June

Maximizing Sweetcorn Success: Planting in Blocks for Abundant Harvests

Now that the frost has bidden us farewell and the soil is gradually warming up, it's the perfect time to transplant your sweetcorn seedlings for a bountiful harvest. When it comes to sweetcorn, planting in a block formation rather than rows is a strategy that can significantly boost your yields. Instead of planting in a single row, arrange your seedlings in a grid or block, with plants spaced about 30cm (12 inches) apart.

Planting in a block has several advantages. Firstly, it promotes better pollination. Sweetcorn is wind-pollinated, and when you plant in a block, the proximity of the plants ensures that pollen is more likely to fall onto the silks, leading to more fully-formed kernels on each cob. This increases the overall productivity of your sweetcorn crop.

Secondly, planting in a block helps with stability. As sweetcorn plants grow tall and can catch the wind, they may become more stable when grouped together, reducing the risk of lodging or falling over during storms or heavy rain.

Furthermore, the block planting method maximises space utilisation. It's perfect for smaller gardens or limited growing spaces, allowing you to grow more sweetcorn in a smaller area while still enjoying a great harvest.

When transplanting your seedlings, make sure they are hardened off and acclimatised to outdoor conditions before planting. Plant them at a depth of about 5cm (2 inches) and water them well to ensure a healthy start. With the frost behind us and the soil warming up, your sweetcorn will thrive in its new home, and you'll soon be enjoying delicious, homegrown corn on the cob straight from your garden.

Gravity defying mini-cucumbers

If you're looking to save space in your garden while enjoying a bountiful harvest of snack-sized cucumbers, consider the innovative approach of growing them in hanging baskets. 'Hopeline' F1 is a fantastic choice for this purpose, known for its abundant production of seedless, bitter-free fruit – perfect for a refreshing, guilt-free snack.

To get started, choose a generously sized hanging basket, preferably around 30cm x 20cm, which will comfortably accommodate three cucumber plants. This allows you to make the most of your vertical space while keeping the plants happy. Hanging baskets are an excellent solution for small gardens, patios, or balconies where space is limited.

When growing cucumbers in hanging baskets, it's crucial to keep them well-watered. Hanging baskets tend to dry out more quickly than traditional garden beds, so consider using water-retaining crystals or lining the basket with horticultural wool. These strategies will help preserve moisture and reduce the frequency of watering, ensuring your cucumber plants stay healthy and hydrated.

With this space-saving and efficient method of growing 'Hopeline' F1 snack-sized cucumbers, you can enjoy a delightful addition to your salads and snacks right from your hanging garden. Plus, harvesting becomes a breeze when your cucumber bounty is at arm's reach. 

Climbing to Success: Growing Runner Beans from Seed

For those eager to cultivate runner beans, there's no better time than now to sow them directly into the soil, especially if you haven't already started them in pots. These versatile and vibrant plants can quickly transform your garden into a lush, productive haven. To get started, choose a suitable spot with good sunlight and consider using an obelisk or a sturdy wigwam of canes as support for your bean vines.

Sowing runner beans is straightforward. Simply make a shallow trench, about 5cm (2 inches) deep, and place two seeds per station, spaced approximately 15cm (6 inches) apart along the trench. Cover them gently with soil, pat it down, and give them a good watering. Runner beans have a natural inclination to climb upwards in a clockwise direction, so it's important not to try and coerce them the other way. Let them embrace their natural growth pattern as they wind their way up your support structure.

Growing runner beans from seed directly in the garden offers several advantages. It minimises transplant shock, encourages sturdy root development, and can save you time and effort. With the right care and support, these climbing marvels will reward you with a profusion of delicious, vibrant beans to enjoy throughout the growing season. 

Basil: From Tiny Seeds to Tomato Companions

The journey of cultivating basil begins with sowing its seeds in small pots. Fill your containers with well-draining potting mix and sow basil seeds on the surface, lightly covering them with a fine layer of soil. Basil is a warm-weather herb, so ensure they receive ample sunlight, ideally around 6-8 hours per day, and maintain a consistent moisture level. Once your basil seedlings have developed a couple of sets of true leaves and are around 5-10cm (2-4 inches) tall, it's time to transplant them into larger pots.

Choose a larger pot, around 20-30cm (8-12 inches) in diameter, and fill it with nutrient-rich potting mix. Carefully transplant your basil seedlings, ensuring they are spaced about 20-25cm (8-10 inches) apart. Basil thrives in well-drained soil, so make sure the pots have proper drainage to prevent water-logging.

