Flower/Landscape Gardens
- Maintenance is key! Stay on top of weeding and watering.
- A rule of thumb for watering is 1 inch of water a week if not provided naturally with rain. Purchase a rain gauge to get an accurate measurement and empty the rain gauge regularly!
- Plant summer flowering bulbs like tuberous Begonias, Caladiums, Dahlias, Cannas and Gladioli in well-drained soil. Avoid water logged soil because most bulbs don’t like wet feet. Gladioli, Cannas and Dahlias thrive in full sun and rich, well drained soil. Caladiums and tuberous Begonias prefer shade and soil that is high in organic matter.
- Deadhead perennial flowers and annuals regularly to keep them blooming all summer.
- Pinch or prune fall blooming perennials to encourage fullness and discourage necessary staking.
- Stake necessary plants such as Dahlias and Asters early to enhance your flower borders and make maintenance easier as the season progresses.
- Continue training and tying vigorous summer growth of vines and climbing roses.
- If necessary, prune spring flowering plants that are past bloom such as Crabapples, Quince and Forsythia.
- Deadhead roses regularly to keep them blooming all summer. To prevent wood boring insects from entering the cut rose branch, apply waterproof wood glue to the cut.
- Feed roses every two weeks to promote vigorously blooming plants.
- Continue watching roses for appearance of black spot. Remove infected leaves regularly (do not add black spot infected rose leaf debris to compost).
- Check for insect pests on new growth and the undersides of leaves. Control insects and diseases using Integrated Pest Management techniques to prevent severe infestations.
- Fertilize containers and in-ground annuals weekly with a liquid feed of fish emulsion or liquid seaweed.
- Primp containers when needed by removing brown leaves and spent flowers to keep them looking their best. Remember to look inside the plant and remove spent leaves and debris. Removal will keep the pots healthy and lower the chance of pest and disease problems.
- Order fall planted, spring blooming bulbs.
Vegetable Gardens & Fruit Trees
- In mid-June, when soil has warmed, weed garden areas well before applying a layer of mulch between rows to help with weed control.
- Thin rows of carrots, beets, and other vegetables and flowers when plants are still small to avoid damage to the roots.
- Start a compost pile in June for next year’s garden.
- Locate a convenient spot near your garden.
- Add leaves, straw and vegetable matter.
- Avoid weeds that have gone to seed, diseased vegetable plants, grass clippings treated with herbicides, bones and greasy scraps.
- Enclose pile with wire fencing to keep materials from blowing away.
- If materials are dry, soak each layer thoroughly, keeping the pile moist throughout the year.
- To hasten decomposition and add nutrient use Espoma’s compost bioactivator and/or mix one cup dried blood meal (12-0-0) per bushel of organic matter.
- Turn the pile 2-3 times during the season.
- Seal leftover garden seeds in a breathable bag or basket and store in a cool, dry location for future use.
- Hill Potatoes (pile soil up along the plants) about 6-8 weeks after planting, as soon as the plants start peeking through the soil. Hill again in a few weeks.
- Plant tomatoes, basil, watermelon and pepper plants into the garden.
Call DESIGNS FOR GREENER GARDENS at 410-626-612 to help you with your June garden needs!
