June
Lawns:
- Continue to mow as necessary. The blades can be set low but if it is dry it is much better to keep the blades at a medium setting as shorter grass is less able to tolerate dry spells.
- There is still time to feed the lawn or apply a feed weed and moss killer, if you have not already done so.
Hanging Baskets & Containers:
- Finish planting.
- Water regularly, ideally once a day either early in the morning or in the evening when the sun is not shining on them.
- Liquid feed once a week.
Flower Borders:
- Dead head any roses that have finished flowering to promote a second flush, and feed.
- Continue to plant out summer bedding.
- Pinch out the tips of the leading shoots of Dahlias.
- Support tall growing annuals.
- Take softwood cuttings of Fuchsias.
Plants:
- Prune early flowering shrubs such as Deutzia, Philadelphus, Weigela, Kerria and flowering currants that have finished flowering by cutting back to a healthy bud. If the shrub is looking over crowded, cut out up to one third of branches to open up the shrub and encourage new growth. After pruning water well and feed.
Vegetable Patch:
- Earth up potatoes when the foliage reaches approximately 6-9 inches in height. This stops any potatoes that grow near to the surface from turning green and inedible.
- Plant out Winter Cabbages, Sprouting Broccoli, Brussel Sprouts and young Leeks.
- Pick herbs in the morning before their essential oils are released by the heat of the day. These can be dried by tying into small bundles and hanging upside down in a warm place. Once dry, take off the leaves and store in jars. Sprigs can also be dried in the microwave by laying on kitchen paper and microwaving for up to 2 or 3 minutes. Do check every half a minute or so. Once the herbs are cool, crumble them and store. Alternatively, store herbs by freezing into ice cube trays. This works particularly well for Mint, Basil and Parsley.
Fruit Garden:
- Do not worry if apples start to drop small fruits. This is called June Drop and is a natural thinning process.
- Protect soft fruit with netting.
Hedges:
- Evergreen hedges such as Box, Privett, Leyland cypress, Yew and Lonicera nitida may be clipped in June.