Basil's aromatic leaves aren't just a culinary delight; they also make fantastic companions for tomatoes in the garden. Planting basil alongside tomatoes can help deter pests, thanks to the strong scent of basil that masks the tomato plant's aroma. This age-old gardening wisdom is beautifully encapsulated in the phrase, 'what grows together, goes together.' As you nurture your basil and tomatoes side by side, they'll not only protect each other but also offer the perfect pair for creating delicious Italian-inspired dishes. Harvest your basil and tomatoes together when they're at their peak ripeness, and let their flavours mingle in your kitchen, infusing your meals with the essence of Mediterranean cuisine.

Asparagus: A Year-Round Commitment for Abundant Harvests

Growing asparagus is so rewarding, with home-grown tasting so much better than those you buy. While it's exciting to start picking the delicious spears as soon as they emerge in spring, it's essential to exercise restraint and halt harvesting by the second week of June. This crucial step allows the asparagus plants to channel their energy into replenishing their crown's reserves, ensuring a healthy and productive future. By permitting the fern-like foliage to grow undisturbed through the summer, the plants accumulate energy for the coming winter, ensuring their survival and vigour.

A weed-free asparagus bed is paramount for best results. It's advisable to undertake regular weeding, preferably by hand, to avoid damaging the shallow root system. The asparagus bed should be kept clear of competing vegetation to ensure that your asparagus plants receive the full benefit of available nutrients and moisture.

Vigilance is also required to safeguard your asparagus from the brightly coloured asparagus beetle. These pesky insects can wreak havoc on your crop. Regularly inspect your asparagus spears for tiny, dark eggs laid by the beetles. These eggs can be gently wiped off and the beetles disposed of as you see fit. Swift action is essential to prevent an infestation that could harm your asparagus plants.

With these care practices in place, your asparagus bed will thrive and provide you with a delectable, homegrown harvest year after year. 

Guarding Greenhouse Crops: Battling Red Spider Mites in the Shadows

In the realm of greenhouse cultivation, red spider mites are notorious troublemakers, posing a significant threat to crops such as aubergine and cucumber. These tiny arachnids are more formidable than their size suggests, as they can rapidly wreak havoc on your plants. 

Spotting the early signs of a red spider mite infestation is crucial. Keep a vigilant eye on the undersides of leaves, where these pests typically congregate. If you observe fine webbing, yellow stippling, or a dusty appearance on the foliage, it's likely that red spider mites have taken up residence. 

Managing red spider mites in your greenhouse requires a multi-pronged approach. Firstly, increase humidity by damping down the greenhouse floor, which helps create an environment less favourable to these arid-loving pests. Secondly, introduce beneficial insects like predatory mites, ladybirds, or lacewings, which are natural predators of red spider mites. These allies can help keep the mite population in check without the need for chemical pesticides, promoting a healthier ecosystem in your greenhouse.

Maintaining vigilance, swift action, and a balanced ecosystem in your greenhouse can help protect your precious aubergines, cucumbers, and other crops from the ravages of red spider mites. 

Savouring Success: Pruning Broad Beans for Pests and Gourmet Delights

As you tend to your broad bean plants, a strategic practice to embrace is the removal of their tops once the first beans have formed. This seemingly counterintuitive act serves two vital purposes. Firstly, it acts as a pre-emptive strike against the dreaded black fly, a common menace to these plants. By snipping off the growing tips, you deny these pesky insects a foothold on the tender new growth they adore. It's a natural and effective method of pest control that promotes healthier bean development.

Secondly, the tops of broad bean plants hold a delicious secret. These tender, burgeoning tips are a gourmet treat that you won't find in the shops. Saute them with a touch of garlic and butter, and you'll discover a seasonal side dish that's both exquisite and unique. This culinary delight is a wonderful example of how gardening not only yields sustenance but also surprises for the palate. So, when you prune your broad beans, you're not just safeguarding your crop; you're also opening up a world of culinary possibilities that await in your own garden.

June's Green Delights: A Bounty of Lettuce

June offers a splendid opportunity to extend your salad season by sowing and growing lettuce. To safeguard your young lettuce from the stealthy threat of slugs, consider starting them in pots within the protective confines of a greenhouse. This early protection ensures that your delicate seedlings can thrive without falling victim to slimy invaders.

Diversity is the key to creating your own mixed salad masterpiece. Experiment with various lettuce varieties, from the crisp crunch of Iceberg to the delicate frills of Butterhead, and the vibrant hues of Red Romaine. These different textures and flavours will combine harmoniously in your salad bowl, adding a burst of freshness to your meals.

With lettuce, there are two ways to enjoy a sustained harvest. You can either allow them to grow to full maturity, providing hearty heads of lettuce for classic salads, or you can embrace the 'cut and come again' approach. By harvesting a few leaves from each plant while leaving the roots intact, you create a perpetual source of fresh, tender greens. This method ensures that you can enjoy the taste of summer in your salads for weeks on end, making your garden the ultimate supplier of crisp, homegrown goodness. 

