
June brings longer hours of sunlight, creating the ideal conditions for sowing and planting. As it tends to be a drier month, make sure you have a good irrigation system in place or are on-hand to ensure that plants stay well hydrated and growing properly.
Flowers to plant
Poached egg plant
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This cheerful flower has a yellow centre and white outer leaves which gives the plant its distinctive name.
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Ideal for border edges, it’s safe for pets and great for attracting bees and other beneficial insects.
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Happiest in south and west-facing gardens.
Coreopsis
- Coreopsis is a herbaceous perennial with flowers that will return the following spring.
- Many varieties boast a vibrant centre and contrastingly coloured outer leaves, which make it a perfect accompaniment to poached egg plant.
- Easy to grow from seed and an excellent attractor of bees, pollinators and butterflies.
- Space 40-50cm apart and water well until established.
- Great for borders and happiest in well-drained soil in direct sunlight.
Night-scented stock
- Night-scented stock has lilac flowers which are beautiful during the day and emit a sweet perfume at night.
- Best when sown directly as it doesn’t fair well when transplanted.
- Choose a sunny border and sow lots of seeds to ensure a plentiful display.
Vegetables to plant
Florence fennel
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You can sow Florence fennel every few weeks during May, June and July – as soon as the earth has warmed up.
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Bulbs will be ready to harvest between August and October – perfect for summer salads and winter meat dishes.
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Sow in moist, well-drained soil in shallow trenches and thin to 30cm.
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Make sure you water regularly.
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Some of our favourite varieties include Perfection, Amigo, Colossal and Cantino.
Pak choi
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A wonderful vegetable for stir fries. Pak choi can be sown directly outside in shallow trenches.
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It favours partial shade and must be kept well-watered to prevent bolting.
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To avoid slugs attacking your seedlings, sow seeds in pots or cells and transplant when the seedlings are 5cm tall.
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Horticultural fleece will help protect it from flying pests.
Pumpkins
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You may not be thinking about Halloween or pumpkin pie just yet, but early June is the last time to sow pumpkins to achieve a good size and flavour.
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Best sown indoors during spring and transplanted to a sunny, sheltered location in May or early June.
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A cloche will help protect pumpkins from slugs and snails.
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For most varieties, its best to leave at least 90cm between plants.
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If space is limited, opt for smaller variety Baby Bear.