June Garden To-Do List
Above: A dramatic sunset over the rows in early June
As June rolls in, gardeners eagerly embrace the warmth and vitality of the summer season. With longer days and bountiful sunshine, this month presents a golden opportunity to nurture our gardens!
Above: Thursday evening volunteers in the Rows.
Weeding and Mulching: With the arrival of summer rains and warmth, weeds can quickly become a nuisance, competing with your beloved plants for nutrients and space. Take time to regularly weed your garden beds, ensuring you remove them from the roots to prevent regrowth. Once weeds are cleared, apply a generous layer of mulch to retain moisture, suppress further weed growth, and maintain soil temperature. Read an excellent article on Why Weeds Succeed here, with a lovely Q & A as well.
Watering: As temperatures rise, it's crucial to adjust your watering routine to meet the increasing demands of thirsty plants. Early morning watering is ideal, allowing moisture to penetrate deeply into the soil before the heat of the day sets in. Pay close attention to container plants, hanging baskets, and newly planted/transplanted seedlings, as they may require more frequent watering to thrive.
Pruning and Deadheading: Keep your garden looking tidy and promote healthy growth by regularly pruning dead or damaged branches from trees, shrubs, and perennial plants. Additionally, deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming throughout the summer season. This simple task not only improves the appearance of your garden but also redirects the plant's energy into producing new blooms.
Fertilizing: Provide your plants with a nutrient boost by applying a balanced fertilizer in early June. Choose a slow-release or organic fertilizer to feed your plants gradually and avoid the risk of over-fertilization, which can lead to nutrient imbalances and damage to delicate roots. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for application rates and frequency.
Pest Control: With the warmer weather, garden pests become more active, posing a threat to your carefully tended plants. Keep an eye out for signs of insect damage, such as chewed leaves or distorted growth, and take appropriate action to control infestations. Consider using natural predators, such as ladybugs or praying mantises, to keep pest populations in check, or utilize organic insecticides as a last resort. When using insecticides (even organic) please read the label carefully to ensure proper use.
Supporting Growing Plants: As summer progresses, tall or heavy-laden plants may require additional support to prevent them from flopping over or breaking under their own weight. Install stakes, trellises, or cages to provide structural support for sprawling vines, towering sunflowers, or top-heavy blooms like peonies and dahlias.
Harvesting: If you've planted a vegetable garden, June marks the beginning of a bountiful harvest season for many crops. Keep a close eye on ripening fruits and vegetables, such as tomatoes, cucumbers, beans, and berries, and harvest them promptly to enjoy their peak flavor and freshness. Regular harvesting also encourages continued production throughout the season.
Planning and Planting for Fall: While June is a time to revel in the beauty of summer blooms, it's also an opportune moment to start thinking ahead to the fall season. Begin planning and preparing your garden for autumn by selecting and planting cool-season crops, such as lettuce, kale, and broccoli, in designated areas of your garden.
By dedicating time and attention to these essential garden tasks in June, you'll set the stage for a season of abundant growth, vibrant blooms, and fruitful harvests.
