❄️ Gardening in June: Deep Rest, Quiet Growth

June is a quieter time in the garden, but it’s far from idle. Beneath the surface, the soil is working, roots are reaching, and your efforts now will set the stage for vibrant growth come spring. This is a month for pruning, planning, and feeding the future.

🌱 What to Sow

Even in winter, there are seeds you can sow to keep things ticking over in the garden.

Direct Sow:

• Greencrops (especially after harvesting brassicas)

• Mizuna

• Spinach

• Pak choi

• Coriander

• Beetroot

Tray Sow:

• Cabbage

• Broccoli

• Lettuce

• Leeks

• Shallots

• Onions

• Peas and snow peas

• Coriander (again – it thrives in cooler months)

🌿 What to Plant

• Plant out perennials while the soil is soft and moist.

• Prep and tidy up your asparagus beds—they’ll thank you in spring.

• Start preparing your garlic beds now, ready for planting on the winter solstice (June 21st) — a long-held tradition for a strong garlic crop.

  

🍇 Fruit & Tree Care

June is the time for thoughtful tree work. Pruning now gives fruit trees and berry bushes the best chance at a strong, healthy season ahead.

Prune:

• Berries, currants, grapes

• Feijoas

• Deciduous fruit trees

• Avocados (lightly, if needed – don’t overdo it)

After pruning, give your trees some love:

• Lightly sprinkle lime or wood ash from your fireplace over fallen leaves.

• Mow over the area roughly — and leave the clippings where they fall. They’ll feed the soil as they break down.

🍵 Super Brew for Tree Health

Make your own tree tonic using:

• EM1, activated compost tea, or even old kombucha

• Spray leaves, branches, and surrounding soil

• Then follow with a thick layer of mulch

This supports beneficial microbes that help keep disease at bay and boost your trees’ natural defenses.

🛠 Garden Chores

June is the perfect time for maintenance and setting up future success.

🌾 Green Crops & Soil

• Cut down green crops, spread compost around winter crops, then:

  • Sow a new mixed green crop

  • Scatter the old, slashed crop as mulch across the soil

  • Leaving the roots in place supports soil structure and microbial life

🌿 Living roots = stronger, more fertile soil for spring.

🧱 Winter Garden Projects

With less action in your veggie beds, winter is the perfect time to tackle bigger jobs:

• Improve drainage or add shelter

• Remove or prune back overhanging trees

• Adjust structures that block light and airflow

Even small changes now can make a big difference next season.

🍁 Bonus: Leaf Mould Magic

Collect autumn leaves and let them rot down in a:

• Large garden bag

• Wire mesh drum

• Or a tucked-away corner of your garden

By summer, you’ll have crumbly, dark, nutrient-rich leaf mould—perfect as mulch or to boost compost.

🌬 Final Thoughts for June

This month is about care, rest, and setting the foundation for what's to come. Whether you're sowing a few greens, pruning trees, or improving your soil, every small action counts. Embrace the quiet pace of winter and take pride in knowing your garden is still growing—just beneath the surface.