June Gardening Guide
June marks the beginning of winter a time when the garden begins to slow down.
However, that doesn't mean you can't enjoy gardening and growing your own vegetables!
Here's a fun guide to help you navigate your June gardening tasks, focusing on what to plant, what to harvest, and some tips to make your garden thrive.
Vegetables to Plant
While the colder weather might limit your planting options, there are still several vegetables that can be sown during June:
Garlic: This is the perfect time to plant garlic cloves. Ensure they are spaced about 10-15 cm apart and planted in well-drained soil.
Shallots: Like garlic, shallots are also best planted now. They thrive in similar conditions.
Broad Beans: These hardy beans can withstand the cold and will provide a tasty harvest in spring.
Onions: Plant onion seedlings or sets for a harvest later in the year.
Spinach: A winter-hardy green that can be sown directly into the ground.
What Vegetables Are Ready to Harvest
June is a rewarding month as some of your earlier plantings will be ready to harvest:
Leeks: These are typically ready for harvest now, offering a flavorful addition to soups and stews.
Broccoli: Keep an eye on your broccoli heads and harvest them once they are firm and tight.
Brussels Sprouts: These are at their best after the first frost, so start picking them this month.
Kale: Continues to thrive through the winter and can be harvested leaf by leaf.
Carrots: If you planted them earlier in the year, you might be able to enjoy some homegrown carrots.
Great Tips for Gardening in June
Mulching
Apply a thick layer of mulch to protect your soil from the cold and retain moisture.
Frost Protection
Be prepared for frosty nights by covering sensitive plants with frost cloths or similar materials.
Composting
Continue to add to your compost pile. The decomposing process slows down in winter, so keep it active by adding kitchen scraps and turning it regularly. adding Lazerhume to your compost will help with breakdown and add vital nutrients supercharging your compost.
Weeding
Keep on top of weeds as they can still compete with your plants for nutrients even in winter. if using a herbicide dont forget to add Weed Spray Enhance.
Check for Pests
Slugs and snails can be a problem in winter. Use traps or organic deterrents to protect your crops.
Using Lazerhume
Improve Nutrient Uptake: Apply Lazerhume to enhance nutrient absorption in your winter plants. This can help them thrive despite the colder temperatures.
Soil Structure Enhancement: Lazerhume helps improve soil structure, which can be particularly beneficial when the soil is compacted by heavy rains or snow.
Boost Plant Immunity: Incorporate Lazerhume into your routine to strengthen plant immunity against winter stressors.
What to Look Out for in June
Weather Conditions: Be aware of sudden temperature changes and protect your plants accordingly.
Soil Drainage: Ensure your garden beds have adequate drainage to prevent waterlogging, which can harm plant roots. Lazerhume overtime improves excess water in the soil by improving soil structure.
Plant Health: Regularly inspect your plants for signs of disease or stress and address any issues promptly.
June may be a quieter month in the garden, but with the right care and preparation, you can continue to grow and enjoy a range of vegetables. Happy gardening!
Flowers in June
As winter sets in across New Zealand, gardeners might think it's time to rest.
However, June offers unique opportunities to plant and care for certain flowers that can thrive even in the colder months. Here's a fun guide to get your flower garden blooming beautifully during June.
Flowers to Plant in June
While the variety of flowers you can plant might be reduced in winter, there are still some hardy varieties that will establish well:
Pansies: These cheerful flowers are winter-hardy and can add a pop of color to your garden. Plant them in well-drained soil with plenty of sunlight.
Violas: Similar to pansies but smaller, violas are perfect for adding color and are resilient to cold temperatures.
Primulas: These are wonderful winter bloomers that come in a variety of colors. They prefer partial shade and moist soil.
Polyanthus: A relative of the primula, polyanthus can brighten up your garden with their vibrant hues and are perfect for beds and borders.
Sweet Peas: While not a traditional winter flower, they can be sown now for an early spring bloom. Sow seeds in pots and keep them in a sheltered spot.
Great Tips for Flower Gardening in June
Soil Preparation: Ensure your flower beds are well-prepared with nutrient-rich soil to support growth. Add compost or well-rotted manure to enrich the soil. Lazerhume contains lots of nutrients for your soil and applying now helps to prepare your soil for the coming spring growth.
Protect from Frost: Use frost cloths or create makeshift shelters to protect young plants from cold snaps.
Water Wisely: Water during the morning to allow soil to dry out and reduce the risk of freezing overnight.
Deadheading: Regularly remove spent flowers to encourage new blooms and keep your garden looking tidy.
Indoor Plant Care: For more sensitive flowers, consider starting them off indoors. This provides protection from the harshest weather.
What to Look Out for in June
Frost Damage: Keep an eye out for any frost damage on your plants and take measures to protect them if necessary.
