Essential June Gardening Tasks: A Guide to Thriving Gardens
Codling moth pheromone traps
Tasks for the Garden for June
June is one of the busiest and most rewarding months in the garden. As plants grow rapidly, vegetables are harvested, and summer flowering plants prepare to display their beauty, a little time spent on feeding, sowing, and pest monitoring can significantly enhance the season’s yield and vibrancy.
In the Ornamental Garden
Feed Lavender for Better Flowering
As lavender plants begin to produce flower spikes, it’s crucial to encourage robust growth and healthy blooms. Apply a liquid fertilizer rich in nitrogen throughout June to support their development.
Continue Regular Feeding
Many flowering plants thrive with ongoing nourishment. This month, continue your routine of applying liquid tomato fertiliser every three weeks to containers, borders, and established plants. This consistent feeding promotes healthy growth and extends the flowering season.
Watch for Vine Weevil
Vine weevil can wreak havoc, especially in raised beds, pots, and containers. Adult beetles create notched edges on leaves, while their grubs target plant roots underground. Regularly inspect vulnerable plants and take corrective action if signs of this pest appear.
Encourage Beneficial Insects
If you’ve noticed Calendula (pot marigold) self-seeding from last year, keep an eye out for young plants emerging now. Calendula flowers are fantastic at attracting pollinators and beneficial predators, such as ladybird larvae, which help control aphid populations naturally.
Fruit Garden Jobs
Feed Fruit Trees with Magnesium
Fruit trees often appreciate a magnesium boost during early summer. To enhance growth, mix two spoonfuls of Epsom salts in a two-gallon watering can and apply around the root area of four fruit trees or fruiting plants. This method is particularly beneficial for:
- Apples
- Pears
- Plums
- Other fruiting plants
Magnesium supports healthy leaf growth and can lead to improved fruit development.
Replace Codling Moth Pheromone Lures
June is crucial for controlling codling moth, a prevalent pest of apple trees. Replace or refill pheromone traps now to ensure they remain effective throughout the summer months. Codling moth larvae can tunnel into developing apples, leading to the familiar “maggoty apple” issue and potential premature fruit drop.
In the Vegetable Garden
June is a prime time for succession sowing. By sowing little and often, you can enjoy fresh vegetables over an extended period.
Sow Outdoors
- Beetroot
- Carrots
- Peas (quick-maturing varieties)
- Spring onions
- Lettuce
- Spinach
- Coriander
- Dill
- Pak Choi
Sow for Autumn and Winter Harvests
- Kale
- Calabrese and broccoli
- Brussels sprouts
- Winter cabbage
Starting these crops now ensures valuable harvests later in the year when summer vegetables start winding down.
Protect Carrots from Carrot Root Fly
June marks a peak period for carrot root fly activity. Adult flies lay eggs near carrot plants, and their larvae burrow into the roots, rendering the crop unusable. Implement barrier netting or insect mesh around carrot crops for effective protection, as carrot root flies tend to stay close to the ground, making physical barriers highly effective.
When thinning carrots, it’s advisable to:
- Avoid thinning during warm sunny weather if possible.
- Remove thinnings promptly.
- Water the area afterward to minimize the scent released by disturbed foliage.
General Vegetable Garden Maintenance
- Water regularly during dry spells.
- Thin seedlings early to prevent overcrowding.
- Continue feeding productive crops with liquid tomato fertiliser every two to three weeks.
- Check for slugs around young plants and seedlings.
- Keep weeds under control to reduce competition for moisture and nutrients.
A Final Thought
June often marks the transition where the fruits of spring’s labor begin to show. By dedicating time to regular feeding, timely sowing, and early pest control, you can ensure both ornamental and vegetable gardens stay productive throughout the summer. Observing your plants weekly can yield valuable insights, enabling you to address opportunities and problems before they escalate.