June is the beginning of summer and you should now start to see the results of all the work done earlier in the year. So it’s time to really enjoy using your garden. But there are still some essential jobs that need carrying out if the summer is going to be a brilliant and colourful success. So don’t rest completely on your laurels!
Things to do this month
- Make some time to sit and enjoy your garden.
- Fire up the barbecue and enjoy some al fresco dining whenever the weather allows.
- Plant out all your bedding and other half-hardy summer-flowering plants – as soon as the fear of frosts and cold nights has passed.
- Cut back the old leaves of spring-flowering perennials, such as Doronicum and Pulmonaria, for a fresh flush of new, healthy foliage.
- Support tall and floppy herbaceous plants to prevent wind damage.
- Tie in sweet peas and other climbers regularly to ensure they don’t flop and break their stems.
- Plant up containers and hanging baskets with summer bedding and patio plants for a summer full of brilliant colour.
- Check that hanging basket brackets will hold the weight of a fully watered basket. Water container plants regularly - probably daily, depending on the weather.
- Water container plants regularly - probably daily, depending on the weather.
- Sow fast-maturing vegetables, such as salads, every 10-14 days to ensure a continuous supply.
- Sow tender vegetables, such as sweet corn, marrows and courgettes, outside in the ground.
- Check plants regularly to see if they need watering. If they do, give them a thorough soaking.
- Feed wild birds daily with suitable bird food. They rely on us for food all year round.
- Keep secateurs and hoe blades sharp, so they cut well. Always have a tool sharpener handy.