06_June

June signals the end of Spring and the beginning of Summer. It offers the last opportunity to sow many seeds and the first opportunity to harvest some crops. Unfortunately attacks from insects, birds, slugs and snails is likely.

• Harvest new season early potatoes, peas and broad beans, onions, beetroot, summer salad crops and fruit such as strawberries, gooseberries and cherries
• Sow seeds for vegetables, salads and herbs
• Weed ruthlessly and water crops regularly
• Net peas, cabbages and fruit bushes and build supports for climbing plants
• Feed tomatoes as soon as the first tiny fruits appear on the plants
• Keep a careful watch for pests and act accordingly to protect your crop

Sow or plant in June
Brussel Sprouts & cabbages - plant out sprouts and the last of your summer, autumn and red cabbages and the first of your winter cabbages
Cauliflowers - any seedlings sown in spring for harvesting in the summer and autumn should be planted out now
Celeriac - late June is probably your last chance to plant it out
Chillies and sweet peppers - harden off young plants and if the danger of frost has passed then plant them out.
Courgettes, marrows, pumpkins and squashes - these can all be planted out in June, allow plenty of space and keep them well watered and mulched.