
Gardening Tips for June: Longer, Brighter Days
Share
The summer solstice brings with it the longest days of the year, and hopefully some good weather. Make the most of June’s sunny evenings by getting out in the garden after your working day – an extra hour here and there can make all the difference!
With spring crops ready to harvest and summer planting in full swing, it's a busy and rewarding time for gardeners. Staying on top of your tasks now ensures a thriving garden well into the warmer months ahead. Here are our top gardening tips for June, plus some advice on how to make the most of biochar in your summer growing routine.
What Can Be Done in the Garden with Biochar in June
Succession Sow for a Continuous Harvest
As early crops begin to make their way from your garden to your plate, now is the time to start succession sowing. Fast-growing vegetables like lettuce, beans, and carrots can be planted every couple of weeks to ensure a steady supply throughout summer. This method avoids a glut of produce all at once and keeps your beds productive for longer. Add a handful of inoculated biochar to the planting rows to support soil structure and nutrient retention for new seedlings.
Water Wisely in the Heat
With rising temperatures, watering becomes more crucial than ever. Aim to water deeply, ideally in the early morning or late afternoon, to minimise evaporation. Focus on the root zone, where the moisture is needed most, rather than wetting leaves which can encourage disease. Biochar can of course help reduce the frequency of watering as its natural ability to retain moisture means your soil stays hydrated for longer.
Begin Harvesting Early Crops
If you planted early in the season, you may already be enjoying the first lettuce, spinach, peas, and radishes. Regular harvesting encourages plants to continue producing and frees up space for succession sowing. Before replanting harvested areas, mix biochar into the soil. This helps maintain fertility and structure, giving your new crops a strong start.
Prune and Deadhead for Healthier Growth
June is a good time to prune overgrown shrubs and deadhead spent flowers. Regular maintenance like this not only keeps your garden looking tidy but also encourages fresh growth and extended blooming. After pruning, apply biochar around the base of plants to enhance soil health and support strong, resilient regrowth.
Biochar in June: A Lighter Touch
By June, much of your biochar may already be applied, especially if you prepared your beds earlier in the season. This month is more about maintenance: topping up where necessary, supporting newly sown crops, and enhancing soil around pruned or harvested plants.
Other Jobs to do in the Garden in June
Stay on Top of Weeding
Warmer weather and regular watering can send weeds into overdrive. Keep beds weed-free to prevent competition for nutrients and moisture. Regular hand-pulling or hoeing on dry or windy days is most effective.
If you haven’t already, applying organic mulch like straw, bark, or compost around plants helps suppress weeds, keep the soil cool, and reduce evaporation. It also breaks down over time, improving soil structure naturally.
Support Tall or Climbing Plants
Install stakes, trellises, or cages for crops like tomatoes, beans, and cucumbers before they get too large. Supporting these plants early reduces the risk of damage and improves air circulation.
Feed Hungry Plants
June is a good time to apply a balanced organic fertiliser to fruiting crops like tomatoes, peppers, and courgettes. Regular feeding supports strong growth and better yields as summer progresses.
Plant up Hanging Baskets
Hanging baskets are a great way of adding more personality to your garden, with trailing flowers full of colour adding a new dimension to your space. Fuchsias, petunias, geraniums and verbena are just a few examples of plants that look great in a hanging basket. Just be sure to water regularly, especially in warmer/drier weather.
With a little effort now, you’ll reap the rewards of a productive, vibrant garden throughout summer. And by using biochar strategically, you can boost soil health, save water, and reduce pest and disease pressures—all while supporting a more sustainable growing system.