JUNE in the garden

by Kathy Finigan

Winter is here and it is time to get out and get stuck into some winter gardening tasks.​

The Vegetable Garden​

PLANT: Seedlings of

• broad bean

• bulb onions (brown, white and red Spanish) and golden shallots bulbs. These varieties are excellent for winter planting as they thrive in cooler temperatures and can be harvested in spring or early summer, providing a fresh and flavorful addition to your meals. ​

SOW directly into the ground: (in a warm spot or raised bed)

• spring onions, which are easy to grow and can be harvested in stages, allowing for a continuous supply of fresh greens throughout the winter months.

• broad beans, which not only provide a nutritious crop but also fix nitrogen in the soil, enhancing the fertility for future plantings.

• English spinach, a hardy green that can withstand frost and is packed with vitamins, making it a great choice for winter harvesting. ​

In containers, under glass or indoors, sow seed of:

• cabbage, which can be grown in a variety of climates and is a versatile vegetable for winter dishes.

• cauliflower, another cool-weather crop that can be harvested throughout winter if planted early enough.

• broccoli, a nutrient-rich vegetable that provides a bountiful harvest when grown correctly. These should be raised as seedlings for August planting and can be complemented with other greens like mesclun mix, rocket, and coriander. These should be kept in containers and placed in a warm spot, ensuring they receive adequate light. Regular fertilisation and watering are crucial for healthy growth, especially during the colder months when plants may require a bit more care to thrive. ​

Asparagus and rhubarb crowns will be in stores soon, and both of these delicious perennial crops appreciate a well-prepared bed. Ensure the soil is dug deep and enriched with lots of compost and well-rotted manure to provide the nutrients they need for robust growth in the coming seasons.​

If you have some of your garden bed empty over the cooler months, why not plant a green manure crop into them? These crops, such as clover or vetch, add essential nutrients to impoverished soil and improve soil texture, making it more conducive for future plantings. They can be turned back into the soil before planting your spring crops, enriching the soil and enhancing its fertility.

Irrigation

With cooler nights this month, it is advisable to reduce the amount of time your irrigation system is running. Early morning watering is recommended, as this allows plants to absorb moisture before the sun heats the ground, reducing evaporation and ensuring that your plants receive the maximum benefit from each watering session.

Perennials

Cut back asparagus fern, fertilise, and mulch to promote healthy growth. I do my peonies at the same time using the same fertiliser and mulch mixture. I try to find a fertiliser that combines poultry manure, blood and bone, and fish meal for a balanced nutrient profile. After applying the fertiliser, I add potash or wood ash from my wood heater to enhance potassium levels in the soil. I mix it well and scatter a small spade full around each plant, ensuring to water thoroughly afterward. Then, I mulch with sugar cane mulch to a depth of 10 cm, which helps retain moisture and suppress weeds.

It is also the best time of the year to divide rhubarb crowns, as this ensures that the plants remain vigorous and productive. Replant the divisions in well-prepared soil and/or fertilise and mulch established clumps to encourage healthy growth and improve yields for the upcoming season. Proper care during the winter months will set the stage for a fruitful and bountiful garden in the spring and summer ahead. ​

The Orchard​

Time to start preparing sites for bare rooted trees and berries. Plants will start to appear in the nurseries in the next month so get your planting sites ready in advance by digging holes, adding amendments such as well rotted compost and rock minerals. This will mean, that once purchased, your plants can go into the ground straight away.​

Below is an ABC gardening video on how to plant bare rooted trees.​

It is also time to start harvesting lemons and Limes.​ Most gardeners have an excess so bring them along for the trading table at our club meetings. You can also review our past post on idea for excess citrus.

Also please send in your favourite recipes for either fruit and we can pint them in next months newsletter.​

Composting Autumn Leaves

Continue to compost any fallen leaves Pick up your autumn leaves with the mower. This cuts the leaves smaller, so they decompose easier and the green lawn that you collect with them gives you a perfect Green/Brown ration for quick and even composting. ​ ​