What to Do in the Garden in June | UK Gardening Jobs
Discover what to do in your garden in June, including watering, lawn care, pruning, fruit and vegetables, summer maintenance, weather advice and plants to enjoy.
What to do in my garden in June
June is the beginning of meteorological summer and one of the most productive months in the UK garden. Borders are filling out, roses and herbaceous perennials are flowering strongly, lawns are growing quickly and fruit and vegetable crops are becoming increasingly productive.
The main challenge in June is keeping up with growth.
Warm temperatures and long days can make plants grow extremely quickly, but they also increase water demand and encourage weeds, pests and diseases. Newly planted trees, shrubs and hedging need particularly close attention because their root systems are not yet fully established.
June is therefore a month of regular maintenance. Water deeply when required, deadhead flowering plants, keep weeds under control, support taller perennials and continue succession sowing in the vegetable garden.
It is also a month to enjoy the garden. Long evenings, warm weather and abundant planting make June one of the best times of year to make full use of patios, seating areas, lighting and water features.
Top 10 tips
1. Water newly planted trees and shrubs
New planting can dry out rapidly during warm and windy weather.
Water thoroughly rather than little and often, encouraging moisture to penetrate deep into the root zone.
2. Deadhead regularly
Remove faded flowers from suitable plants to improve appearance and encourage further flowering.
Roses, bedding plants and many herbaceous perennials benefit from regular deadheading.
3. Keep mowing lawns
Grass remains in strong growth during June.
Mow regularly, but avoid cutting too short, particularly during dry weather.
4. Keep on top of weeds
Warm soil and long days encourage very fast weed growth.
Hoe annual weeds on dry days and remove perennial weeds before they become established.
5. Support tall perennials
Check supports around delphiniums, peonies, lupins and other tall plants.
Add additional support where necessary before wind or heavy rain causes stems to collapse.
6. Prune spring-flowering shrubs
Many shrubs that have finished flowering can now be pruned where appropriate.
This often encourages healthy new growth that will carry next year's flowers.
7. Feed container plants
Plants growing in pots and containers have limited access to nutrients.
Regular feeding may be required during active growth, depending upon the plant and compost used.
8. Watch for pests and diseases
Aphids, slugs, snails and other pests can be particularly active.
Check plants regularly so problems are identified before they become severe.
9. Harvest vegetables regularly
Many early crops are now ready to harvest.
Regular picking can encourage continued production in crops such as peas, salads and some beans.
10. Make time to enjoy the garden
June has some of the longest days of the year.
Use the garden in the evening and consider how planting, seating, lighting and water features work together after sunset.
Herbaceous Perennials
June is one of the peak months for herbaceous borders.
Many perennials are flowering, while later-flowering plants are rapidly gaining height.
Continue supporting tall-growing species before they are damaged by wind or heavy rain.
Plants that commonly benefit from support include:
Delphiniums
Peonies
Lupins
Heleniums
Rudbeckias
Asters
Campanulas
Echinacea
Tie stems loosely and avoid compressing the plant into an unnatural shape.
Deadhead regularly where appropriate.
This can improve appearance and, in some plants, encourage repeat flowering.
Remove flowered stems from plants that become untidy after blooming.
Where early-flowering perennials have finished, some may benefit from cutting back to encourage fresh foliage.
Continue controlling weeds and maintain mulch where it has become thin.
Monitor soil moisture carefully.
Dense perennial planting can sometimes conceal very dry soil beneath the foliage.
The Chelsea Chop can still be completed on suitable late-flowering plants in early June in some gardens, particularly where a slightly later flowering period is desirable.
Trees and shrubs are now in full growth.
Recently planted specimens need particularly careful watering during June.
Do not assume that rainfall has penetrated deeply enough.
Large leaves can shed water away from the root zone, while trees planted close to walls or beneath overhangs may receive very little direct rainfall.
