Garden Diary

June Garden Diary

June marks the true start of summer, and gardens begin to show the results of the work carried out earlier in the year. With longer days and warmer conditions, growth is strong across all areas of the garden. While it’s a time to enjoy the space, a little ongoing care now will help maintain colour, structure and health through the months ahead.

Beds and Borders

Once the risk of late frosts has passed, bedding plants and other half-hardy varieties can be planted out with confidence. Preparing the soil beforehand with organic matter will help retain moisture and support strong root development.

Regular feeding through the growing season will keep plants performing well, particularly those in full flower.

Deadheading and light trimming will encourage continued blooms and prevent plants from becoming leggy.

Climbing plants such as sweet peas benefit from regular tying in as they grow, helping to support stems and maximise flowering. Picking flowers frequently also encourages further blooms, keeping displays looking fresh and vibrant.

Spring-flowering shrubs can now be pruned once flowering has finished. This allows time for new growth to develop and produce next year’s blooms.

Patio Gardening

Patios and containers come into their own in June, adding colour and structure to outdoor spaces. When planting containers, aim for a balanced display using a mix of upright plants, trailing varieties and fuller fillers to create a layered effect.

Using a good quality compost is essential, particularly as containers can dry out quickly in warmer weather. Controlled-release fertilisers can provide a steady supply of nutrients over several months, supporting consistent growth without the need for frequent feeding.

As temperatures rise, watering becomes more important. Aim to keep compost evenly moist, particularly in hanging baskets and smaller containers which dry out more quickly.

Lawn Care

Lawns are now growing strongly and regular mowing will help maintain both appearance and health. A weekly cut is usually sufficient, removing no more than a third of the grass height at any one time. This encourages a denser lawn and helps suppress weeds naturally.

Early summer is also a key time for maintaining lawn condition. Consistent care through feeding and mowing supports colour and resilience as temperatures rise.

At Greener Gardens, lawn care begins with understanding the lawn itself. Soil condition, drainage, shade and usage all influence both the treatments applied and their timing. This condition-led approach avoids unnecessary applications and focuses on building stronger lawns over the long term.

Many lawn issues seen later in the season, thinning grass, persistent moss or uneven colour,  often stem from incorrect earlier care or from no proactive management at all. Taking time to understand the underlying causes helps ensure the right approach and makes the rest of the season more manageable.

Keeping lawn edges neat will also help frame the garden and give a well-maintained finish.

Grow Your Own

Continue sowing salad crops little and often to ensure a steady supply through summer. Tender crops such as tomatoes can now be planted out or grown in containers, provided they are well supported and regularly watered.

As plants develop, consistent feeding and watering will be essential to encourage healthy growth and good yields. Keeping on top of weeds and maintaining soil condition will also make a noticeable difference as the season progresses.

Garden Diary is written by John Draper of Greener Gardens, your local independent BASIS Lawn Assured specialist and past Chairman of the UK Lawn Care Association.