June Gardening Tips: What to Do in the Garden This Month
June is a brilliant month for gardeners across the UK. With longer, warmer days, everything in the garden starts to take off, but it also means there’s plenty to keep on top of. Whether you’re maintaining garden space, keeping lawns in check, or supporting native wildlife, June is the time to set your outdoor space up for summer success.
Here are some of the best gardening practices to focus on this month:
Keep Plants Hydrated
As the weather warms up, consistent watering becomes vital, especially for anything newly planted. Aim to water early in the morning or late in the evening to reduce evaporation.
Applying a generous layer of mulch around plants (think compost) helps the soil retain moisture and keeps weeds down, saving you time in the long run.
Stay on Top of Weeds and Lawns
Weeds love the warmer weather just as much as your plants do. Regularly hoe beds and borders on dry days to stop weeds setting in.
When it comes to lawns, mow once a week, raising the blade slightly in hotter weather to avoid stressing the grass. If you don’t collect the clippings, they’ll break down quickly and act as a natural fertiliser.
Sow and Plant for Summer Colour
Now’s the time to fill your borders and containers with summer bedding plants like petunias, marigolds, and geraniums.
You can also sow fast-growing veg like lettuce, spring onions, beetroot and radish. For long-term colour, start biennials such as foxgloves, wallflowers, and sweet Williams — they’ll reward you next spring.
Prune and Deadhead
Keep your plants flowering by regularly deadheading spent blooms, especially roses and bedding plants.
If you’ve got spring-flowering shrubs like forsythia, lilac or flowering currant, prune them now to keep them neat and encourage strong growth for next year.
Support Garden Wildlife
It’s not just plants that need your care — June is also a great time to make your garden more wildlife-friendly.
Top up birdbaths regularly and keep feeders clean and full. If you’re planting anything new, opt for pollinator-friendly species like lavender, foxglove, or cosmos to support bees and butterflies. Leaving a small patch of long grass can also give shelter to insects and hedgehogs.
General Maintenance
Keep an eye out for pests such as aphids, slugs, and snails — especially after rainfall. Use environmentally-friendly control methods where possible.
It’s also a good time to check plant supports and garden structures before the weight of summer growth really sets in. Secure climbers, stake tall perennials, and tidy up any overgrown edges.
Final Thoughts
June is a rewarding month to be out in the garden. A little attention now can lead to big results later in the season. With regular upkeep, a bit of planning, and a focus on sustainability, you’ll keep your outdoor space blooming — and boost biodiversity at the same time.
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, these small actions can make a big impact on the health and beauty of your garden.
