Fennel in June: monthly care

Fennel thrives in full sun and needs a warm, sheltered spot to develop its best flavour. Choose a position that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. The soil should be free-draining and fertile; loam or chalky soils are ideal. Avoid heavy clay that stays waterlogged, as fennel dislikes wet feet and may rot. Before planting, dig in well-rotted compost or garden manure to improve soil structure and fertility, especially on lighter soils. Sow fennel directly outdoors from April through June, once the risk of hard frost has passed and soil temperatures reach around 10°C. Fennel develops a long taproot and resents transplanting, so direct sowing is strongly preferred. Sow seeds thinly in drills about 1.5 cm deep, in rows spaced 50 cm apart. Water the drills gently before sowing if the soil is dry. Germination typically takes 10–14 days. Once seedlings are large enough to handle, thin them progressively to a final spacing of 50 cm between plants. This generous spacing allows each plant to develop a full rosette of feathery foliage and, if you're growing Florence fennel for bulbs, room for the swollen stem bases to form properly. After thinning, water the young plants in well and keep the soil evenly moist until they're established. A light mulch of garden compost around the base helps retain moisture and suppress weeds, but keep it clear of the stems to prevent rot. Fennel is hardy to zone 5, but young plants benefit from protection if late frosts threaten in April or early May.

Fennel has moderate water needs and performs best with consistent moisture, especially during dry spells in summer. Water deeply once or twice a week rather than little and often, encouraging roots to grow down into the soil. In prolonged dry weather, increase watering frequency; stressed plants may bolt prematurely or develop bitter-tasting foliage. Reduce watering in autumn as growth slows, and avoid waterlogging over winter. Feed fennel once in April as new growth begins. Apply a balanced general-purpose fertiliser or scatter a handful of blood, fish and bone around the base of each plant, then water in well. Avoid high-nitrogen feeds later in the season, as these promote soft, leafy growth at the expense of flavour and hardiness. A spring mulch of garden compost or well-rotted manure provides slow-release nutrients and helps retain soil moisture through summer. Fennel is generally trouble-free, but aphids can cluster on young shoots and flower heads in warm weather. Squash small infestations by hand or spray with an organic insecticidal soap. Slugs occasionally nibble seedlings; protect young plants with grit or organic slug pellets. Powdery mildew may appear on foliage in dry summers; improve air circulation by thinning congested growth and water at the base rather than overhead. Established fennel is fully hardy in zones 5–10 and needs no winter protection in temperate Europe. The crown survives frosts and reshoot reliably in spring. Mulch around the base in late autumn to insulate roots in colder gardens, but avoid smothering the crown itself.