As the chill of winter settles in, it’s easy to think that gardening should take a back seat. However, June in Australia offers plenty of opportunities to plant and prepare for the coming seasons.

Here’s a guide to what you can plant and the essential garden jobs to tackle this month.

What to Plant in June

VEGETABLES

  • Broad Beans: Broad beans thrive in cooler weather and are easy to grow. Plant them in a sunny spot with well-draining soil.
  • Garlic: June is perfect for planting garlic. Choose a sunny location and plant the cloves pointy end up, about 2-3 cm deep.
  • Peas: Another cool-season favorite, peas are perfect for planting now. Ensure they have a trellis or support to climb on.
  • Onions: Onions grow slowly, making them ideal for planting in June. They prefer a sunny spot and well-draining soil.
  • Spinach: Fast-growing and hardy, spinach can be planted in June for a quick harvest. It prefers a partially shaded spot.

HERBS

  • Parsley: A hardy herb that can withstand the cooler weather, parsley is a great addition to any garden.
  • Coriander: Perfect for the cooler months, coriander can be planted now to ensure a good harvest before it bolts in the heat.
  • Thyme: This versatile herb is well-suited to winter planting and can add flavor to a variety of dishes.

Garden Jobs for June

Mulching

Mulching is a crucial task for winter. It helps to insulate the soil, retain moisture, and suppress weeds. Apply a thick layer of organic mulch, such as straw or bark chips, around your plants.

Pruning

Winter is an excellent time for pruning deciduous trees and shrubs. Remove any dead or diseased wood, and shape the plants to encourage healthy growth in the spring.

Composting

If you haven't already, start a compost heap. Winter is a great time to collect kitchen scraps, garden clippings, and leaves. Turning your compost regularly will ensure it’s ready to use by spring.

Protecting Plants

Frost-sensitive plants may need extra protection. Consider using plant protectors or cloches or moving potted plants to more sheltered locations.

Weeding

Weeds can still be a problem in winter, so make sure to keep on top of them. Regular weeding prevents them from taking over your garden beds.

And lastly... plan ahead

June is a great time to start planning your spring garden.

Consider what seeds you’ll need to order and what areas of your garden you want to redesign or expand.

Tips from Our Garden

In our own garden, we’ve found that using raised beds helps to keep the soil warmer, which is beneficial during the cooler months. We also like to plant a variety of winter greens, like spinach, silverbeet and kale, which thrive in the cooler temperatures and provide fresh produce all winter long.

Remember, gardening in June is all about preparation and maintenance. By taking care of these essential tasks, you'll ensure a healthy and productive garden come spring.

Happy gardening!

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