Allotment & Gardening in June: Abundance and Attention

June marks a turning point in the gardening year - early crops are being harvested, summer plants are surging with growth, and the plot is a riot of colour, scent, and activity. It’s an exciting time, but also one that demands care and consistency to keep everything thriving.

Allotment Tasks to Tackle in June

With the risk of frost long behind us, you can safely plant out all tender crops. This includes tomatoes, cucumbers, chillies, courgettes, squash, and sweetcorn if you haven’t already. Be sure to provide support for climbing plants like beans and peas, and keep tying in tomatoes as they grow.

Watering becomes a critical task in June. Try to water early in the morning or late in the evening, giving plants a deep soak to encourage strong root systems. Mulching remains a good idea this month to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Pinch out side shoots on cordon tomato varieties, keep weeding regularly, and earth up potatoes as they grow. If you planted out brassicas, consider installing netting to protect them from pigeons and cabbage white butterflies.

What to Grow and Harvest

Harvesting ramps up in June. You’ll likely be enjoying fresh lettuces, radishes, spinach, spring onions, broad beans, early potatoes, and strawberries. Rhubarb is still going strong, and you may see the first signs of peas, courgettes, and even the odd early tomato, depending on your setup.

You can continue to sow fast-growing crops like salad leaves, rocket, kohlrabi, and beetroot. These will keep your beds productive and your plates colourful in the weeks to come.

Planning Ahead

Start planning for later summer and autumn harvests. Sow biennials such as spring cabbage, leeks, and winter brassicas like sprouting broccoli or kale now, as they’ll take time to mature. It's also a good time to start thinking about next year's fruit - thinning apples and plums ensures better-sized, healthier fruits.

Keep an eye out for pests - aphids, flea beetles, and slugs are particularly active in warm weather. Encourage beneficial insects like ladybirds and hoverflies by planting flowers such as calendula, nasturtiums, and marigolds.

Final Thought

June is a month of balance: while the rewards begin to arrive, the work doesn’t stop. Stay on top of watering, weeding, and feeding, and your garden will continue to flourish through the summer.

Whether your plot is a patio, balcony, or full allotment, take a moment to enjoy the buzz of bees, the ripening fruit, and the satisfaction of your hard work paying off.

Here’s to a fruitful June in the garden!

Recommended Video

Looking for ideas on what to sow in June? Our friends from GrowVeg talk you through what to plant this month. Dont forget to give them a like and follow!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g8Yh15SKPmM

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June Growing Challenge: Build Your Summer Harvest System

Objective: Turn early summer growth into a consistent, productive harvest rhythm.

How to do it:

1. Set up a harvest routine

   • Choose at least 3 crops (for example: lettuce, radishes, peas, courgettes)

   • Check and harvest them regularly to keep plants producing

2. Start true succession planning

   • Sow a second and third wave of fast crops such as salads, carrots, beetroot, or spring onions

   • Aim for staggered sowing dates every 2–3 weeks

3. Support heavy growers

   • Add canes, netting, or ties to crops like beans, peas, and tomatoes

   • Train plants early to avoid damage later in the season

4. Lock in moisture and reduce weeds

   • Apply mulch around at least 3 crops or beds

   • Focus on protecting soil through warmer, drier spells

Why this matters: June is the turning point where gardens move from “establishing plants” to “managing production”. This challenge helps you keep crops coming steadily instead of everything hitting at once.