June is a quieter time in the home garden, but it’s far from unimportant. As the cool weather settles in, this is the perfect month to focus on the soil—nurturing it, rebuilding its health, and preparing it for the growing season ahead. Think of it as the garden’s rest and recharge period.
One of the best ways to support your soil over winter is by applying humates. These natural organic compounds, formed from ancient plant matter, are packed with carbon and trace minerals that enhance soil structure, feed beneficial microbes, and improve nutrient uptake. Humates don’t act like a quick-fix fertiliser—they’re more like a long-term investment in soil health.
In June, many gardeners apply humate alongside compost or well-rotted manure. This combination works beautifully. The compost adds organic matter and nutrients, while the humate holds these in the root zone longer, reducing leaching during wet weather. You’ll notice better drainage, more earthworm activity, and a darker, richer soil over time.
If you haven’t already, consider sowing a green manure crop—such as lupins, mustard, or oats. These cover crops protect bare soil from erosion, suppress weeds, and—when dug in later—boost organic matter. Adding humate to the soil when sowing or turning in a green manure crop gives an extra edge by speeding up microbial breakdown and nutrient cycling.
In terms of planting, June is ideal for getting garlic in the ground if you haven’t done so yet. It loves the cold start. Rhubarb crowns, strawberries, and deciduous fruit trees can also be planted now. Just remember to add compost and a handful of humate around the planting hole to help young roots establish.
Garden Tip for June:
If your compost bin is sluggish in winter, add a sprinkle of humate. It helps stimulate microbial activity and keeps the breakdown process ticking along even in the cold. That way, you’ll have rich compost ready for spring when the garden wakes up again.
So even if June feels slow in the garden, it’s laying the groundwork—literally—for your most productive growing months ahead.