Gardening Tips: June

Much of your planting has been done by June, so this month is mostly about maintenance – weeding, pruning, staking, deadheading and pest/disease control. Here are some tasks to keep your garden healthy and looking good as we enter the dog days of summer: 

·       Prune flowering spring shrubs if you haven’t done this already.

·       Prune suckers and sprouts from all fruit trees.

·       Plant annuals that can take the long days of full sun – celosia, portulaca and marigolds are good choices.

·       Deadhead flowers encourage continued blooming.

·       Remove dead foliage from spring flowering bulbs after it has died back naturally.

·       Water deeply a couple of times a week if needed, instead of more frequent, shallow waterings. Aim for one inch of water a week.

·       Water potted plants more often than plants in the ground.

·       Apply mulch to reduce weeds and keep soil moist and cool.

·       Try to stay ahead of the weeds!

·       Stake tall flowers such as sunflowers or scarlet bee balm to keep them from blowing over. Stake at time of planting and tie as the plant grows.

·       Fertilize lawns this month. Raise the mower blade if weather is hot and dry so you don’t scalp grass during slow-growth periods.

·       Change the water in your birdbath regularly and keep the birdbath clean. Change the sugar water in hummingbird feeders every few days to avoid mold and fungus. Avoid standing water which can become a breeding ground for mosquitos.

·       Walk in your garden frequently to scout for pests or disease, and to enjoy the beauty you are nurturing there!

·       Share a plant, flower or new cutting with a friend! Passalong plants carry great memories of friendship.