So, as I do not have much of an update on the allotment, apart from the rain and sun have made the weeds grow a lot, I thought I would just write a blog about what we should be looking at planting in June.
Beetroot
Continue sowing beetroot seeds in June – perhaps a few at the beginning of the month and a few at the end so that in September and October you’ll have some to harvest that haven’t grown too large. They can be stored for the winter if necessary.
Top Tip – Sow beetroot direct. Seedlings don’t like being transplanted.
Broccoli
Sow late sprouting broccoli seeds either where you want to grow them or in a seedbed for transplanting later. Depending on the variety, you should be able to harvest them in autumn or overwinter them for picking early the following year. This late in the year, calabrese is better sown where it is going to stay as it is a crop that doesn’t like being moved once the weather is warm.
Carrots
This is the last chance to sow maincrop varieties that will be ready for harvesting in September or October.
Chicory
All three sorts of chicory – Witloof or Belgian, sugarloaf, and radicchio – can be sown outdoors in June. The former will be ready for forcing during the winter.
Courgettes, summer squash, and marrows
If you don’t already have plants you’ve raised in pots, you can sow seeds directly outside now that the soil has warmed up thoroughly. Sow two seeds together and, once they’ve germinated, remove the weaker of the two. Leave plenty of space between plants as they spread widely and need a lot of room.
Peas
The beginning of June is probably your last chance to sow maincrop peas, mangetout, and snap peas. Towards the end of the month switch to a fast-maturing early variety. These should be ready for harvesting in about September.
Top Tip – Young pea seedlings are irresistible to pigeons and need protecting with nets or wire mesh.
Cucumbers
Outdoor cucumbers are usually started off earlier in the year in pots or under cover, but if you sow some seeds outside this month they should give you a crop in August or September.
Endive
Sow curly or broad-leaved varieties outside for a crop in autumn and early winter. Germination may be erratic in hot weather.
Lettuces
Sow in situ and thin out if the seedlings are too crowded. High temperatures may hinder germination – which is perhaps why folklore has it that seeds are best sown at the end of the day, when the soil is cooling down.
Oriental leaves
Sow mizuna, mibuna, mustard greens, pak choi, and other Oriental leaves for salads when leaves are small, and for stir-fries when larger.
Swedes
Sow if you didn’t do so last month. Thin out seedlings and if necessary cover with fine netting to keep off birds and cabbage root fly.
Turnips
Sow another batch for harvesting in August or September before the roots become too large.
Florence fennel
Traditionally, the best time to sow fennel is after 21st June, the longest day of the year. It’s said that the plants are then less likely to bolt. Modern varieties are more forgiving, so anytime in June should give you a crop in early autumn. Sow successively and sow more than you need in case some seeds don’t germinate or slugs gobble up your seedlings.
French beans
Sow a second wave of French beans to follow those that were sown outside last month.
Herbs
June may be your last chance to sow seeds of herbs such as coriander, basil, chervil, fennel, dill, and parsley before the weather becomes too warm for them to germinate reliably.
Kale
Sow a second batch of seeds in seedtrays, modules, or pots ready for planting out next month. Alternatively, leave them in their trays – or even in seedbed somewhere on your allotment – and pick young leaves for salads.
Top Tip – Thin out kale seedlings once “true” leaves begin to appear.
Kohl rabi
Continue sowing seeds where you intend the plants to grow. Thin out seedlings if necessary, keep well-weeded, protect against slugs, and net to keep off birds.
Leaf vegetables
Continue sowing seeds of Swiss chard and spinach beet.
Pumpkins and winter squash
These are usually started off earlier in the year in pots, but they can be planted straight into the ground in June. Prepare the soil by adding lots of well-rotted compost or manure.
Radishes
Sow a few salad radishes in small quantities throughout the month for a constantly replenishing crop.
Runner beans
This is your last opportunity for sowing runner beans. With luck, seeds sown at the end of June may provide you with a crop as late as October – or at least until the first autumn frosts.
Top Tip – Sow runner beans direct outside, at the foot of canes or other supports.
Salad leaves
Continue succession sowing of rocket, corn salad, summer purslane, chard, kale, mizuna, and other mixed leaves to use as cut-and-come-again salads.
Spring onions
Sow a couple more batches of seeds during the month to ensure you have a continuous supply through the autumn.
There should be plenty of information there to help you make the most of growing in June. It can seem like a tall order this time of year as the weeds keep trying to take over and you are constantly working on your allotment to keep up to date with everything. Just remember that you don’t have to grow everything. Just grow what you enjoy eating. But most importantly, plan it well. The key to any successful allotment is planning. Do not give yourself too much to do. Lists are my best friend on the allotment. I wake up in the morning knowing I have loads to do, and therefore struggle to get motivated to get it all done. I’ve now learned that it doesn’t all need to get done in one go. just prioritise the most important tasks. If the weeds are in such a state that they are almost going to spread their seeds all over your plot. Then sowing your runners or digging that bed for the squash can wait until tomorrow. The whole point of it all is to enjoy growing. It can fast turn into a chore if you don’t pace yourself and plan in advance.
I’ll leave you with my 2 best tips for this month. Coffee grinds or wool pellets are by far the most effective natural, organic slug and snail repellent you will ever use and weeing in your compost bin will significantly increase the rotting process. Just make sure you do it into a watering can in your shed first 😉
Mark's Allotment 