Check:
Soil moisture
Tree ties
Stakes
Rootball stability
Mulch depth
Signs of stress
Wilting, scorched leaf margins or premature leaf drop can indicate water stress, although these symptoms can have other causes.
Many spring-flowering shrubs can be pruned after flowering.
Examples may include:
Forsythia
Philadelphus
Weigela
Deutzia
Some Spiraea
Pruning should always suit the individual species.
Evergreen hedges may also require trimming, but check carefully for active bird nests before undertaking hedge work.
Remove suckers and unwanted basal shoots from trees and shrubs where appropriate.
Water newly planted hedging thoroughly during prolonged dry spells.
Lawns usually require frequent mowing during June.
Keep mower blades sharp and maintain an appropriate cutting height.
During dry periods, raise the mowing height slightly.
Longer grass shades the soil and can help reduce moisture loss.
Avoid removing more than roughly one third of the grass height in a single cut.
June lawn jobs may include:
Regular mowing
Feeding
Edging
Spot weed control
Repairing minor damage
Watering newly established lawns
Established lawns do not always need regular irrigation.
During prolonged dry weather, they may naturally lose colour and become semi-dormant, but will often recover once rainfall returns.
Newly seeded or newly laid lawns are different and should not be allowed to dry out during establishment.
Avoid mowing wet grass where possible.
Clean mower blades and remove compacted clippings from underneath the machine regularly.
June is a busy month for fruit crops.
Young fruits are developing quickly and many soft fruits are approaching harvest.
Water fruit trees and bushes during prolonged dry weather, particularly newly planted specimens and plants carrying heavy crops.
Apple and pear trees may naturally shed immature fruits during what is commonly known as the June drop.
Further thinning may sometimes be beneficial where fruit remains excessively crowded.
Strawberries require particular attention.
Keep fruit clean and away from damp soil using straw or another appropriate mulch.
Harvest regularly as fruit ripens.
Protect soft fruit from birds where necessary, but ensure netting is secure and does not create a hazard to wildlife.
Raspberries, currants and gooseberries may also be ready for harvesting.
Tie in new raspberry canes and remove damaged growth where appropriate.
Check fruit trees regularly for pests and diseases.
The vegetable garden becomes increasingly productive during June.
Continue succession sowing to maintain crops over a longer period.
Vegetables that may still be sown include:
Carrots
Beetroot
Radishes
Lettuce
Spring onions
Peas
Spinach
Chard
French beans
Runner beans
Plant out tender vegetables once conditions are reliably suitable.
These may include:
Courgettes
Pumpkins
Squashes
Sweetcorn
Cucumbers
French beans
Runner beans
Water deeply during dry weather.
Vegetable crops grown in raised beds and containers can dry particularly quickly.
Support climbing beans and peas before growth becomes tangled.
Side-shoot cordon tomatoes where appropriate and tie them securely to supports.
Feed tomatoes once fruit trusses begin developing according to the requirements of the growing system.
Harvest salads, radishes, peas and other crops regularly.
Hoe weeds while they are small.
Continue earthing up potatoes where necessary.
June is one of the most productive months in the herb garden.
Regular harvesting encourages fresh growth in many culinary herbs.
Herbs that may be harvested include:
Chives
Mint
Parsley
Coriander
Dill
Oregano
Thyme
Rosemary
Sage
Basil
Basil grows best in warm conditions and requires protection from cold nights.
Remove flower heads from herbs grown primarily for foliage where flowering would reduce leaf quality.
Mint may need controlling to prevent it spreading into neighbouring planting.
Container-grown herbs should be checked regularly for water.
Mediterranean herbs still prefer free-draining conditions and should not be kept continuously wet.
Herbs can also be harvested for drying or freezing when growth is abundant.
Pick foliage during dry weather for the best quality.
Water features become increasingly prominent during June.
Warm weather increases evaporation, so water levels should be checked regularly.
Pumps and filters may require more frequent cleaning as biological activity increases.
