“In early June the world explodes with leaves and foliage and flowers, and every sunset is different.” — John Steinbeck
Now all of that prep work, planning, cleaning, plucking, grinding, pruning and planting is coming to fruition as a lush, healthy glow of green. Here are some suggestions to “write” on your calendar and keep your garden looking its best:
Early to mid-June
Water restrictions are still in effect. Select 3 days per week. Water before 10am and after 6pm to prevent evaporation.
Early June is planting season. Seeds for nasturtiums, marigolds, zinnias, sunflowers, hyacinths, morning glories and cardinal flower vines can be sown directly into the soil.
Check containers daily and water as needed. Containers will dry out faster than plants in the ground. Protect hanging containers from strong winds.
Herbs such as basil, chives, coriander, and parsley can also be grown from seed. Most herbs require no fertilizer and very little water. Cut herbs early in the morning and harvest just before they flower.
Apply mulch 2 to 3 inches thick to conserve moisture and reduce weeds. Now is the time to control weeds before they spread. Inspect in the morning and pull them while they are still young.
Tomato, cucumber, summer squash and pepper transplants can be planted in early June.
Direct sow seeds for corn, lima beans, cantaloupe, pumpkin, watermelon and zucchini.
Planting gladiolus bulbs weekly will extend the flowering period into late summer and early fall.
If you haven't fertilized your lawn yet, now is the time to do so.
Mid to late June
As June progresses, regular garden maintenance begins: plucking dead perennial flowers to encourage more blooms, and staking long-stemmed plants such as delphiniums and foxgloves.
Many fruit trees, especially apple trees, will drop their small fruit at this time of year, a natural thinning process called June drop. If you want to improve the quality of your harvest, you can also add some hand thinning at this time of year. Planting fruit 8 to 10 inches apart on the branches and removing weak or damaged fruit will go a long way toward healthy fruit.
It suppresses shoot growth and inhibits the spread of raspberry plants.
When lupine flowers begin to fade, check the plants for aphids. These tiny white bugs can multiply overnight and kill a plant. Spraying the plant liberally with insecticidal soap can help get rid of aphids.
Spring-flowering shrubs, such as lilacs, hortensia, and forsythia, should be pruned after they have finished flowering.
Picking asters and chrysanthemums this fall will encourage plants to thrive and flower.
So find a comfortable garden chair, pour yourself a big glass of a cold refreshing drink, sit back, take a deep breath and remember to experience the beauty of June.
Send your gardening questions to csumg2@elpasoco.com or call 719-520-7684. Our in-person help desk is open Mondays and Wednesdays from 9am to noon and 1pm to 4pm at 17 N. Spruce St. Find us on Facebook at Colorado Master Gardeners – El Paso County.
Send your gardening questions to csumg2@elpasoco.com or call 719-520-7684. Our in-person help desk is open Mondays and Wednesdays from 9am to noon and 1pm to 4pm at 17 N. Spruce St. Find us on Facebook at Colorado Master Gardeners – El Paso County.
