Monthly June Produce Guidance with Monty
In his garden this June, Monty Don is trialing a variety of techniques for growing sweetcorn, squash, and soft fruits, including blackcurrants and gooseberries. Here are some informed guidelines based on his known practices and general horticultural recommendations.
Sweetcorn
Plant sweetcorn seedlings outdoors in blocks, not rows, to ensure effective pollination. Choose well-manured, fertile soil with good drainage and a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Water regularly during dry spells, especially when the plants are tasselling and setting cobs. Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds, and avoid planting in poor, acidic, sandy soil.
Squash
Sow squash seeds indoors earlier in the season, then transplant outside after the risk of frost. Plant squash in a sunny, sheltered position with fertile, well-drained soil. Space plants generously to allow airflow and reduce disease. Keep soil evenly moist, especially during flowering and fruit development, and mulch to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
Soft Fruits (Blackcurrants and Gooseberries)
Water young plants and newly planted bare-root bushes in June. Remove any unwanted side shoots (suckers) and thin fruit to improve quality. Apply mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Support gooseberry bushes with wire cages to protect from birds, and after fruiting, prune to maintain shape and encourage next year's growth.
In addition to these practices, Monty Don is experimenting with various methods for growing these plants this year. For instance, he is growing squash variety 'Uchiki Kuri' and trialing a lattice arrangement for squash plants. However, specific advice for planting and caring for these crops in June, such as Monty's 2025 tips, could not be found in the search results. To find Monty's exact June 2025 tips, checking his latest Gardeners' World episodes or his official gardening publications would be necessary.
Monty Don also shares some innovative gardening solutions for space efficiency. For example, squash plants can be grown vertically for space efficiency, and he discusses the advantages of growing gooseberry cordons in small spaces. Sowing squash early in the month can give a harvest later in the year.
Monty Don's lifestyle and home-and-garden practices involve experimenting with different techniques for cultivating various plants. For instance, he is growing squash variety 'Uchiki Kuri' in a lattice arrangement and advocates for vertical squash planting for space efficiency. Additionally, he recommends growing gooseberry cordons in small spaces for an effective home-and-gardening setup.
