There are plenty of things to do with that empty spot on the allotment this month. June offers a wide range of vegetables to sow from seed. The weather is now a little warmer and germination, generally speaking, happens a lot quicker.
Be aware that weed seeds are also still springing up, so check your seed beds at regular intervals and weed when necessary.
I like to scatter my seedlings in rows and cover them with a little compost or sand. This is so that I can easily identify weeds from vegetable seedlings, therefore making it easy to maintain.
Preparing the plot
For subterranean root vegetables like carrots, swedes and parsnips: Make sure you remove as many stones from the soil as possible. Stones can cause your roots to divide as they work their way around them. It will be impossible to remove all stones, but remove as many as you can.
Several weeks before sowing, mix in a general granular fertiliser to get the best out of your crop.
Root vegetable seeds to try during June
- Beetroot – Sow from April – July. Harvest in 10-12 weeks. Sow 2 cm deep and put in two seeds every 10 cm. Cover the seeds and water. Remove the weakest of each pair.
- Carrots – Sow from April – mid-July. Harvest in 8-10 weeks. Can be sown at 3-week intervals for a continuous supply. Water the seed bed before sowing. Sow and cover with a very fine layer of soil or compost. Spray the seeds daily with a fine mister.
- Dwarf Beans – Sow from April – July. Harvest in 8-10 weeks. Sow directly into the soil, 4 cm deep, placing two beans every 45 cm. Cover the beans and water. Remove the weakest of each pair and support with canes.
- Radish – Sow from April – September. Harvest in 3-4 weeks. Sow seeds every 4 weeks for a continuous supply. Sow 1.5cm deep in short rows 30cm apart. Cover with a thin layer of soil and water with a fine jet. As the seedlings grow, thin out to about 3 cm intervals.
- Swede – Sow from April – June. Harvest in 6-10 weeks. Harvest in 16 weeks. Very tough and easy to grow. You can also eat the fresh leaves in spring if left in the ground over winter. Sow 3 cm deep in 30 cm rows and thin out seedlings to 15 cm intervals.
Leafy vegetables & beans for June Sowing
- Chard – Sow from April – June. Harvest when 1-2 feet high. Sow in shallow drills about 2.5 cm deep and 30 cm apart in rows 35 cm apart. Cover chard seeds with a fine layer of soil or compost. Water seed bed.
- Dwarf Beans – Sow from April – July. Harvest in 8-10 weeks. Sow directly into the soil, 4 cm deep, placing two beans every 45 cm. Cover the beans and water. Remove the weakest of each pair and support with canes.
- Lettuce – Sow from April – September. Harvest in 8-10 weeks. Sow seeds every 2 weeks for a continuous supply throughout the growing season. Sow seeds 1.5cm deep in short rows 30cm apart. Sprinkle the seeds thinly. Cover with a thin layer of soil and water with a fine jet. As the seedlings grow, thin them out for larger, stronger plants. You can eat the seedlings.
- Runner Beans – Sow from April – July. Harvest in 8-10 weeks. Plant beans directly into the soil, 4 cm deep, spacing 2 beans every 45 cm. Cover and water. Remove the weakest of each pair and support with canes.
- Salad Leaves – Sow from March – October. Harvest in 6-10 weeks. Sow seeds every 2 weeks for a continuous supply. Sow seeds 1.5 cm deep and scatter thinly. Cover with a little soil and water.
- Sprouting Seeds – Sow All year! Harvest in 2-5 days. Rinse seeds with cold water and place in a jar, no more than one-third full. Add lukewarm water to almost full. Leave overnight to soak, then rinse and drain. Lay jar on its side, and place in a dark cupboard at room temperature. Rinsing and drain two to four times a day. When the seeds are sprouted (3-5 days) – ensure they are well drained and place in the fridge. Use within 2-5 days.
Don’t forget – you’re seed bed will need watering. Don’t let it dry out. The summer months can be very dry and hot and young seedlings can die very quickly. Once the plants are established and put down a good root system, then they will need less care.
Also, make sure you weed your veg plot. After sowing, many other seedlings pop up to complete with your veg. Pull or hoe them out. They will take valuable nutrients out of the soil and away from your plants.
