Gardening Tips for June:
Lawn:
· Mow grass between 2 ½ - 3 inches tall, the shade from the taller grass will help cut down on how much water the grass needs and it will also help to shade out germinating weed seeds
· Fertilize lawn if you haven't already this year (using a slow release fertilizer)
· Either mulch grass clippings – reducing the amount of fertilizer needed; or use collected grass clippings to mulch around garden plants retaining moisture and reducing weed seed germination
· Apply lawn weed control products containing 2,4-D ONLY if the temperature will be cooler than 80degrees for at least 72 hours
Flower Beds:
· Add mulch and organic matter to flowerbeds to help retain moisture during the hottest and driest parts of the month
· Dead-head spring blooming perennials
· Finish planting annuals, container gardens, and window boxes
· Apply plant food to containers and annuals regularly to keep them blooming and looking full. Use a fertilizer with ample phosphorous (5-40-2 for example)
· Keep an eye out for aphids, grasshoppers, earwigs, slugs, and snails and begin control methods before problem gets out of hand
· Transplanting some perennials okay at this time of year, make sure they receive enough water to become well established
· Water in early morning, reducing the incidence of disease problems
· Some plants which look good at this time of year:
ü Allium - Ornamental Onion
ü Buddleia - Butterfly Bush
ü Dianthus - Carnations and Pinks
ü Geranium - Geraniums
ü Iris - Iris
ü Linum - Blue Flax
ü Paeonia - Peony
ü Papaver - Poppy
ü Penstemon - Beard Tongue
Trees & Shrubs:
· When planting new trees or shrubs, keep them well watered and follow correct planting procedures
· Water deep and less frequently to promote deep root systems producing resilient root systems, but remember to be consistent
· Check wilted plants for soil moisture. Insert a probe or use a shovel to test for moisture.
· Prune lilacs, forsythia, and other spring blooming shrubs
Vegetable garden:
· Vegetables can still be planted in the garden. Transplanting seedlings is preferable over sowing seeds for a earlier harvest
· Thin vegetable seedlings when plants are about an inch tall
· Place plastic cups around the base of tomato and melon seedlings to deter cutworms from destroying stems
· Remember to store unused seeds in a cool, dark, dry place to prolong their life (refrigerator)
· Stake peas, beans, and other vines
· Pull weeds to prevent them from going to seed
When working outdoors, remember to drink lots of water, wear sunscreen and protective clothing, and take frequent breaks