Plant seeds in June for a bountiful harvest
June Seed Sowing: A Guide to Successful Gardening
As June arrives, it's time to get your veg garden ready for a second round of seed sowing. Monty Don, in his latest video, provides some key tips to help you make the most of this season.
Choosing the Right Seeds
Opt for warm-weather and fast-maturing varieties to ensure crops reach harvest before cooler weather arrives. Early-season seeds help plants mature even as days shorten after the solstice.
Preparing the Soil
Sow seeds directly into well-prepared, well-drained soil in a sunny location. For flowers like marigolds and cosmos, full sun is important; they also prefer soil that is not overly wet once established.
Planting Depth
Plant seeds at the correct depth, typically 2-3 times the seed’s width unless the packet specifies otherwise. Water gently after sowing to settle the soil and promote germination.
Labeling Your Seeds
Use markers or flags to label where seeds are sown to avoid confusion and overplanting.
Avoiding Cool-Season Greens
Avoid sowing cool-season leafy greens like spinach and lettuce directly in warm June soil, as they tend to germinate poorly. Instead, start heat-tolerant varieties indoors and transplant later.
Watering and Moisture
Keep soil moist but not soggy until seedlings are established. Afterward, some summer flowers like cosmos tolerate drier conditions.
Sowing for Summer Blooms
Sow flowers such as marigolds, cosmos, zinnias, and others now for summer blooms. These flowers also benefit vegetable gardens by attracting pollinators and deterring pests.
Saving Seeds
If saving seeds, collect from the healthiest plants and allow seeds or seed pods to fully mature on the plant before harvesting.
Planting Vegetables
If planting vegetables like pumpkins or squash in June, consider starting them indoors in containers or greenhouses if outdoor conditions are not ideal.
Using a Board
Using a board to avoid compacting soil around seeded areas can help improve soil conditions during planting.
Harvesting and Attracting Pollinators
Harvesting of baby broad beans and new potatoes is underway. Poached egg plant, with its soft, lavender-blue flowers, can be sown in the veg garden to attract bees for pollination. Night-scented stock, with its heady, sweet perfume, attracts moths due to its nectar-rich flowers.
Cheer Up Your Garden
Summer flowers can be sown from seed to cheer up a dull corner of the garden. Poached egg plant has cheerful little cupped flowers, and sowing pak choi seeds directly into the ground will provide fresh greens for your meals.
By following these combined practices, you can optimize seed sowing success in June, matching plant needs to the seasonal conditions and soil preparation. Happy gardening!
- To ensure the success of your home-and-garden during June, consider sowing fast-maturing, warm-weather seeds like marigolds, cosmos, and zinnias directly into well-prepared, well-drained soil for summer blooms.
- For a vibrant home-and-garden lifestyle, don't forget to sow cheerful flowers, such as poached egg plant or pak choi, in July to add a burst of color and fresh produce to your outdoor space.
