Cultivate your edible plants in June
In the heart of June, the garden comes alive with new growth and the promise of a bountiful harvest. Here are some tips for growing sweetcorn and broad beans, two essential crops for any vegetable patch.
Sweetcorn, wind-pollinated and thriving in group formations, need careful attention to ensure a successful crop. Start by sowing seeds indoors or buying young plants, then transplant them outside after the last frost, placing them in a warm, sunny site. The soil should be warm, and watering is essential, especially in the warm weather. Containers or grow bags can be useful if space is limited. After planting, give the sweetcorn plants a good soak and mulch with compost or manure for optimal growth.
Broad beans, on the other hand, require careful management to keep blackfly at bay. Thin out the broad bean plants to reduce infestation risk, and once they start flowering, pinch out the top 6cm of the plant to discourage blackfly populations from establishing. Regular watering and harvesting pods while the beans are young can also help manage health and reduce pests.
When it comes to lettuce, spinach, and leafy greens, more water can help keep them from bolting. Deep rooting and drought resistance can be encouraged by watering in this manner.
For those with limited space, there are resources available for growing vegetables in small spaces and for getting a big potato crop. Some plants, such as courgettes, cucumbers, tomatoes, celeriac, and celery, require more frequent watering.
Remember, when thinning out apple and pear fruits, it can improve fruit quality and prevent the tree from exhaustion, particularly if it is young or trained.
Toby Buckland, Huw Richards, and other gardeners have previously provided fruit and veg advice on the site. The site also offers a newsletter that readers can sign up for, keeping you updated on the latest gardening tips and tricks.
In case of blackfly infestation, an organic soapy solution can be used as an alternative control method. Cutting off the tips can also help reduce their population, but multiple treatments may be necessary.
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The lifestyle of home-and-garden enthusiasts often includes growing their own vegetables like sweetcorn and broad beans, requiring careful attention to ensure a bountiful harvest. For instance, sweetcorn requires a warm, sunny site and regular watering to thrive, while broad beans benefit from thinning out and cultivating to deter blackfly infestations.
