June Gardening Calender

June is a quiet time in the garden as the first of winter is felt with dropping temperatures, rain and frost but if the soil is sodden resist any digging.

The need for feeding and watering plants is lessened as growth slows down. However, new seedlings and plants battling against the elements will appreciate a foliar feed as this helps strengthen roots. June is a great time to plan for the following seasons.

KITCHEN GARDEN

Vegetables
• Improve soil in preparation for spring. Apply a good dressing of dolomite lime.
• Build up soils with compost in preparation for planting in August and September.
• Asparagus. Cultivate the beds when the ferns have died down. Mix 2 parts dolomite to one part superphosphate and one part blood and bone and scatter a good 2 handfuls per square metre over the bed then cover with a thick layer of compost or mulch.
• Brassicas nearing maturity will benefit from an application of Thrive Soluble fertiliser.
• Sow broad beans (also available this month in seedling punnets).
• Plant shallots and garlic.
• If soils are easy to work keep planting seedlings of cabbage, cauliflower, borecole, celery, corn salad, onions, peas, radish, silverbeet, spinach and turnip.
• Plant out well sprouted seed potatoes only if the garden is free from frost.
• Rhubarb clumps can be refreshed by lifting and cutting back to vigorous roots. Replant in soil enriched with well-rotted animal manure and compost.

Fruit
• Start pruning stonefruit trees, as they are the first to come into growth in spring.
• Prune only after the fruit buds have formed. A fruit of flowering bud is fat and rounded, whereas leaf buds are thin and pointed.
• Peaches and nectarines fruit on one year old wood and will need shortening back to retain a manageable size.
• Pipfruit (apples, pears and quince fruit on two year old spurs. Aim to thin out old, unnecessary wood to maintain a good size and shape.
• Plums and damsons will crop well without any pruning but if left to their own devices the fruit will form well out of reach. Over-vigorous and upright branches should be removed as well as dead or twiggy growth. Fruit is carried on old wood so to avoid missing a season’s crop, prune in stages over several seasons.
• Never prune during wet weather. Ensure secateurs and loppers are sharp and clean.
• All deciduous fruit trees should be sprayed with Yates Champion Copper and Conqueror Oil.
• Lime sulphur is an excellent spray to use at this time of the year to rid deciduous trees (and roses) of lichen and mosses, red spider mite and other over-wintering pests. Spray at full strength – 100ml to 1.5 litres of water).
• Strawberries can be planted in prepared beds.
• N.B. Keep at least 2 weeks between spraying with Lime Sulphur and Copper/Oil spray.
• Prepare planting positions for new trees due next month. Incorporate compost and topsoil in the bottom of the planting hole and leave exposed to aerate until ready for planting.

ORNAMENTAL GARDEN

Roses
• Spray roses with copper and oil and/or lime sulphur as above. Lime sulphur will precipitate leaf fall.
• Apply sulphur of potash to roses to harden canes in preparation for pruning.
• Let roses develop hips.
• New seasons roses are available from the garden centre this month to select and plant.

General
• Sow sweet peas in well-drained soil. Soak overnight in tepid water.
• Plant seedlings of polyanthus, primula, pansy, calendula and viola.
• A teaspoon per plant of dried blood will encourage strong healthy primula and polyanthus.
• Plant out perennial primula and primroses.
• Perennial plants such as hostas can be lifted, divided and planted into their new positions.
• There is a good selection of new season hellebores to choose from and plant.
• Prune hydrangeas. Thin out spindly growth and cut back strong growth to the second pair of buds low down on the stems.
• Apply Aluminium Sulphate every two weeks to enhance the colour of blue hydrangeas. Apply lime to red and pink varieties.
• Plant out lily bulbs.

LAWNS
• Growth has slowed down and the lawn will not need to be cut so frequently.
• Only cut on dry, sunny days.
• If your lawn is struggling to survive because of competition from tree roots or overhanging branches, consider using ground covers which don’t mind the shade or poor soil i.e. mondo grass, native leptinella, Corsican mint or pennyroyal.
• Watch out for large muddy patches appearing overnight - you may have an infestation of porina. Click here for more information >

Read more about ROSES - planting and care - click here >>

Read more about how to rid your garden of pests and diseases here >>