Pest Control: Even in winter, pests such as aphids and slugs can be problematic. Use organic deterrents and check plants regularly.
Overwintering: Some flowers and bulbs can be overwintered indoors. Consider bringing these inside or providing additional insulation to protect them.
Sunlight Exposure: With shorter days, ensure your plants are getting enough sunlight. Adjust their placement if needed to maximise light exposure.
By focusing on hardy flowers and taking preventative measures, June can still be a productive and rewarding month for flower gardening. Enjoy the process and the bursts of colour your efforts will bring to your winter flower garden!
Lawn Guide for June
As winter settles in across New Zealand, maintaining a healthy and vibrant lawn might seem challenging. However, with the right care and attention, your lawn can remain lush and green throughout the colder months. Here’s a fun guide to help you keep your lawn looking its best in June.
Lawn Care Tips for June
Mowing Frequency: Reduce mowing frequency as growth slows down. Aim for every 3-4 weeks. Height: Set your mower to a higher setting to help protect the grass from frost.
Feeding: Apply a winter lawn feed that is high in potassium to strengthen the grass and improve its resilience against cold and disease. Apply Lazerhume or lawn with or after the potassium to help improve the potassium application.
Aeration: Use a garden fork to aerate compacted areas. This will improve drainage and allow roots to access more oxygen and nutrients. Lazerhume and DCT Lawn helps improve soil structure reducing compaction, for heavily compacted areas use Lazerhume at a higher dose.
Overseeding: If your lawn has bare patches, consider overseeding. Choose a grass seed blend suited to your region and winter conditions. Apply with Lazerhume.
Weed Control: Keep an eye out for winter weeds. Remove them manually or use a selective herbicide if necessary. Weed Spray Enhance is great to help protect your lawn from residues but with a selected herbicide you will need to reduce the herbicide by about 50% try on a small area to make sure you get the concentration right before treating your whole lawn
Traffic Management: Limit foot traffic on your lawn to prevent soil compaction, which can damage grass roots.
Frost Protection: Avoid walking on frosty grass, as it can cause damage. Wait until the frost has melted before venturing onto your lawn.
Debris Removal: Regularly remove fallen leaves and debris to prevent them from smothering the grass and encouraging moss growth.
Common Lawn Problems in June
Moss
Moss tends to thrive in damp, shaded areas. Use a moss killer and improve drainage to keep it under control.
Waterlogging
Ensure your lawn has proper drainage to prevent waterlogging. Consider creating channels or installing a drainage system if necessary.
Diseases
Monitor for signs of lawn diseases, such as fungal infections. Address them promptly with appropriate treatments.
Fun Lawn Activities
Lawn Art
Get creative and use your lawn as a canvas. Consider creating patterns or designs with different mowing techniques.
Winter Lawn Games
Set up a small putting green, Just be careful to minimise damage by rotating areas of use.
With these tips, your lawn can remain healthy and beautiful all winter long. Remember to adjust your care routine according to the specific needs of your lawn and regional climate conditions. Enjoy the process and the satisfaction of maintaining a vibrant lawn even in the heart of winter!
Winter-Warming
Pumpkin and Kumara Soup
As the chill of June sets in across New Zealand, there's nothing quite like a hearty, warming soup to keep the cold at bay. This pumpkin and kumara (sweet potato) soup is not only delicious and comforting but also takes advantage of seasonal produce. It's easy to make and perfect for a cozy winter meal.
Ingredients
1 medium pumpkin, peeled, deseeded, and chopped into cubes
2 medium kumara (sweet potatoes), peeled and chopped into cubes
1 large onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cups vegetable stock
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup coconut milk or cream
Fresh coriander leaves, for garnish
Crusty bread, to serve
Instructions
Prepare the Vegetables
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until they are soft and translucent.
Add the Spices
Stir in the ground cumin and coriander, cooking for another minute until the spices release their aroma.
Cook the Vegetables
Add the cubed pumpkin and kumara to the pot, stirring to coat them with the onions, garlic, and spices.
Add the Stock
Pour in the vegetable stock, ensuring the vegetables are covered. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the pumpkin and kumara are tender.
Blend the Soup
Once the vegetables are soft, remove the pot from heat. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, you can transfer the soup to a blender in batches and blend until smooth.
Finish with Coconut Milk
Return the soup to low heat, stirring in the coconut milk or cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the soup to warm through gently, ensuring it does not boil.
Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls, garnishing with fresh coriander leaves. Serve hot with crusty bread on the side.
Tips
Roast the Vegetables: For an added depth of flavor, roast the pumpkin and kumara in the oven before adding them to the soup.
Spice it Up: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper.
Make it Creamier: For a richer texture, substitute coconut milk with heavy cream.
This soup is perfect for a winter evening, providing warmth and comfort while showcasing the best of New Zealand's winter produce. Enjoy!