June in the Garden

Tasks for the first frosts

As the Christchurch weather turns colder and the first frosts begin to settle in, we find ourselves well and truly into late Autumn and edging into Winter. The crisp mornings and shorter days mean it’s time to switch gears in the garden. With fewer opportunities to work outside, it’s a good idea to make the most of those clear, fine days when they arrive.

What to Focus on this Month in the Garden:

1. General Clean-up & Pruning
Now’s the time to tidy up garden beds—remove old annuals, fallen leaves, and dead growth. Fruit trees and roses can be pruned over the Winter months, but make sure to wait until they are fully dormant. Clean, sharp tools are essential to avoid damaging branches and to promote faster healing.

2. Tool Maintenance
Speaking of tools, use the quieter garden time to clean and sharpen secateurs, loppers, spades, and any other equipment that worked hard over Summer. Lawnmowers should be serviced too—so you’re ready for the Spring growth flush.

3. Compost Management
If you’ve been gathering up those beautiful fallen leaves, don’t forget to turn your compost heap regularly. Mixing in green material such as vegetable scraps or fresh grass clippings will help balance the carbon-rich leaves and speed decomposition.

4. Greenhouse Jobs
Winter is a good time to give your greenhouse a fresh start. Remove any shade cloths or spent crops, wash down interior surfaces, and scrub away moss and grime. Finish with a disinfectant wash to reduce the risk of pests or disease overwintering.

Winter Planting and Preparation

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