Jobs to do in the Garden in June

– Stay ahead of rapid June weed growth by carrying out regular weeding. Weeds compete with garden plants for nutrients and moisture. You can also remove faded foliage from most spring bulbs, although daffodils and tulips should be left to die back naturally.

– This is an ideal time to plant out greenhouse-grown vegetables such as Brussels sprouts, cabbage, celery, courgettes, cucumbers, marrows, and French or runner beans. Remember to fit brassica collars around cabbages and sprouts to help prevent damage from cabbage root fly.

– Feed your roses during June with rose fertiliser to encourage vigorous growth and a profusion of flowers. Apply around the base of each plant and water thoroughly if rainfall is unlikely over the following weeks.

– Keep harvesting salad leaves as they mature and continue sowing fresh batches every couple of weeks to enjoy a reliable supply throughout the growing season.

– Before planting summer bedding displays, improve the soil by incorporating a dressing of general-purpose fertiliser to encourage strong establishment and healthy growth.

– Support tall-growing plants such as dahlias, lilies, and sweet peas using bamboo canes and reusable plant ties. Fruiting crops including raspberries and blackberries may also benefit from additional support.

– Water plants regularly during dry weather, paying particular attention to newly planted trees and shrubs that are still becoming established. An irrigation system can make watering more efficient and help conserve water.

– For fuller growth and increased flowering, pinch out the tips of bedding plants, perennials, tomatoes, and courgettes.

– Deadheading spent blooms will also encourage further flowering.

– Cut back poppies and euphorbias after flowering, and collect lavender heads for culinary or craft uses.

– Thin seedlings of carrots, beetroot, and lettuce to reduce overcrowding and allow the strongest plants to develop properly. Continue sowing at intervals to extend cropping well into autumn.

– Keep your hanging baskets looking their best by watering and feeding consistently. When planting new baskets, include slow-release fertiliser, water-retaining crystals, and high-quality compost to help plants cope with summer heat.

– Maintain a healthy lawn by mowing regularly throughout June as grass growth accelerates.

– Established lawns can be cut slightly shorter, while longer grass is preferable during hot, dry periods. Apply spring and summer lawn fertiliser, water newly seeded areas, and repair bare patches to keep your lawn looking its best.

– Protect vulnerable crops such as brassicas, carrots, and soft fruit with fine mesh netting. This helps deter pests including carrot fly, caterpillars, and birds.

– Sow seeds of alstroemeria, achillea, Canterbury bells, arabis, coreopsis, erigeron, forget-me-nots, and sweet William directly where they are to flower. Sowing now will reward you with colour in the garden next spring and summer.

– Keep greenhouses and polytunnels well ventilated by opening doors and vents during the day. Good airflow helps prevent excessive heat build-up, supports pollination, and encourages beneficial insects.

– Installing shade netting can further reduce heat stress on plants.

– Start sowing polyanthus, primrose, and pansy seeds in trays under cover for autumn planting. Lightly cover seeds with vermiculite and place them in an unheated propagator until they are ready for transplanting.
Once flowering begins, feed plants such as fuchsias, petunias, and morning glories with liquid tomato feed. Apply weekly through to early autumn for the best results. The same feed is also beneficial for cucumbers, chillies, and aubergines.