June is a time of abundance in the countryside. The fields are thriving, the hedgerows are full of life, and the long summer days bring warmth and energy to everything growing around us. This is the month when the first summer fruits ripen, the kitchen garden is in full swing, and there’s a real sense of connection to the food we grow, cook, and eat.
The kitchen garden is in full swing in June. Photo: Milly Fyfe WHAT’S IN SEASON?
June is all about vibrant, fresh produce. Strawberries are at their sweetest, gooseberries are ready for picking, and broad beans add a rich, creamy texture to summer meals. The first courgettes appear, tender and full of flavour, while salad leaves and fresh herbs flourish in the sunshine. It’s also the perfect time to enjoy early summer carrots and beetroot, full of earthy sweetness. Another seasonal star is rhubarb, which lends itself beautifully to both sweet and savoury dishes – and even homemade infusions!
Homemade rhubarb gin
Rhubarb gin is a delightful way to preserve the flavours of early summer. With its refreshing tartness and hint of sweetness, it makes for a perfect summer drink – and would be great for toasting World Gin Day, which this year falls on Saturday, June 14
Ingredients:
• 500g rhubarb, chopped
• 250g caster sugar
• 700ml gin
• Sterilised bottle or jar
Method:
1. Place the chopped rhubarb and sugar into a large sterilised jar.
2. Pour over the gin, seal the jar, and give it a good shake.
3. Store in a cool, dark place for at least four weeks, shaking every few days to help the sugar dissolve.
4. After the infusion period, strain the gin through a muslin cloth or fine sieve into a clean bottle.
5. Serve over ice with tonic or as a base for summer cocktails. I often garnish with some redcurrants too!
For more details, check out the full recipe on my website: nofussmealsforbusyparents.com/rhubarb-gin-recipe
Life on the farm
June is a rewarding yet busy month on the farm. Our livestock, including sheep, beef cattle, pigs and chickens are thriving in the summer sun, the grass is growing ready for silage making and our kitchen garden is in full production. We are also moving quickly towards the opening of our farm classroom, The Countryside Kitchen, with our first primary schools already booked! This is an exciting milestone in our journey to reconnect children with food and farming. We are keen to engage with food businesses and funders who may be interested in supporting this project – please do get in touch if you’d like to be involved.
SUSTAINABLE LIVING: Easy swaps for a greener summer
As we embrace the longer days, there are simple ways to make more sustainable choices:
• Eat seasonally – fresh, local produce tastes better and reduces food miles.
• Reduce food waste by preserving summer gluts – freezing, drying, or making jams.
• Ditch single-use plastic by opting for reusable containers and beeswax wraps.
• Compost food scraps to create nutrient-rich soil for your garden.
• Support local producers by buying direct from farms, markets, and farm shops.
By making small, conscious changes, we can all contribute to a more sustainable food system while enjoying the best that June has to offer. What seasonal swaps will you be making this month?
I’d love to hear your thoughts – let’s grow, cook, and eat together!
And don’t forget to get your awards nominations in for the Cotswold Life awards, deadline is June 13.
Milly Fyfe x
Important dates and campaigns to remember in June
June 1: World Milk Day
June 8: World Gin Day
June 13: Cotswold Life Food & Drink Awards nomination close
June 15: Beer Day Britain
June 15: Fathers’ Day
June 27: National Cream Tea Day
Originally from the Cotswolds, Milly is a farmer, parent, and founder of No Fuss Meals for Busy Parents CIC. Milly is passionate about reconnecting people with UK food production, and is establishing a classroom on her farm to offer hands-on field-to-fork education, inspiring the next generation to grow, cook, and eat sustainably
You can follow Milly on social media using the handle: @MillyFyfe on X, BlueSky, Linkedin, Instagram and TikTok. Or follow the work of the CIC at: nofussmealsforbusyparents.com
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(471x244:473x246)/CNN-New-Years-Eve-with-Anderson-Cooper-123124-9952e5f00fc1425f87113ba2bfb97b29.jpg "Anderson Cooper Says He Once ‘Hated’ New Year’s Eve While Co-Hosting CNN Broadcast")
