Jobs to do in the Garden in June

– Sow polyanthus, primrose, and pansy seeds in trays in the greenhouse to prepare for autumn planting, ensuring a vibrant spring bloom. Cover these seeds with a fine layer of vermiculite and place them in an unheated propagator until they’re ready for planting out.

– Before planting summer bedding plants, incorporate a layer of general-purpose fertiliser into the soil to give them a healthy start.

– Support tall flowers such as dahlias, sweet peas, and lilies as they grow by using bamboo canes and reusable plant ties. Raspberry and blackberry plants might also need support as they grow taller.

– Check your plants daily and water if the soil appears dry, especially newly planted fruit trees and shrubs, which are still establishing themselves. Setting up an irrigation system can save you time and money.

– Stay on top of weeding, as June is a prime month for weeds that will compete with your plants for water, light, and nutrients. Clean up dead foliage from spring-flowering bulbs, except for daffodils and tulips, which should be left to die back naturally.

– Feed your rose plants this month to promote growth and flowering. Use a granular feed around the roots and water it in if there is no rain within a couple of weeks after fertilizing, taking care not to disturb the roots.

– Use a liquid tomato feed for flowering plants like fuchsias, morning glories, and petunias to encourage more blooms. Start feeding when buds appear and continue weekly until early autumn. This fertilizer is also suitable for cucumbers, sweet and spicy chili peppers, and aubergines.

– Thin out rows of beetroot, carrot, and lettuce seedlings, keeping the strongest and removing weaker ones. Continue staggering sowings to extend your harvest.

– Keep your hanging baskets by watering and feeding regularly. If you haven’t planted your summer flowering baskets yet, add slow-release fertiliser granules and water-retaining crystals to the compost to support your plants during warmer months.

– Plant out greenhouse-raised vegetable plants this month, including Brussels sprouts, cabbage, celery, courgette, cucumber, marrow, and runner and French beans. Use brassica collars on cabbages and Brussels sprouts to prevent cabbage root fly attacks.

– Harvest salad crops and continue sowing every two weeks for a regular crop into autumn.

– Protect carrots, cabbages, fruit bushes, and other crops from pests like carrot root fly, caterpillars, and birds by covering them with fine mesh netting.

– Keep your greenhouse or polytunnel well-ventilated by opening doors and windows all day. This prevents overheating, encourages pollinators, and brings in predators of aphids and greenflies. To reduce temperatures and sun exposure, fit shade netting to your greenhouse.

– Mow your lawn frequently, as it will grow faster from June onwards. Lower the blade height on your mower for established grass, but raise it during dry spells to avoid stressing the grass. Water your lawn during dry periods, especially if it has been freshly seeded. Apply spring and summer lawn fertiliser to established lawns and use lawn patch repair for bald spots, keeping them well-watered in dry weather.

– Plant alstroemeria, achillea, Canterbury bells, arabis, coreopsis, erigeron, forget-me-nots, and sweet William seeds in their final flowering spots now for a beautiful display next spring and summer.

– To encourage bushier plants with more flowers, pinch out the stems of bedding and perennial plants, as well as fruits and vegetable plants like tomatoes and courgettes. Deadhead regularly to keep your flowers blooming longer. For poppies and euphorbias, cut off the stems at ground level. Lavender heads can be used in baking or crafts.