The Ultimate June Gardening Guide: Lush, Productive & Water-Wise

June is when your garden hits its stride. The days are at their longest, the sun has warmed the soil to a generous depth, and everything seems to be stretching toward the sky. From beds bursting with blooms to veggie patches ramping up production, it's a month of abundance–but also one that calls for smart, mindful care.

That’s why we’ve created a smart but simple garden checklist template to help you stay on top of it all. It’s completely blank, so you can customise it to suit your own space, schedule, and growing goals—whether that’s watering reminders, sowing plans, or harvesting notes. Download it, print it, and keep it somewhere handy for the month ahead!

Dry Spells & Drip Systems: Why June Demands Attention To Watering

After the driest spring in over a century here in the UK, gardens are entering summer with a moisture deficit already in place. There's even murmuring about potential hosepipe bans. While nothing's confirmed, now is the time to prepare. 

Drip irrigation systems–whether drippers or drip lines–are not only water efficient, they're also exempt from hosepipe bans. That's because they apply water directly to the soil, slowly and steadily, reducing waste and runoff. They're kinder to the environment and your water bill. 

You don't need to overhaul your space either–there are greenhouse watering kits and soaker hoses that can be set up in an afternoon. These systems shine in June, especially during dry weeks when hand-watering becomes time-consuming.

But even without a full system, small changes can help. Collect rainwater with a water butt (every drop counts during dry spells), reuse cooled cooking water, and always water in the early morning or evening to reduce evaporation. And don't forget: different soil types absorb and hold water differently. Improve retention in sandy beds with compost, mulch generously, and top-dress containers with gravel or bark to keep things moist beneath the surface.

Nurture New Growth: What to Sow, Plant & Harvest in June

If May was a warm-up act, June is the main event. You can still sow fast-growing vegetables directly outdoors: think radish, lettuce, rocket, beetroot, French beans, courgettes, spring onions, and carrots. These thrive in the warmer soil and longer daylight hours. Just remember–consistency is everything. Uneven watering can lead to bolted lettuces or split tomatoes. A drip irrigation system ensures reliable moisture, especially if you're planting into grow bags or raised beds.

Tomatoes, cucumbers, courgettes, and squash love June's warmth but need support and training now. Tie in growth with soft twine and pinch out sideshoots to focus energy on fruiting. Feed weekly with a high-potash liquid fertiliser once flowers appear. Herbs are at their peak: basil, parsley, coriander, and chives can be sown, harvested, and enjoyed all month long. Snip regularly to keep them producing, and water herbs in pots daily during heatwaves.

Harvest-wise, early potatoes might be ready by the end of the month. Gently dig around the edges of plants to check–if tubers are egg-sized and skins rub away easily, they're good to go. Your first sweet strawberries might also ripen now, along with early peas and broad beans. Enjoy the first tastes of summer!

In the greenhouse, ventilation becomes essential. Open vents early in the morning and keep temperatures down with shading or a splashdown of the path. An automated greenhouse watering system gives peace of mind, especially if you're heading away or working long hours.

Houseplant TLC: Summer Holiday Care

Many houseplants relish a summer holiday outdoors, but be gentle with the transition. Start by placing them in a shaded, sheltered spot for a week before gradually introducing them to brighter conditions. They will love the fresh air and warmth from the sun, especially tropical plants like Monstera, Birds of Paradise, and Philodendron. If temperatures drop below 10°C overnight, it's best to bring them back inside. Always check for pests before reintroducing them to your indoor space—a quick rinse with a hose on a gentle spray setting will wash off dust and potential hitchhikers.

It’s also important to monitor moisture more frequently than you would indoors. Outdoor exposure, especially on breezy or warm days, can dry the soil out rapidly. Check the top two inches of soil daily—if it’s dry or the plant begins to droop, it’s time to water. Rain can help, but it's not always enough. Where possible, use rainwater or cooled boiled water to avoid mineral buildup, particularly for sensitive plants like Calatheas or Alocasias.

June also marks the start of the growing season for houseplants. If you're hoping to multiply your collection, now is a brilliant time to take cuttings and start propagating. Many popular plants—such as pothos, Monstera, Tradescantia, and hoyas—can be rooted in water, semi-hydro setups (like LECA), or directly into a chunky, airy soil mix. 

If you're into propagating—or know someone who is—we’ve put together something you’ll love. The Chop 'n' Prop Gardening Gift Hamper from our sister site, Gardening Gifts.Co, is filled with stylish and practical tools for plant cuttings, care, and gifting—perfect for any plant parent. Your new baby plants can be potted up individually, added back into the original pot for a fuller look, or shared with friends and family.

Pest Patrol & General Upkeep

June’s warmth brings everything to life—but that includes garden pests too. Aphids, slugs, snails, caterpillars, and even red spider mites can start to cause problems in both the garden and the greenhouse. Regular observation is key—get into the habit of checking the undersides of leaves, inspecting new growth, and looking out for tell-tale signs like leaf curling, holes, or sticky residue.

Where pests appear, act fast. Use organic solutions like neem oil sprays or insecticidal soaps, or encourage natural predators—ladybirds, hoverflies, and frogs are your allies. Slugs and snails are particularly active after rain or in damp areas. To keep them at bay, try wildlife-friendly solutions like copper tape around pots, wool pellets, or simple beer traps sunk into the soil.

Weeds also grow quickly now, especially after a rain shower followed by sunshine. A weekly hoeing session helps keep them down, especially in beds and borders. Adding a generous layer of mulch around plants helps in two ways: it smothers weeds and retains moisture, making it a win-win for your soil and schedule. Try using composted bark, straw, or even grass clippings if you're going low waste.

Looking Ahead: Prepare Now, Enjoy Later

If the summer stays dry, watering may become a chore—or a worry. That’s why now is the moment to invest in your future comfort (and your garden’s health). Drip irrigation, soaker hoses, greenhouse kits, and timers are all simple upgrades that make June smoother and July a breeze.

Explore our full range of garden watering systems—from drip kits to greenhouse sprinklers—to find your perfect match and stay one step ahead of summer. [Link]

Happy gardening!