Check:
Water levels
Pumps
Filters
Pipework
Reservoirs
Fountains
Rills
Grilles
Lighting
Blanket weed and algae may develop rapidly in warm, nutrient-rich water.
Remove excessive growth where necessary while checking carefully for aquatic wildlife.
Pond plants can become extremely vigorous.
Thin excessive vegetation where required, but avoid stripping too much cover at once.
Top up wildlife ponds during dry weather.
Rainwater is preferable where practical.
In ornamental fountains and contemporary water features, clean visible surfaces as necessary and remove debris that could block pumps.
Even small reductions in water level can affect the operation of some systems, so check frequently during hot weather.
June is when patios, paths and terraces are used most heavily.
Keep surfaces clean and safe.
Sweep regularly to remove leaves, flower petals and debris.
Check paving joints for weed growth and remove weeds before roots become established.
Inspect:
Porcelain paving
Natural stone
Steps
Paths
Driveways
Garden walls
Retaining walls
Drainage channels
Manhole covers
Raised beds
Warm weather can cause dust, pollen and organic deposits to accumulate on paving.
Clean surfaces with methods appropriate to the material.
Check that planting is not encroaching excessively onto paths and steps.
Cut back growth that narrows access routes or creates trip hazards.
Drainage channels should remain clear even during summer because intense thunderstorms can produce large volumes of water in a short period.
June is also a good month to assess how well patios and seating areas function during actual use.
Consider shade, privacy, circulation and the relationship between seating and planting.
Climbing plants are growing rapidly in June.
Tie new shoots onto pergolas, trellis, arches and wires before they become tangled or damaged.
Check:
Pergolas
Fences
Gates
Trellis
Privacy screens
Gazebos
Garden buildings
Raised beds
Arches
Remove or adjust ties that are becoming tight around expanding stems.
Inspect structures carrying heavy climbers such as roses, wisteria or mature clematis.
Growth can become surprisingly heavy, particularly after rain.
Keep gates and paths clear of overhanging vegetation.
Check outdoor furniture, parasols and other seasonal equipment regularly.
If timber structures require treatment, choose a suitable dry period and follow the manufacturer's recommendations.
Garden lighting should also be checked.
Clean fittings and remove foliage that is beginning to obscure light sources.
House plants are generally in strong growth during June.
Watering requirements increase as temperatures rise and days remain long.
Check compost regularly and water according to the needs of individual plants.
Plants in small pots may dry very quickly.
Feed actively growing house plants according to their requirements.
Continue checking for:
Aphids
Spider mites
Mealybugs
Scale insects
Fungus gnats
Strong summer sunshine can scorch foliage.
Move sensitive plants away from intense direct midday sun if necessary.
Increase ventilation on warm days, but avoid exposing tropical plants to extreme draughts.
Some house plants may be moved outdoors for summer if temperatures are suitable.
Acclimatise them gradually and place them in an appropriate level of light.
Never move a shade-grown plant directly into strong outdoor sunshine.
June can bring beautiful warm weather, but it can also produce heavy rain, thunderstorms and surprisingly cool conditions.
Hot Weather
Prolonged sunshine increases water demand considerably.
Prioritise:
Newly planted trees
New hedging
Recently planted shrubs
Containers
Vegetable crops
New lawns
Water thoroughly rather than applying frequent shallow amounts.
Drying Winds
Wind can increase water loss dramatically.
Large-leaved plants and newly planted evergreens can suffer even when temperatures are not exceptionally high.
Heavy Rain
Summer downpours can flatten tall herbaceous plants.
Check stakes and supports after heavy rain.
Clear blocked drains and channels following storms.
Thunderstorms
Intense rainfall can expose drainage problems very quickly.
Inspect areas where water collects or flows across paving.
Cool Nights
Although frost becomes much less likely, nights can still occasionally be cool, particularly in northern and exposed gardens.
Tender greenhouse plants should continue to be monitored according to local conditions.
Plants to enjoy in June
Border and rock garden
Rosa – Roses
June is traditionally one of the main months for roses.
