Ahhh, June. The month that usually tiptoes between showers and sunshine has gone full Mediterranean on us this year – weeks of blazing heat, barely a drop of rain & plants either thriving or throwing in the trowel. 

The days are still long (yes, 10pm pottering is still on the cards), but now your main job is not just growing things – it’s keeping them alive. Welcome to the Garden Survival Games: Heatwave Edition. 

 

What’s Happening in the Garden Right Now? 

Nature’s doing its thing but with some serious stress. Late June usually means peak blooms and full veg patch vibes, but this year’s dry spell has turned the tempo up: 

Roses are still blooming beautifully but need a bit more TLC than usual. 

Lavender and other drought-tolerant plants are lapping it up. 

Veg patches may be showing signs of struggle – bolting lettuces, thirsty beans & sulky courgettes. 

Containers are drying out faster than you can say “watering can”. 

And the lawns? Crispier than your Sunday roast. 

 

Top Things to Do in Late June 

✅ Water Smart, Not More – Focus on early morning or late evening. Deep, infrequent watering is better than a little splash every day. Prioritise new plants, veg crops & anything in containers. 

✅ Mulch Everything – If you haven’t mulched yet, now’s the time. Compost, bark, even a layer of grass clippings helps keep moisture in and roots cool. 

✅ Shade Rescue Missions – If you’ve got wilting plants, consider a temporary bit of shade using garden fabric, parasols or even a strategically placed chair. 

✅ Deadhead & Prune Lightly – Keep those flowers going by snipping off the faded ones. Don’t go heavy on pruning though, the plants are already stressed. 

✅ Check for Pests & Heat Damage – Heat-stressed plants are more vulnerable to aphids, red spider mites & mildew. Keep a close eye and use natural remedies where possible. 

✅ Skip the Lawn Mowing – Let it grow a bit longer if it’s looking brown. Longer grass shades the roots and holds moisture better. And honestly? Embrace the crispy chic. 

✅ Feed Sparingly – Only feed if you’re watering enough. Feeding dry plants can do more harm than good, like handing someone a sandwich in the desert without water. 

 

Late June Highlights (Yes, There Are Still Some) 

🍓 Strawberries are ripening faster than ever. Water at the base and net them unless you want to feed the birds instead. 

🌿 Herbs like thyme, rosemary and oregano are thriving. Basil might be a bit sulky so keep it shaded in the midday sun and water from below. 

🌼 Drought-tolerant blooms like gaura, salvias, echinacea and cosmos are absolutely in their element. Time to let the Mediterranean garden dream flourish. 

 

Garden Vibes: The Heatwave Edition 

BBQ season is still in full swing but keep a watering can nearby for your thirsty plants (& possibly guests). String lights still bring the magic & there’s nothing more impressive than offering someone a mojito with mint that survived a heatwave. 

Top tip: Move your party zones to a shadier spot & surround with pots of scented pelargoniums or lemon balm for natural freshness and bug control. 

 

Night Garden Magic: Warm Evenings & Late Blooms 

Warm evenings are the perfect excuse to slow down in the garden. Night-scented flowers like jasmine and nicotiana still work their magic in the dusk, with candles or solar lanterns turning a parched plot into an enchanting hideaway. 

Bonus: Bats and moths are more active right now – nature’s very own twilight show. 

 

One Last Thought… 

Late June this year might feel more like southern Spain than Surrey, but the garden’s still doing its thing – adapting, surprising, surviving. You don’t need perfection; you just need presence. So water what matters, mulch what you can & take a moment to appreciate the resilience around you. 

Stay cool & happy gardening!