Monthly produce guide featuring Monty
In June, the fruit and vegetable garden comes to life as we focus on planting out, watering appropriately, and supporting the growth of sweetcorn, squash, and blackcurrants.
Sweetcorn
Plant indoor-started or purchased young sweetcorn plants outdoors after the last frost, typically late May to early June. Choose a warm, sunny site and plant in fertile, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0–6.5. Sweetcorn needs warmth to grow rapidly and produce cobs through summer. Water thoroughly but avoid waterlogging. Harvest when silks turn brown, usually from August onwards.
Squash
Plant squash outdoors in a warm position after all risk of frost has passed (usually May or June). Squash prefers rich, well-drained soil and benefits from compost around the roots. Water regularly, especially during dry periods in early growth for good top growth, but reduce watering later for better harvest quality. Provide space as squash plants tend to sprawl.
Blackcurrants
While the provided sources do not specify blackcurrant care for June, general best practice is to ensure blackcurrants are well-watered during dry spells in early summer and to apply mulch to conserve moisture. Pruning is generally done after harvest or in late winter, so focus in June on maintaining weed-free soil and watching for pests or diseases.
Additional tips for June gardening include watering plants deeply early in the day for better absorption and avoiding frequent light sprays that evaporate quickly. Thin and transplant vegetables carefully, firming soil around plants to deter pests. Avoid planting new trees and shrubs if the weather is too dry; better to wait until autumn for blackcurrants if planting new bushes.
By following these guidelines—planting at the right time, ensuring adequate warmth and water, and observing growth progress—you can support healthy development of sweetcorn, squash, and blackcurrants during June. For more guidance, there are videos available from BBC Gardeners' World on June jobs for the fruit and veg garden.
Sweetcorn can be planted for a continuous supply of vegetables throughout the season. Greenhouse shelves are filled with seedlings in June, and allotment jobs are mentioned for June as well. Cold frames are packed with young plants being hardened off in June. Slugs may be a problem in June for gardeners, so keep an eye out and take appropriate measures.
Monty, a well-known gardener, plants out sweetcorn and interplants it with cos lettuce 'Maureen'. He also trials a lattice arrangement for supporting squash plants and finds it beneficial. Sowing squash early in June can provide a harvest later in the year. Monty uses strong supports for squash plants to take the weight of mature fruits. He also discusses the advantages of growing soft fruit cordons, such as gooseberry cordons, which can be advantageous in small spaces.
However, Monty also encounters challenges, such as noticing aphid damage on blackcurrant foliage. As the weather warms up in June, more watering is required to ensure the continued growth and health of your plants. By staying vigilant and following these guidelines, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of sweetcorn, squash, and blackcurrants this season.
Here's how you can incorporate the words 'lifestyle', 'home-and-garden', and 'gardening' into two sentences that follow from the provided text:
- For those who enjoy a home-and-garden lifestyle, embarking on June gardening tasks like planting sweetcorn, squash, and blackcurrants can bring a great sense of accomplishment.
- With the focus on planting and tending to sweetcorn, squash, and blackcurrants in the home-and-garden during June, gardening enthusiasts have the opportunity to make a positive impact on their lifestyle through nurturing their produce.
