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If you’ve managed to maintain your plants over winter and most of spring, you will likely face a new challenge come June. Although still vulnerable to rain showers, this is the month consistently warm weather finally comes to Britain. The month also sees the longest day of the year (21st June), bringing extra sunlight and warmth for longer hours on top of the warmer temperatures.Luckily, however, there are tips to ensure your plants survive this difficult bridge from spring into summer.
Check daily
Firstly, you must check your plants on a daily basis. No matter your usual watering schedule, you must water your plants if the soil is dry. This is especially true for newly planted trees and shrubs. Plants are like us humans, they need to drink a lot more in the sunny seasons. Especially if it’s your plant’s first summer outside, the heat can really affect them, so just make sure you are checking daily for wilting.
Watch out for weeds
This added light and warmth also means weeds will appear unexpectedly from nowhere. These can be dealt with by regular hoeing, which must be done in dry conditions. It’s crucial to stay on top of weeding during this time. Your plants are already acclimatising to the temperatures, and this is made more difficult if they have to compete with the weeds for water, nutrients and light.
Protect your greenhouses
If you have a greenhouse, it’s crucial to purchase some blinds or shade cloths to protect the glass, and ultimately plants, from the sun’s harsh gaze. Vents and doors must also be opened on the hottest days.
Be gentle with newcomers
For any indoor plants that you’re easing outside, be careful to ‘harden off’. This is a process where plants are slowly acclimatised to the temperatures outside, which can see 90% more sunlight compared with a windowsill. Seedlings must be brought outside for half an hour at a time to ensure they don’t burn. Using a shade cloth can further help protect them.
Look ahead to summer
You should also keep an eye on planting for the approaching summer. June is the best time to pot bulbs or bedding plants. As the danger of frost will finally have passed, it’s a great time to plant summer hanging baskets outside your home. If you do not have a conservatory or greenhouse, June is the best time to sow leafy salads and vegetables. They only need to be sown in shallow drills and you must ensure they’re kept well-watered and weed-free.
Avoid over-mowing
It’s not only your plants to consider around this time. The grass itself is also a vital part of the garden’s wellbeing. For a conventional garden, mowing should occur once a week. Close mowing should be avoided. Even though it makes your garden looks professional and appealing it can actually weaken the grass and cause bald patches. It also encourages shallow rooting, which makes the grass even more vulnerable to weeds and drought.
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