Gardeners are advised to prune their spring-flowering deciduous shrubs immediately after they finish blooming, according to horticultural expert Diarmuid Gavin. This is particularly important for species such as kerria, forsythia, ribes, and weigela, especially if they are outgrowing their designated space. Pruning at this stage ensures that these shrubs maintain their shape and health while also preventing overcrowding.
In addition to outdoor tasks, gardeners should also pay close attention to their houseplants. With most indoor plants currently in their active growth phase, they require regular watering and bi-weekly feeding to thrive. Additionally, tomato plants should be fed once a week to support their fruit development.
Outdoor plants also need careful monitoring. Gardeners are advised to inspect their cabbage plants for butterfly eggs, which are often laid on the undersides of leaves. These eggs should be removed by hand to prevent caterpillars from consuming the plants. Fruit bushes, such as plums, pears, and apples, need ample water during dry periods to allow the fruit to swell. Thinning out some of the smaller fruitlets this month can result in larger, healthier fruit. This natural process, known as the “June drop,” can be supplemented by manual thinning for better results.
Ornamental lemon trees can be moved outdoors for the summer months, providing them with ample sunlight and fresh air. Gardeners should also consider planting seeds for flowers like nasturtiums, which can be sown directly into the ground or in pots for a vibrant display of blooms in late summer. Successional sowings of salad greens should continue, along with planting cucumbers, sweetcorn, squash, and various types of beans (French, runner, and broad beans) outdoors.
Potatoes should be earthed up regularly, and early-planted new potatoes may be ready for harvest. For gardeners concerned about their bearded iris not blooming this year, dividing the plants every few years can help revitalize them. Now is an ideal time to do this, after they have finished flowering. The rhizomes should be gently dug up and split into separate plants, ensuring each section has a fan-shaped leaf. When replanting, position the rhizomes in a shallow hole with the top exposed to sunlight. The fan-shaped leaves should be trimmed in half to prevent wind damage until the plants are firmly anchored in the soil.
By following these gardening tips, both novice and experienced gardeners can ensure a healthy and productive garden this month.
