As summer reaches its glorious peak, gardening icon Monty Don has unveiled his essential June checklist that promises to transform your outdoor space. The BBC Gardeners' World presenter, known for his practical wisdom and horticultural expertise, shares six crucial tasks that could make or break your garden's summer performance.
Tomato Care: The Key to Sweet Success
Monty emphasises that June is make-or-break for tomato plants. "Start by removing the lower leaves from your tomato plants," he advises. This simple step prevents soil-borne diseases from splashing onto the foliage during watering. More importantly, he reveals the secret to sweeter tomatoes: "Stop feeding them now. This stresses the plant slightly, forcing it to produce more fruit with concentrated flavour."
Lawn Perfection: Timing is Everything
According to Monty, your lawn needs careful attention this month. "Continue mowing regularly, but raise the cutting height slightly," he suggests. This approach helps the grass cope with drier conditions while maintaining that coveted lush appearance. The gardening guru stresses that consistent care now pays dividends throughout the summer.
Flower Power: Extending the Bloom
For continuous colour, Monty recommends deadheading flowers as they fade. "This encourages plants to produce more blooms rather than setting seed," he explains. Pay particular attention to roses and perennial flowers to keep your borders vibrant throughout the season.
Water Wisdom: Smart Hydration Strategies
With temperatures rising, watering becomes critical. Monty's golden rule? "Water deeply but less frequently. This encourages plants to develop deeper root systems, making them more drought-resistant." He particularly stresses thorough watering for newly planted specimens and container plants.
Pest Patrol: Early Intervention
June brings increased pest activity, and Monty advises regular inspections. "Check the undersides of leaves for aphids and other pests," he says. "Early detection means you can often manage problems with simple physical removal rather than reaching for chemicals."
Harvest Timing: Peak Flavour
For vegetable growers, Monty highlights that many crops reach perfection this month. "Harvest peas, beans, and early potatoes when they're young and tender," he recommends. "The flavour is at its peak, and regular picking encourages more production."
Monty's final piece of wisdom for June gardeners: "Take time to enjoy your garden. Notice what's working well and what could be improved. The best gardeners are always observing and learning from their space."
