Introduction

Summer is in full swing, and your vegetable garden is likely bursting with produce. But don’t let the season end there! June is the perfect time to sow a second round of seeds for a continuous harvest into autumn and beyond.

Vegetables to Sow in June

• Pak choi: This Asian green is known for its crisp texture and umami flavor. To grow it in summer, sow seeds directly into the ground and harvest the baby leaves at 10cm tall.
• Night-scented stock: Enjoy the sweet fragrance of this flower in the evenings. Sow seeds directly into any patch of ground and provide support with peasticks as the seedlings grow.
• Poached egg plant: These cheerful flowers add a splash of color and attract pollinators to your garden. Sow them in the vegetable patch to boost bean production.

More Vegetable Varieties:

In addition to the above, here are a few more vegetables that you can sow in June:

• Beans: Bush beans, pole beans, and lima beans
• Carrots: Nantes and Chantenay varieties
• Cucumbers: Slicing and pickling varieties
• Lettuce: Loose-leaf and romaine varieties
• Radishes: Cherry Belle and French Breakfast varieties
• Spinach: Bloomsdale Long Standing and Melody varieties

Flower Varieties for Autumn Blooms

• Cosmos: These daisy-like flowers come in a variety of colors and bloom profusely.
• Marigolds: These cheerful flowers deter pests and add a touch of gold to your garden.
• Zinnias: These showy flowers are easy to grow and attract butterflies.
• Sunflowers: These towering flowers add height and drama to any garden.
• Salvia: These colorful flowers attract pollinators and add a touch of elegance.

Growing Tips

• Start seeds indoors: If you live in a cooler climate, start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date.
• Sow seeds directly: For warm-season vegetables like pak choi and cucumbers, sow seeds directly into the ground after the last frost date.
• Choose the right location: Select a sunny spot with well-drained soil for your seedlings.
• Water regularly: Keep the soil moist but not soggy.
• Fertilize: Fertilize your plants regularly according to the package instructions.
• Protect from pests: Use netting or row covers to protect your seedlings from pests.
• Harvest regularly: Harvest vegetables and flowers when they are mature to encourage continued production.

Conclusion

June seed sowing is a great way to extend your growing season and enjoy fresh produce and beautiful flowers well into autumn. By following these tips and choosing the right varieties for your climate, you can create a thriving vegetable garden that will provide you with a bountiful harvest.

What is Night Scented Stock?

Night scented stock, also known as evening stock, is a beautiful annual flower that fills the air with a sweet, vanilla-like fragrance, especially at twilight. Its botanical name is Matthiola longipetala, and it is a member of the Brassicaceae family, which also includes cabbage and broccoli.

Types of Night Scented Stock

There are many different varieties of night scented stock, each with its own unique characteristics. Some popular varieties include:

• Cinderella: A series of beautiful double petal blooms in a range of colors.
• Early Bird: A group of tall, early blooming stock that reaches a height of 24 inches.
• Ten Week Stock: A classic variety that blooms in just 10 weeks from seed.
• Giant Imperial Stock: A taller variety that produces large, fragrant flowers.

How to Grow Night Scented Stock

Night scented stock is a relatively easy flower to grow, and it can be started from seed indoors or outdoors.

Starting Seeds Indoors:

• Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost.
• Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep in a well-draining seed starting mix.
• Keep the soil moist and warm (70-75 degrees Fahrenheit).
• Once seedlings emerge, provide them with plenty of light.

Transplanting Outdoors:

• Harden off seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for a week or two before transplanting.
• Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil.
• Space plants 12-18 inches apart.
• Water deeply after transplanting.

Care for Night Scented Stock

Night scented stock is a low-maintenance flower that does not require a lot of care. However, there are a few things you can do to keep your plants healthy and blooming:

• Water regularly, especially during hot, dry weather.
• Fertilize monthly with a balanced fertilizer.
• Deadhead spent blooms to encourage new growth and flowering.
• Pinch back the tips of the stems to promote bushier growth.

Uses for Night Scented Stock

Night scented stock is a versatile flower that can be used in a variety of ways:

• Fragrant Garden: Plant night scented stock in borders, containers, or hanging baskets to fill your garden with their sweet fragrance.
• Cut Flowers: The fragrant blooms of night scented stock make them a popular choice for cut flower arrangements.
• Potpourri: Dry the flowers of night scented stock and use them to make potpourri or sachets.
• Essential Oil: The essential oil of night scented stock is used in aromatherapy and perfumery.

Tips for Growing Night Scented Stock

• Night scented stock prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
• The ideal soil pH for night scented stock is between 6.0 and 7.0.
• Night scented stock is drought tolerant, but it will bloom best if it is watered regularly.
• Aphids are the most common pests that affect night scented stock. They can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Conclusion

Night scented stock is a beautiful and fragrant flower that is easy to grow and care for. With its sweet vanilla-like scent, it is a welcome addition to any garden.

Introduction

Night-scented stock, also known as evening stock, is a beautiful and easy-to-grow annual plant that adds a touch of old-fashioned charm and delightful fragrance to any garden. Its fragrant flowers bloom in the late evening, attracting night-flying moths and filling the air with a sweet perfume.

Characteristics

Night-scented stock is characterized by its simple four-petalled flowers in shades of white, lilac, or pink. These flowers are borne on slender gray-green stems with long, narrow leaves. The plant grows up to 2 feet tall and is hardy in most climates.

Growing Night-Scented Stock

Night-scented stock is best grown from seed sown directly into the garden in full sun or dappled shade. It prefers moist, well-drained soil that is not highly acidic. To sow the seeds, simply scatter them across the soil and rake them in lightly. Water the seeds well, and they will germinate in 10 days to three weeks.

Once the seedlings have emerged, thin them out to about 8 inches apart. Night-scented stock is prone to falling over, so you may want to plant other hardy annuals nearby to provide support, such as nigella, cornflowers, or poppies.

Care

Night-scented stock requires very little care. Water the plants regularly, especially during dry spells. They will flower about six to eight weeks after sowing and will continue to bloom for three weeks. To extend the display, make several sowings at three-week intervals.

Harvesting Seeds

After the flowers fade, seedpods will form. Allow the seedpods to ripen and dry out on the plant before harvesting them. Remove the seeds from the pods and store them in a cool, dry place.

Companion Plants

To enhance the beauty and support of night-scented stock, consider planting it with other hardy annuals that bloom at a similar time, such as:

• Nigella
• Cornflowers
• Poppies
• Sweet alyssum
• Calendula

Pests and Diseases

Night-scented stock is generally problem-free, but it can be susceptible to slugs and snails. Protect young plants by using slug bait or barriers.

Buying Night-Scented Stock

Night-scented stock is available to grow from seed or from plug plants. When buying plants, always check for signs of damage or disease.

Conclusion

Night-scented stock is a delightful and easy-to-grow plant that adds fragrance, beauty, and charm to any garden. Its sweet perfume, attractive flowers, and low maintenance make it a perfect choice for both novice and experienced gardeners alike.