by John Hosford
June marks one of the busiest and most rewarding periods in the gardening calendar. With the risk to tender plants now largely passed, it is the ideal time to move many flowers and vegetables outdoors and make the most of the growing season ahead. Careful planting, feeding and regular maintenance this month will help ensure strong growth, colourful displays and productive harvests throughout summer.
Vegetable garden
June is the time to plant out tender vegetables. Basil, parsley and lettuce can all now be moved outdoors, while courgettes, pumpkins, squashes, vegetable marrows, outdoor cucumbers and melons should be planted into rich soil that has been generously improved with well-rotted farmyard or stable manure. Before planting, work in a good organic fertiliser and water thoroughly once plants are in position.
Slug and snail damage can become a problem at this stage, so close observation is important. Weathered wood ashes placed around vulnerable plants may help discourage attack. These larger vegetable crops should generally be spaced one metre apart to allow for healthy development.
Applying straw as a mulch around developing plants offers several benefits. It suppresses weeds, reduces moisture loss and prevents soil splashing onto fruit as it matures.
Runner beans, French beans and climbing French beans that were started indoors can now be transplanted into their final growing positions. Outdoor tomatoes can also be planted out and perform best in a sunny, sheltered location. Tumbling tomato varieties are especially suitable for hanging baskets, window boxes and patio containers as they mature quickly and produce flavour-packed crops. Choosing blight-resistant varieties is recommended.
June is also an excellent month for direct sowing outdoors. Beetroot, carrots, Chinese cabbage, Florence fennel, lettuce, pak choi, peas, spinach and spring onions can all be sown now. Vegetable plants started indoors during April and May should also be planted out.
Early potatoes can begin to be harvested this month. Gardeners should remain alert for signs of blight and monitor weather updates from MET Éireann.
Plants for summer baskets and containers
Summer baskets and containers provide long-lasting colour and there is an extensive selection of flowering and foliage plants available to create displays that remain attractive throughout the season.
Trailing foliage plants such as Dichondra ‘Silver Falls’, Helichrysum and ivies provide texture and contrast when combined with flowering plants. Begonias continue to be a dependable choice thanks to their weather resistance, extensive colour range and ability to flower into late autumn.
Members of the daisy family also perform exceptionally well in containers. Argyranthemum varieties, available in white, yellow and pink, work particularly well as central feature plants and combine effectively with Surfinias, Petunias, Sanvitalia and Osteospermum.
Lobelia remains a summer classic and is available in shades of blue, white, lavender and red in both trailing and bush forms. Impatiens, or busy lizzies, are another excellent option for shaded areas, bringing bright colour that continues late into autumn.
Pelargoniums, commonly known as geraniums, thrive in sunny positions. Ivy-leaf varieties create trailing and cascading displays and are available in pink, red, white and lavender shades. Zonal pelargoniums make strong centrepieces for patio containers and provide reliable long-lasting colour. To keep them performing well, deadhead regularly, remove mouldy leaves and avoid wetting foliage and blooms to reduce the risk of fungal problems.
Fuchsias are highly rewarding container plants and come in both bush and trailing forms with single or double flowers. With proper care they can continue flowering until November. Gardeners should remain watchful for vine weevil and treat if necessary. They are particularly suitable for shaded and north-facing locations.
Edible planting can also be incorporated into containers. Tumbling tomatoes, strawberries and herbs work well in hanging baskets, while larger patio containers can accommodate colourful vegetables including red cabbage, Kale Black Tuscany, dwarf curled kale and Savoy cabbage.
Sweet peas, climbing runner beans and climbing French beans can all be successfully grown in large containers when supported with a wigwam structure.
Successful baskets and containers depend on consistent care. Water regularly and avoid allowing compost to dry out. Feed weekly from June through October using a seaweed-based liquid feed. Replace damaged or rusted basket chains, use fresh compost enriched with slow-release fertiliser and consider installing a watering system if extended absences are planned.
Fruit garden
Fruit garden maintenance becomes important in June. Peaches, plums and nectarines should be pruned during this period to encourage healthy growth and productive cropping.
Rhubarb can continue to be harvested until the end of the month. Plum trees carrying heavy crops may require thinning early in June to reduce stress on branches. Supporting heavily laden branches will also help prevent breakage.
Under cover
Greenhouse and protected growing areas require close attention as temperatures rise. Damp down regularly in warm weather and maintain a consistent schedule of watering and feeding.
Remove tomato sideshoots promptly and, if they have become strong, cut them cleanly using disinfected secateurs. Glasshouses may need shading through paint-on products or blinds to reduce excessive heat.
Young plants and seedlings should be potted on as required and grape vines must be checked regularly to ensure adequate watering.
Requiring attention this month
Regular hoeing of weeds remains one of the most effective maintenance tasks and is best carried out early in the day when sunshine or drying conditions are expected.
Tall perennials should be staked before they become vulnerable to wind damage.
Roses benefit from a final summer feed at this time. Continue preventative care against blackspot, mildew and rust, and remove suckers promptly as they appear.
With attentive watering, feeding and seasonal maintenance, June offers the opportunity to establish healthy gardens that will continue delivering colour and harvests well into the months ahead.
