Gardening expert Monty Don has issued urgent advice for fruit tree owners this summer, emphasizing a crucial task that should be performed in June and July to ensure the best possible crop. According to Don, fruit trees naturally shed small fruits during this period, a phenomenon known as the 'June Drop', which is 'perfectly normal'. However, the tree does not discriminate between which fruits it drops, potentially discarding fruit that is not yet ready to fall. To counteract this, Don recommends thinning out the smallest fruit on the tree before the tree does so naturally.
How to Thin Fruit Trees for Optimal Results
Don advises gardeners to reduce each cluster on a spur to just two fruits, ensuring these two fruits are not in contact with one another. This technique helps the remaining fruit develop and ripen more effectively while preventing potential damage to branches from excessive weight. In a blog post, Don wrote: '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 prioritizing quality over quantity, gardeners can achieve superior, more robust fruit.
Lawn Care Advice for June
In addition to fruit tree care, Don suggests letting grass grow tall during June, rather than mowing it frequently. He recommends allowing grass to grow until after the summer solstice on June 21, as this benefits insects and wildlife. Don's own lawn is 'planted up with spring bulbs and wildflowers', and he notes that this approach 'looks beautiful and is so much better for insects and all forms of wildlife than a neatly mown lawn.' Timing the first cut after the longest day can enhance growth performance for bulbs and grass next year.
