June is, for many of us, when a garden really begins to pay us back for all of the effort that has gone into it over the previous months. It adds to the promise of May; borders are filling out, many perennials are now flowering freely and shrubs are carrying fresh, healthy growth. It's also the point where planting combinations start to give hints of what’s to come.
This year, after a particularly dry spring, many gardens are already feeling the effects of reduced rainfall. So, depending on where you are, you may find yourself watering more often than you would expect at this stage of the year, particularly newly planted borders and containers.
Updated for June 2026
Often by June, much of a garden’s planting is already in place so attention usually shifts slightly from encouraging new growth, towards guiding and maintaining planting as it develops through the summer. A little attention now – whether that's supporting taller plants before they lean, keeping on top of weeds or watering during dry spells – will help your garden continue looking its best throughout the summer.
Supporting healthy growth
We love June because everything seems to burst with life. It’s a month when many herbaceous perennials experience growth spurts and, given half a chance, some will happily try to take over the world – which can be problematic for neighbouring plants. To avoid that spill over, try getting supports in for taller plants before they start flopping. It helps maintain a more natural aesthetic – it allows the shape of the plant to evolve much more naturally – and usually results in the supports ‘disappearing’ amongst the foliage too.
It's also still not too late to carry out the Chelsea Chop on suitable late-flowering perennials if you'd like to stagger flowering or encourage a more compact habit. Early-flowering hardy geraniums can often be cut back after flowering too and will usually reward you with a fresh flush of foliage and, in many cases, a second display later in the summer.
Watering and caring for your planting
Warm weather, longer days and plenty of leafy growth all mean plants use considerably more water during June than they did earlier in the spring. If you don’t already have them, we think it’s well worth installing as many water butts as your budget, and garden allows! Using rainwater from butts can help reduce demand for tap water and is arguably better for plants since it lacks the minerals and chemicals often associated with tap water.
Rather than watering little and often, it's usually better to water thoroughly when plants need it. This generally encourages roots to grow deeper into the soil. Containers are the exception to this ‘rule’ though. Compost dries out much more quickly than garden soil, so it's worth checking pots regularly, particularly during warm or windy weather.
While you're watering, it's a good opportunity to check out the planting. June is a great month to see which plant combinations are really working well and importantly, which aren’t. You can start to see the ‘bullies’ and you can usually spot gaps starting to appear in June too so it can really help you stay ahead if you can spot things early.
Keeping displays looking their best
Deadheading repeat-flowering perennials and roses as flowers fade helps encourage further flowers and keeps borders looking fresher for longer.
Climbers will also appreciate a little attention at this time of year. Tying in new shoots while they're still flexible helps direct growth where you want it and allows plants to make the most of the support available.
Greenhouses and pests
Greenhouses, conservatories and sunny windowsills can become overly hot during June, so good ventilation becomes increasingly important. On particularly warm days, consider adding a little shading to help protect more sensitive plants from scorching.
June often brings with it a surge in pest activity. Slugs, snails, aphids and other insects are all easier to manage when spotted early, so regular walks around the garden often pay dividends before small problems become larger ones!
June Garden Jobs
All in all, June is a month of strong growth, which means a little regular maintenance can often go much further than the occasional larger job. ‘Keeping on top of things’ is generally the order of the day and if you can do that it can help your garden continue to perform well throughout the weeks ahead.
Looking after your planting
- Deadhead repeat-flowering perennials and roses to encourage further blooms.
- Support taller herbaceous perennials before they begin to lean.
- Carry out the Chelsea Chop on suitable late-flowering perennials if you haven't already.
- Cut back early-flowering hardy geraniums after flowering to encourage fresh growth and, in many cases, a second flush of flowers.
- Hoe borders regularly to reduce weed competition while weeds are still small.
- Tie in new growth on climbing plants.
Watering
- Water borders thoroughly during prolonged dry spells rather than little and often.
- Check containers regularly, as compost can dry out surprisingly quickly.
- Keep newly planted trees, shrubs and perennials well-watered while they establish.
- Install water butts if you can
Greenhouse care
- Increase ventilation on warm days.
- Provide shading where necessary to protect more sensitive plants.
- Continue checking regularly for pests and diseases.
Lawns
- Raise mowing heights during dry weather to help keep lawns healthier.
- Continue mowing regularly as growth allows.
Fruit and vegetables
- Harvest vegetables as they become ready.
- Continue sowing suitable crops for later harvests.
- Place supports where required before plants become too large to manage easily.
Looking Ahead
June is a great month for evaluating your planting and ‘adjusting’ where necessary – filling gaps, taming bullies and supporting plants where needed. It’s also when those little and often maintenance tasks really begin to show dividends. Making a few small adjustments now, is a great way to keep borders looking full, balanced and gorgeous for the rest of the summer.
