The main photo is 2nd June. It reflects an unusually sunny spring, good for us and the garden.
Days have been warmer than usual, averaging 20°C, 68°F in May. Nights were cooler at 7°C, 45°F.
Weather change for summer
And now, in the UK be prepared for a cooler, less sunny June. Less growth of warmth-loving plants like courgettes and tomatoes.
I'm hoping at least that it will rain since we've had the driest spring for a very long time.
I have recorded just 42 mm / 1.6 in rain in three months. The average is around 225mm / 9 in.
June sowings
Much succession is now possible, to give us harvests through autumn and into winter. And it's desirable, to keep beds full.
I give examples and ideas in this succession video.
Sow any of
- Beetroot (multi-sown works well)
- Celery
- Chard
- Carrots (direct)
- Dwarf French Beans in module cells or direct
- Green cabbage for autumn hearting, sow first week
- Kale
- Lettuce, for leaf harvests from mid-July when March plantings rise to flower
- Peas Terrain, resists mildew
- Purple Sprouting Broccoli
- Savoy Cabbage and autumn cauliflower, sow around the solstice
- Swedes, sow in trays to prick out or two seeds per midule cell, thinned to one
Early in June, you can still sow annual flowers too. Marigolds of all kinds, nasturtiums, snapdragons, scabious.
Then in July, Sweet Williams / dianthus for beautiful colour next June.
Cold nights after warm days
Through May, despite the warm days, we had cold nights, including a frost on 6th May. Then in the last week, there was wind.
Net result, fleece over tender plants, such as beans and squash has made a worthwhile difference. And will probably continue to do so, until solstice approximately.
See my recent tour video.
Fleece and five sticks
These beans have surprised and impressed me. I've noticed every year how they do not thrive unless it's sufficiently warm. I'm also concluding that the five step message for warming soil is really worthwhile. See my New Energies book.
Tomato planting in May
It's often said that we should not plant tomatoes until night temperatures are 10°C, 50°F or higher. Well, if you wait for that, you'll never plant your tomatoes here!
We've had many nights of 5°C, such as this morning, in fact. And look at the growth of these tomato plants, even outside.
If you have not yet, transplanted tomatoes, they need to go in as soon as possible. Likewise cucumbers, melons, squash, and all warmth oving plants.
Harvests
I love June for the new abundance. Not that the hungry gap was difficult here, nor should it be once you get organised.
New harvests include peas, courgettes/zucchini, broccoli, and carrots.
Plus it's time now or soon for garlic harvests. Especially if leaves are yellow from rust, and/or bulbs are damaged by leaf miner.
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