Monty Don has issued key gardening advice for June, urging gardeners to thin fruit trees to ensure the best possible harvest. The expert explains that this month is ideal for selectively removing small fruits from apple and pear trees, a process that improves fruit quality and prevents branch damage.
The June Drop Explained
According to Monty Don, fruit trees often shed small fruits in June, a natural phenomenon known as the 'June Drop'. This is the tree's way of reducing fruit quantity to focus energy on ripening the remaining fruits. While this is normal, gardeners can intervene to enhance results.
Don advises that when fruits begin to ripen, gardeners should manually remove the smallest fruits from each cluster, leaving only two per spur. These two fruits should not touch each other, allowing them to grow larger and ripen more effectively. This also reduces the risk of branches breaking under the weight of excess fruit.
Quality Over Quantity
Emphasizing quality, Don states in his blog: "You can always buy average apples, but if you grow them yourself, then you should always aim for them to be as good as possible." By thinning fruit early, gardeners can achieve superior results compared to relying on the tree's natural selection.
Lawn Care Advice
In addition to fruit trees, Don offers tips for lawn care in June. He suggests allowing grass to grow long, especially if planted with spring bulbs and wildflowers. This benefits insects and wildlife. He advises delaying the first cut until after the summer solstice (June 21) to maximize growth and bulb performance.
Don's guidance helps gardeners make the most of the long June days, from early morning sunlight until after 10pm, ensuring their gardens thrive.
