June Monthly Tips

The Flower Garden

  • Lift and divide large clumps of summer flowering perennials such as cannas, asters, phlox. Plant smaller fresh new pieces – these will quickly grow into large plants in spring and summer. More on lifting tuberous Begonias.
  • The first of the new season’s roses will appear in store this month. Remember good soil preparation is the key to healthy roses. Dig in plenty of compost and a measure of slow release plant food around the roots of each plant. 
  • This is a good month to shift any shrubs or small trees which you think are growing in the wrong place. Prune back first to keep top growth in proportion to the root ball. Firm in well to the new position and stake as necessary.
  • Roses and hydrangeas can be pruned now. There is still time to plant lily bulbs for summer flowers. More on Rose pruning (video) or more on hydrangeas (video).
  • Plant seedlings of alyssum, pansy, poppy, polyanthus, primula, mini cyclamen, and lobelia

The Edible Garden

  • June is the month for planting garlic. Plant on the shortest day and harvest on the longest day of the year. More on garlic and shallots.
  • Cabbage, cauliflower, brussels sprouts and other crops that are nearly ready for harvest will benefit from an application of Thrive soluble plant food now to ensure strong, healthy vegetables.
  • Continue to sow Broad Bean seeds.
  • Shallots can also be planted out this month.
  • This is still a good time to plant out strawberry plants if you haven’t already done so. More on strawberries.
  • Keep planting cabbage, cauliflower, spinach, silverbeet seedlings for continual late winter/early spring cropping. Whanganui vegetable planting plan.
  • In well drained soils, Asparagus crowns can now be planted. More on asparagus.
  • This is a good month to plant citrus trees in warmer, more temperate areas. Also other deciduous trees can still be planted this month. More on citrus.
  • Spray existing fruit trees with a copper spray and conqueror oil to clean up any overwintering bugs and diseases so that spring growth will come out clean and healthy. More on sprays or more on Organic sprays.
  • Watch out for slugs and snails and put ‘Quash’ or ‘Baysol’ slug pellets around as necessary.
Months: June