in the Ground: Should already be out by now. Not only are they heavy when laden with fruit, but they also require sturdy support. Use a solid chestnut stake, about 1.5m tall, and never forget to plant the stake first. Prune lower leaves and lateral shoots that appear at an angle between stem and branches.
- Second Sowing of Climbing Beans: To prolong the harvest season, sow beans now as the soil has warmed up. Always put the supports in first.
- Supporting Plants: Protect your beans, tomatoes, broad beans, peas from wind damage by ensuring they're firm tied in to their supports.
- Garden Hygiene: Keep plants tidy, eliminating old or damaged leaves and weeds from the soil to reduce hiding places for pests. Regular checks will help you spot and tackle any issues early.
- Caring for Containers: Plants in containers will grow rapidly this month, consuming valuable nutrients. Feed them once a week, adding liquid seaweed to their water, and consider moving pots further apart to improve light and air circulation.
Vegetables and Herbs for June
Experts recommend planting heat-loving vegetables like watermelon, corn, summer squash, peppers, and herbs such as thyme, oregano, basil, and sage. June is also the perfect time to plant flowers that thrive in warm weather, like sunflowers and zinnias.
Helpful Tips for a Thriving Garden
- Watering: Water plants thoroughly, especially during hot weather.
- Fertilizing: Fertilize perennials, shrubs, and roses. Don't forget to fertilize tomatoes.
- Mulching: Mulch beds to conserve water and keep the soil cool.
- Weeding and Pest Control: Regularly remove small weeds and inspect for pests like aphids, flea beetles, Japanese beetles, and squash bugs.
- Monitoring for Diseases: Keep an eye out for signs of disease.
- Shade Protection: Use shade cloth to protect new plants from extreme heat.
Inspiration from Other Gardens
Visiting other gardens can reignite your passion for gardening, provide new ideas, and showcase different techniques. Many gardens welcome visitors in June, allowing you to see summer blooms at their best.
- To ensure a plentiful harvest, consider planting climbing beans now that the soil has warmed up, making sure to put supports in place before sowing.
- During June, it's essential to maintain a tidy garden by removing old or damaged leaves and weeds from the soil to minimize pest hiding spots.
- For a vibrant addition to your home-and-garden lifestyle, consider planting heat-loving vegetables such as watermelon, corn, and summer squash, or flowers like sunflowers and zinnias.
- To foster a thriving garden, always water plants thoroughly, especially during hot weather, and don't forget to fertilize tomatoes, perennials, shrubs, and roses to promote growth.
