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Garden jobs for June
GARDEN JOBS
Here are some of the top jobs to be getting on with in the garden this month...
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1. Hoe borders regularly to keep down weeds. Do this on a dry day so the weeds dry out on the surface of the soil.
Half-hardy annuals such as cosmos, rudbeckia and nicotiana can go into the garden now
2. Be water-wise, especially in drought-affected areas. Gather rainwater in butts, even those connected to a greenhouse or shed can collect surprisingly large amounts of water. It's easy to do, better for your plants and it's free!
watered well or they could bolt in hot, dry conditions.
Collect rain water wherever you can 5. Position summer hanging baskets and containers outside. The last frosts are over so even tender plants can be planted out into their final positions.
Pinch out tomato side shoots
3. Pinch out sideshoots on tomatoes. This ensures the plant's energy goges into the growth of the main stem and cordens, and not into creating unproductive vegetation.
4. Harvest lettuce, radish, other salads and early potatoes. The hungry gap is over! Ensure repeat sowings to keep the supplies coming throughout the summer. Vegetables are thirsty plants so ensure they are 6. Mow lawns at least once a week. Growth should be at its best so regular mowing will produce a beautiful dense turf. If conditions are dry then growth will slow but continue to mow at least every 10 to 14 days to control coarse grasses and seed heads.
7. Plant out summer bedding. It's time to plant out half hardy annuals you have grown from seed or bought from garden centres/ nurseries for a hit of summer colour.
8. Stake tall or floppy plants. Perennials in borders often put on strong lush growth that makes them vulnerable to collapse, especially after heavy rain or strong winds. Staking them early will give a more natural look. Tall plants and hybrids with large flowers are most likely to require support.
9. Prune many spring-flowering shrubs. Deciduous shrubs that flower in late winter, spring and early summer need annual pruning to encourage strong, healthy shoots and improve flowering. See the RHS website for species specific pruning advice.
10. Shade greenhouses to keep them cool and prevent scorch. Greenhouses, whether of glass or plastic, can overheat in sunny weather. Plants can be protected from excess heat by shading and ventilation.
