Time is right to prep

LARA OWEN FINDS OUT WHAT WE SHOULD BE PLANTING DURING THE EARLY SUMMER MONTHS

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JUNE is the perfect time of year to get your garden prepped for autumn, so while you may be enjoying what's already thriving in your garden, there are still an array of plants you can sow.

From leafy greens to late-season courgettes, June is the perfect moment to plant a mix of fast-grow-ers and high-summer staples.

So whether you're cultivating a quiet urban balcony or tending a rambling country plot, here's what to grow now for a bountiful late harvest.

THE BEST FRUITS AND VEGETABLES TO START PLANTING FROM JUNE ONWARDS

By June, the soil is warm and the risk of frost has passed, making it an excellent window to plant tender crops outdoors.

"June is a good time to plant out the last of the tender crops, such as courgettes and squashes, with successional sowing of beetroot, lettuce and radish," says edibles and nursery team leader at RHS Garden Harlow Carr, Joe Lofthouse.

"These are very good to fill any gaps you may have in your vegetable bed."

Quick-turnaround vegetables like radishes and lettuce can mature in as little as four to six weeks. Successional sowing of fast growers like beetroot means you can maintain a steady supply throughout the summer.

"I always do a second sowing of beans in June, planting them directly into the beds and there are a number of other vegetables that can be planted this month, such as celeriac and celery," says Joe.

Longer-term harvests like celery and celeriac benefit from this warmer planting window, although they'll need consistent watering to thrive. And don't forget climbers like runner or French beans, which can still be sown directly into beds or large containers and will yield abundantly by late summer.

GOOD OPTIONS FOR BEGINNER GARDENERS