June... a dramatic time of year in the garden


JOBS IN THE GARDEN


It is safe to say that by the end of May there is little risk of frost. June might be a variable month, with chill nights and rain, but the long days and moisture ensure that the real growing season is with us, and it stretches out ahead luxuriously. There are the days the gardeners looks forward to - heady days and the garden might never look better, but it’s also the busiest time of the year so you’ll need all those daylight hours, regular input will ensure a long summer of interest.


Euphorbias


Cut down the old flowered stems of euphorbias that have done their bit for the season. Aubrietas


Aubrietas, having flowered so well in recent weeks, can be trimmed back now to prevent the plants becoming overgrown or gaunt, and encourage new growth for next year.


Roses


Tie in climbing and rambling roses as near to horizontal as possible. This will restrict sap flow, causing more side shoots to grow along the length of the stem.


Check roses for signs of blackspot, aphids and leaf-rolling sawfly damage. Dead head and water during dry spells. Control weeds to prevent them competing for moisture and nutrients.


Check regularly for pests and diseases. Look out for aphids on soft new growth, spraying them off with a strong jet of water, squashing or picking them by hand, or use a suitable insecticide.


Country Gardener MAGAZINES Editorial


Publisher: Alan Lewis alan@countrygardener.co.uk Features editor: Vivienne Lewis vivienne@countrygardener.co.uk Tel: 01823 430958 Time Off: Kate Lewis timeoff@countrygardener.co.uk


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Next issue: July/August 2010, published 2nd July


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Late sowing and planting


It is not too late to direct sow fast growing, late-flowering hardy annuals such as Calendula, Godetia and Clarkia and perennials such as Actaea (hollyhock). Stake tall perennials to prevent wind damage to flower spikes.


Cut back the perennials


Cutting back early-flowering perennials hard to the base as soon as the flowers are over will provide a fresh crop of foliage and in some cases a second round of flowers later in the summer.


Vegetables and fruit


Harvest lettuces, radishes and other salads you’ve planted earlier, and early potatoes. Sow more of these and other fast-growing crops for a constant supply through summer.


Sow French, broad and runner beans, peas, squash, sweetcorn and outdoor cucumbers directly into prepared beds outside.


Young tomatoes should be planted outside if they haven’t been already. Any strawberry crops previously kept under glass, fleece or cloches, should now be uncovered (or the greenhouse doors opened fully), to allow access for pollinating insects.


And remember...


Remember that one year’s seed is seven years’ weed! When weeding, retrace your steps to make sure you haven’t missed the ones staring you in the face. Little and often is the way to keep on top of things - it ensures this is just the start of the summer garden and that everything isn’t blown in the rush.


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