Water - don't forget the pots!
Water your garden in the early morning or late evening, when the sun is less bright. Outdoor plants usually need plenty of water once or twice a week. This way, the roots grow deeper and the plants become stronger. Potted plants dry out more quickly and often need water every day, especially in dry weather. Check your potted plants daily to see if the top layer is still moist. Tip: Place a saucer underneath the pot - that way the water stays available longer.
Pruning in June
June is the ideal month for some light pruning of shrubs and hedges. Spring-flowering shrubs such as Syringa, Weigela or Deutzia can be pruned back now to maintain shape and encourage new growth. Hedges may be neatly trimmed around the longest day. Prune on a cloudy day to avoid burning. Leave budding summer flowers with some rest - cut them only after flowering or next spring.
Detecting pests and diseases
With growth, the risk of pests also increases. Check regularly for aphids, slugs, whitefly or mildew - especially on young shoots and under the leaves. The earlier you get there, the better. Use environmentally friendly resources: Spray aphids away with water or use ladybirds. You can collect slugs by hand in the early morning or evening. Healthy plants are less susceptible, so good care always helps.
Weeding
Weeds shoot up quickly in June, mainly after rain. So be quick! Especially if the soil is moist, weeding is easy. Regular maintenance prevents it from spreading. On the lookout for less work? Scatter mulch between your plants or choose ground-covering shrubs that grow fast. This keeps your borders tidy and gives weeds little chance.
With these tips, your garden will be totally summer-proof - and so will you! Wondering which plants do well in your garden? Get inspired by the Proven Winners assortment.