Monty Don has confirmed the one thing every keen gardener “must do” this summer with a seven-word warning. The Gardeners’ World presenter, 70, knows what he’s talking about when it comes to getting the most out of your plants and vegetables no matter the season, and in June 2021 he let slip a few pearls of wisdom for when the sun is hottest.
Taking to his blog, Monty explained: “The whole year reaches for and aspires to the month of June. The days reach their peak on the 21st and Midsummers Day – June 24th is the high point of the year. So the first, most obvious but far the most important thing is to enjoy your garden as much as possible in every way possible.”
Then came his seven-word tip: “Do not let a moment slip by.”
Monty explained that in summer he is able to “plant tender annuals” like zinnias, cosmos and tithonias, as well as seeing his vegetable garden take off. He cuts back the forget-me-nots, tulips, wallflowers and alliums, which he admitted is “often hard” – but necessary to make room for new growth.
He shared that the best part of all is having long evenings to stay outside and birdwatch. Monty added: “In fact the weather can often be too cold, too wet or, just occasionally, too hot. No matter. This is minor stuff. The British garden – and countryside – is at its very best and I adore every second of it.”
Having recently celebrated turning 70, Monty shared the one thing he always does to his garden on his birthday. He always does the “first dig” of potatoes on his big day, branding the food his “birthday spuds”.
Commenting on his harvest, Monty added: “Given how dry it’s been, this is not bad from just two plants.”