Sun, growth and blossom – June marks the start of summer in your garden. Plants are in full leaf, flowers are blooming profusely and everything is buzzing with life. But all that beauty also requires a little attention. With a few simple tasks, you can keep your garden healthy, well-tended and full of colour, so that you can enjoy it to the full during the lovely summer months.
Water in the early morning or late evening, when the sun is less intense. Plants in the ground usually only need to be watered thoroughly once or twice a week. This encourages the roots to grow deeper and makes the plants stronger.
Potted plants dry out more quickly and often need watering every day during dry periods. Check daily to see if the top layer is still moist. Tip: place a saucer under the pot to keep the water available for longer.
June is ideal for light pruning of shrubs and hedges. Spring-flowering plants such as Syringa, Weigela or Deutzia can now be pruned back to maintain their shape and stimulate new growth. Hedges can be neatly trimmed around the longest day.
Prune on a cloudy day to prevent burning. Leave summer bloomers in bud alone – prune them after flowering or next spring.
As your plants grow, so does the risk of pests. Check regularly for aphids, snails, whitefly or mildew – especially on young shoots and under leaves. The sooner you spot them, the better.
Use environmentally friendly methods: spray aphids away with water or introduce ladybirds. Snails can be collected by hand in the early morning or evening. Healthy plants are less susceptible, so good care always helps.
Weeds grow quickly in June, especially after rain. Weeding is easy now, especially when the soil is moist. Regular maintenance prevents them from spreading.
Want less work? Spread mulch between your plants or choose ground-covering shrubs that grow quickly. This will keep your borders tidy and give weeds little chance to grow.
With these tips, your garden will be ready for summer – and so will you! Curious about which plants will thrive in your garden? Be inspired by the Proven Winners range.
