June is a bustling month in the garden. The days are at their longest, the sun beams down stronger, and plants thrive with vitality — but so do the weeds and pests! Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, taking a proactive approach this month can lead to a flourishing outdoor space. Here's your handy guide to keeping your garden in top shape during June.

Keep Your Garden Hydrated

Hydration is key during the warmer months. Regularly check your plants and water them if the soil feels dry, particularly focusing on newly planted fruits trees and shrubs that are still establishing their roots. To enhance efficiency and conserve water, consider setting up an automated drip irrigation system, which can significantly save time, effort, and resources. This is especially vital for your fruit garden where young trees require consistent moisture to thrive.

Manage the Temperature in Your Greenhouse

Your greenhouse can become a heat trap in June. To prevent plants from overheating, use blinds or apply shade paint, and don't forget to open vents and doors on warm days. This helps in creating a balanced environment where your plants can grow without stress.

Dead-head and Stake Your Flowers

In your flower garden, regular maintenance can prolong the blooming period and encourage healthier growth. Dead-head repeat-flowering roses to promote more blooms and stake tall perennial plants to prevent damage from winds. For those growing fuchsias and sweet peas, pinching out the tips can encourage a fuller, more attractive shape. Explore more about these techniques on our detailed gardening guides.

Split and Multiply

Now is a great time to lift and divide overcrowded clumps of bulbs and perennials like snowdrops, bluebells, and hardy geraniums. This not only invigorates the plants but also increases your stock — more beauty for free!

Harvest and Refresh

June is a rewarding time for harvesting in both the flower and vegetable gardens. Gather lavender and early potatoes, and keep cutting sweet peas to encourage continuous flowering. Post-harvest, refresh plants by cutting back spent blooms and foliage, which can stimulate new growth and prolong the gardening season.

Protect and Nourish

Spend time protecting your young vegetable and fruit plants. Use nets to shield fruits from birds and squirrels, and consider horticultural fleece for safeguarding against carrot fly. Fertilising plays a crucial role this month too. Give your fruit trees a boost with a high potash feed and maintain your vegetable patches with appropriate nutrients to ensure hearty growth throughout the season.

Lawn Care: More Than Just Mowing

Aside from regular mowing, raising the blades during hotter spells can reduce stress on your grass, conserving its green lushness. Also, apply a specialised lawn weed killer to keep those pesky invaders at bay, and consider feeding your lawn to encourage robust health.

Utilise Rainwater

June can still have dry spells, making water conservation ever critical. Use water butts to collect rainwater, which is particularly beneficial for acid-loving plants like blueberries, as it avoids the lime in tap water which can affect soil acidity over time.

Be Vigilant with Pests and Diseases

Keep a keen eye out for pests and diseases. Mildew, aphids, and vine weevils are just some of the common concerns in June. Physical removal or treatments with fungicides or insecticides might be necessary to safeguard your beloved plants.

Tending Beyond the Plants

Don't just focus on the plants; pay attention to the garden's infrastructure. Check and clean water features, maintain clean bird baths, and turn over compost to keep your garden's ecosystem thriving holistically.

This vibrant month can be quite demanding in the garden, but it’s also immensely rewarding. As you immerse yourself in these tasks, remember that proactive care is the key to a bountiful and beautiful garden. 

For more detailed advice and specific gardening solutions, visit our Garden Centre’s hub. Ready your tools and get your garden thriving this June!