Shrub, climbing and rambling roses can provide spectacular displays and fragrance.
Paeonia – Peonies
Peonies produce some of the most dramatic flowers of early summer.
Provide support to heavily flowering plants where necessary.
Geranium – Hardy Geraniums
Hardy geraniums are exceptionally useful border plants and can flower over long periods.
Salvia
Many hardy Salvias begin flowering strongly during June.
Their upright flower spikes provide excellent vertical accents.
Nepeta
Nepeta produces masses of blue-purple flowers and aromatic foliage.
It works particularly well alongside roses.
Alchemilla mollis
Soft green foliage and clouds of lime-green flowers make Alchemilla a useful edging and ground-cover plant.
Astrantia
Astrantias provide intricate flowers and work particularly well in naturalistic and partially shaded planting schemes.
Delphinium
Tall blue, purple, white or pink flower spikes create dramatic vertical interest.
Lupinus – Lupins
Lupins continue producing strong flower spikes during early summer.
Digitalis – Foxgloves
Foxgloves bring height and vertical rhythm to woodland, cottage and naturalistic borders.
Trees and shrubs with foliage of interest
Acer palmatum
Japanese maples provide delicate foliage and elegant form throughout early summer.
Cotinus coggygria
Purple, green and golden-leaved cultivars provide strong foliage contrast.
Cercis canadensis
Heart-shaped leaves can provide dramatic colour, particularly on purple and golden forms.
Sambucus nigra
Dark-leaved elder cultivars provide excellent contrast with pale or silver planting.
Fatsia japonica
Large evergreen leaves give strong architectural structure.
Hostas
Hostas are now at or approaching full foliage.
Blue, green, gold and variegated cultivars provide excellent shade interest.
Rodgersia
Large architectural foliage can become particularly impressive in moist or partially shaded areas.
Heuchera
Colourful foliage provides reliable contrast around the front of borders and in containers.
Trees with colourful fruit
Fruit is beginning to develop on many ornamental trees and shrubs during June.
Although most is not yet fully coloured, the process that creates autumn and winter displays is well underway.
Malus – Crab Apples
Small developing crab apples become increasingly visible after spring blossom.
Sorbus – Rowan
Clusters of immature berries begin swelling and will colour later in the year.
Crataegus – Hawthorn
Small green haws develop after the May blossom.
Pyracantha
Pollinated flowers begin developing into dense clusters of fruit.
Cotoneaster
Young berries begin forming and will gradually develop colour through summer and autumn.
Ilex aquifolium – Holly
Tiny developing fruits may become visible on female plants following successful pollination.
Greenhouse plants in flower
Greenhouse Plants in Flower
June brings abundant growth and colour under glass.
Pelargoniums
Pelargoniums can provide strong flowering displays throughout the month.
Fuchsias
Fuchsias begin flowering more freely as temperatures increase.
Begonias
Many Begonias are now in active growth and flowering strongly.
Streptocarpus
Streptocarpus can produce flowers continuously under suitable conditions.
Orchids
Various orchids may flower during June depending upon species and cultivation.
Abutilon
Abutilons provide colourful hanging bell-shaped flowers.
Bougainvillea
In warm, bright greenhouse conditions, Bougainvillea can produce spectacular coloured bracts.
Enjoying the Garden in June
June is one of the months when the work put into a garden throughout winter and spring begins to pay off.
Borders are full, trees provide shade, lawns are green and outdoor living spaces become part of everyday life.
The main priority is to maintain momentum without allowing the garden to become a chore.
A little regular maintenance is usually more effective than occasional large interventions.
Deadhead while walking through the garden, pull young weeds before they establish, check water levels regularly and tie in new growth before it becomes unruly.
Most importantly, take the opportunity to use the garden.
Sit outside in the evening, enjoy the scent of roses and other summer flowers, watch wildlife around water features and observe how the garden changes as daylight fades.
June is not only about maintaining a garden. It is about enjoying the space that all that earlier preparation has created.