Nurturing Tomato Cordons: Greenhouse Gardening Wisdom

Caring for tomato cordons in a greenhouse is a labour of love that promises a bounty of succulent fruits. To ensure their health and productivity, regular attention is key. One essential task is side-shooting, a practice where you pinch out the growth that sprouts from the leaf joints, or axils, of the main stem. This keeps the plant focused on fruit production, diverting energy away from unnecessary foliage. It also aids in improving air circulation, reducing the risk of diseases in the humid greenhouse environment.

Feeding your tomato cordons is another critical aspect of their care. A balanced tomato fertiliser rich in potassium and phosphorus will promote robust fruit development. Regular, even feeding, according to the manufacturer's instructions, helps maintain a steady supply of nutrients for your plants.

Watering demands precision; too much or too little can be detrimental. Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged, as fluctuating moisture levels can lead to issues like blossom end rot. Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can invite diseases. In the greenhouse, aim for morning watering to allow excess moisture to evaporate during the day.

The June Drop: Nature's Pruning for Fruit Trees

In the world of fruit trees, the "June Drop" is a natural phenomenon that holds great significance. Occurring in early summer, this is when fruit trees undergo a selective thinning process, shedding some of their excess fruit. It might seem counterintuitive, but it's a crucial mechanism that ensures the tree's overall health and the quality of the remaining fruits.

During the June Drop, the tree assesses its fruit load, shedding any surplus or damaged fruits. This thinning process helps the tree allocate its resources more efficiently, directing nutrients and energy towards the development of the remaining fruit. It also prevents branches from becoming overloaded, reducing the risk of branch breakage.

However, it's essential for gardeners to complement nature's wisdom with their own care. Even after the June Drop, it's prudent to thin the fruit further, ensuring that there isn't too much fruit clustered on any one branch. Adequate spacing between fruits is crucial. For apples, a general guideline is to maintain a distance of 10-15 cm (4-6 inches) between fruits. For pears, slightly more space of around 15-20 cm (6-8 inches) is recommended. This spacing allows for proper airflow and sunlight penetration, reducing the risk of fungal diseases and promoting even ripening.

In understanding and working with the June Drop, gardeners can help fruit trees achieve their best potential.

Confronting Garlic Rust: Prevention and Management

Garlic rust, caused by the fungus Puccinia allii, is a common concern for garlic growers. It appears as orange or yellowish-brown spots and pustules on the leaves, often resembling rusted metal, hence the name. This fungal disease can weaken garlic plants, reducing bulb size and overall yield if left unchecked. However, with proactive measures, you can help prevent and manage garlic rust.

Prevention starts with good garden hygiene. Plant garlic cloves in well-drained soil, ensuring proper spacing between plants for good airflow. Avoid overhead watering, which can spread the spores of the rust fungus. Instead, use a soaker hose or drip irrigation to keep the soil consistently moist without wetting the foliage. Apply a layer of mulch to prevent soil splashing onto the leaves, which can carry spores.

Crop rotation is another effective strategy. Avoid planting garlic in the same location for consecutive years, as the fungus can overwinter in the soil. Rotate with unrelated crops to break the disease cycle.

If you discover rust on your garlic, prompt action is crucial. Remove and destroy infected leaves as soon as you notice them, ensuring you don't touch healthy leaves afterward to prevent further spread. 

Garlic rust can be challenging, but with a combination of prevention and diligent management, you can minimise its impact and enjoy healthy, flavourful garlic bulbs from your garden.

Planting Chard Seedlings in June: A Colourful Addition to Your Garden

June presents an excellent opportunity to plant out chard seedlings, adding a burst of vibrant colour to your garden and a nutritious addition to your meals. One fascinating aspect of chard is that its stalks and roots share the same hue, whether it's the rich red of Ruby Chard, the brilliant yellow of Golden Chard, or the classic white of Swiss Chard. This unique characteristic adds visual intrigue to your garden beds.

To grow chard successfully, choose a sunny location with well-drained soil. When planting your seedlings, ensure they are spaced around 30cm (12 inches) apart to allow ample room for growth. Water them well to establish their roots and keep the soil consistently moist throughout their growth period.

Chard is a generous and forgiving plant. As it matures, you can begin harvesting the outer leaves while leaving the central rosette intact. This 'cut and come again' approach allows for an extended harvest season, with chard continually producing fresh leaves. Regular harvesting also encourages the plant to grow vigorously, ensuring a bountiful supply of tender, colourful greens for your culinary creations. Whether sautéed with garlic and olive oil or added to salads and soups, freshly harvested chard adds a delightful and healthy twist to your dishes, making it a must-have addition to your garden this June.