As the first breath of summer warms the air, gardens come alive in a riot of color and scent. June, often celebrated as the gateway to summer, offers longer days and balmy nights. It’s the time for gardeners to revel in the bloom and prepare for the upcoming harvests. Let’s dive into the must-do gardening tasks for June and explore the seeds ripe for sowing.

Gardening Tasks for June:

General Maintenance:

• Deadheading: Regularly remove spent flowers from plants like roses and geraniums to encourage new blooms.
• Watering: With the rising temperatures, ensure plants are sufficiently watered, especially containers and new plantings.
• Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Greenhouse and Indoors:

• Ventilation: Ensure proper ventilation in greenhouses to prevent overheating and to allow fresh air for plants.
• Pest Checks: Keep an eye out for aphids, red spider mites, and other pests. Deal with them promptly.

Lawn Care:

• Mowing: Regular mowing will keep the lawn tidy, but don’t cut it too short during hot spells.
• Weed Control: Attend to any lawn weeds either by hand removal or using an appropriate weedkiller.

Seeds to Sow in June:

Vegetables:

• Fast Growers: Speedy crops like radishes, spinach, and salad leaves can be sown now for a quick harvest.
• Winter Veggies: Think ahead and sow Brussels sprouts, leeks, and winter cabbages for harvesting in the colder months.
• Green Beans: Direct sow French and runner beans now for a late summer to early autumn harvest.

Flowers:

• Autumn Bloomers: Consider sowing biennials like foxgloves, forget-me-nots, and wallflowers for blossoms next spring.
• Continuous Blooms: Sunflowers, cosmos, and nasturtiums can be sown for a succession of late summer color.

Herbs:

• Culinary Stars: Continuously sow basil, coriander, and dill for a steady supply throughout summer.

Fruits:

• Strawberry Runners: If you've got mature strawberry plants, consider pegging down runners to produce new plants for next year.

Tending to the Harvest:

Don't forget, June isn’t just about planting. It's also about enjoying the first fruits (and vegetables) of your labor. Strawberries, early potatoes, and salad leaves might be ready for the picking. Savor the taste of fresh produce, a reward for months of care and attention.

June is the month where gardens truly shine. Each day brings new growth, new blossoms, and the promise of bountiful harvests. Embrace the joys of the season, stay vigilant for any garden challenges, and most of all, take moments to sit back and relish the beauty you’ve nurtured. Happy gardening!