June Actions Every Green Thumb Should Implement, Advises Pro Gardeners
Chill Out, Gardeners! Here's What You Need to Do in June for a Killer Summer Garden
June might seem like a time to relax and revel in your hard work from the spring, but don't put your gardening gloves away just yet! This month is crucial for ensuring your plants not only survive, but thrive all summer long. Here are the tasks you should be tackling to have a gorgeous and bountiful garden this season.
1. Expand Your Veggie and Herb Garden
Don't pack up your shovel just yet! Planting season isn't over! "Heat-loving veggies and herbs can be planted in June when the soil is warmed up and the frost threat has passed, especially in colder regions," says plant expert Sydni D'Amico of Fast Growing Trees. Get those watermelons, corn, summer squash, peppers, and even more herbs like thyme, oregano, basil, or sage into the ground! Just remember to water them regularly as the soil dries and protect them with a shade cloth if it's already blisteringly hot where you live.
2. Get Ready for Water Waste Wars
With droughts, water restrictions, and sky-high water bills becoming the norm during summer, June is the time to make sure everything's A-OK with your plants' water supplies. Apply a fresh layer of mulch around your plants to prevent evaporation, suppress weeds, and maintain soil nutrition. Consider investing in a drip irrigation system to keep your water usage efficient and your plants' roots well-watered.
3. Drop the Weeds While They're Still Easy to Deal With
Don't let those pesky weeds take over your garden! June is a perfect time to declutter weeds that have sprouted but haven't yet become a pain to remove. Keep an area of about two to three feet clear around your plants to ensure they're getting all the resources they need to grow to their full potential.
4. Make a Smooth Transition from Spring to Summer Annuals
If your spring-blooming annuals have had their day, June is the time to say goodbye and welcome the summer variety. Pull up or prune back dead spring annuals and replace them with summer favorites like petunias and geraniums.
5. Give the Spring Bloomers a Trim
Many of your spring-blooming perennials will need a bit of TLC to help them bounce back for next year. Cut back the spent blooms from lilacs, roses, viburnum, camellias, rhododendrons, and more. Pruning not only makes your garden look fabulous, but it encourages new growth and even stronger blooms in the future!
6. Keep an Eye Out for Pests
As your garden grows, so does the risk of pest infestations. Look out for signs of snail or slug damage, aphid damage, or Japanese beetle damage, and use neem oil spray or other organic pest control methods to keep those critters at bay. Try to identify the pests and apply the most effective treatment for them. Happy gardening, folks!
- For a thriving home-and-garden lifestyle throughout summer, consider expanding your outdoor gardening projects by planting heat-loving vegetables and herbs like watermelons, corn, summer squash, and herbs such as thyme, oregano, basil, or sage during June.
- To conserve water and reduce waste during the hot summer months, consider implementing water-saving measures like applying mulch around your plants, investing in a drip irrigation system, and maintaining a consistent watering schedule for your plants to ensure they stay hydrated, especially in hot climates.
- To keep your garden flourishing throughout the summer, make it a priority to routinely remove weeds while they're still easy to manage. By maintaining an area about two to three feet clear around your plants, you'll help them receive the nutrients and resources they need to grow successfully.
