Transitioning from spring to summer is an exciting time for gardeners. Blooms are blooming, veggies are growing, and the weather is warming! Here are a few things you can do in June to ensure healthy, happy, and hearty plants.
June is a month of abundant blooms as your garden bursts with vibrant color. To keep your plants thriving throughout the season, it’s important to adequately clean, feed, and protect your garden so it’s primed for the sizzling summer months.
Water Wisely
As the weather gets warm, your garden’s hydration is essential. Keep an eye on your rain gauge and water the soil around your plants deeply as needed to encourage strong root growth. Early mornings or late evenings are the best times to water to reduce the chance of evaporation and to ensure the water reaches the roots where it’s needed most.
Add Mulch
Apply a layer of mulch around your plants to retain moisture in the soil, suppress weeds, and regulate the soil temperature. Organic mulches like wood chips or shredded leaves are excellent options, as they gradually break down and enrich the soil with nutrients.
Prune with Purpose
June is the ideal month to prune your plants. Remove dead or diseased branches, overcrowded stems, and bulbs that have finished blooming. Use sharp, clean tools and prune just above a healthy bud or lateral branch.
Feed Your Garden
Give your plants a nutrient boost by applying a balanced fertilizer. Look for fertilizer specifically formulated for the types of plants in your garden (i.e. flowers, vegetables, or shrubs). Follow the instructions carefully to avoid damaging your plants with over-fertilization.
Stay Vigilant Against Pests
Monitor your garden for pests and diseases, as they can quickly spread and wreak havoc on your plants. Inspect your plants regularly for signs of damage or infestation, such as chewed leaves or discolored spots. Consider organic pest control methods like attracting natural predators or practicing companion planting to keep pests at bay.
Harvest Your Vegetables
If you have an edible garden, June is probably when you see your first harvest of early-season crops such as green beans, cucumbers, and eggplants. Be sure to pick your fruits and vegetables at their peak ripeness for optimum flavor and nutritional value. Enjoy the fresh taste of homegrown produce and share your bounty with friends and family.
Weed Out the Weeds
The combination of warmer weather and rain can cause weeds to quickly grow out of control. Stay diligent and remove weeds as soon as they are spotted to prevent them from stealing valuable nutrients and hydration from your plants (while also keeping your garden neat and clean).
Plant for Summer
As you enjoy the beauty of your garden in June, start planning for summer blooms and warm-season crops. Summer bulbs like begonias and gladiolus add a splash of color to your garden. Also, planting tomatoes, peppers, squash, and melons now ensures they’re ripe and ready later in the season.
We hope these tips help you grow a happy, healthy, and hearty garden throughout the summer season. As always, if you need supplies or advice along the way, stop by our greenhouse and chat with one of our whip-smart growers.
Here are some more tips to help you in the upcoming months: Ten-Step July Gardening Checklist, Window Box Maintenance, and How to Attract Fireflies to Your Yard.
To see what’s springing up around the greenhouse, sign up for our newsletter.
