June is the transition month between spring and summer. It is the time to finish planting and don’t forget to mulch everything that you plant. You will be glad you did later in the season. It helps retain moisture and keeps the plants cooler in the heat of the summer. This is the time we reap the rewards of all that planting of perennials and annuals in April and May as the garden seem to come alive with color.

Annuals – Last chance to plant and deadhead often for continued bloom. Fertilizing and pinching back also avoids your plants growing tall and spindly.

Herbs – If you haven’t finished planting, be sure to do it early in the month. Pinch back any flowering herbs to prevent setting seeds. June to July is the time harvest that garlic you planted last October.

Bulbs – Spider lily and naked lady bulbs can be planted for fall bloom. Remove foliage of spring bulbs if it is brown.

Perennials – Daylilies should be blooming soon. Deadhead as blooms fade. Pinch back mums to remove buds until July 15 for a bushier plant.

Lawns – Bermuda – fertilize every 30-45 days, mow to maintain a height of 1.5 to 2”. Fescue – Mow to maintain a height of 2.5 to 3”. Lawns require a deep watering of one inch weekly.

Roses – Watch for aphids and fungus. Deadhead to encourage new blooms. Fertilize established roses because they are heavy feeders but be sure to water before applying fertilizer. Water deeply if we don’t get at least one inch of rain per week. June is when the Japanese Beetles arrive.

Trees and Shrubs – Prune dead limbs and tiny limbs starting on tree trunks. Newly planted trees and shrubs should be watered deeply each week until established. Leave a few inches between the trunk and mulch to avoid promoting rot and disease in the tree.

Vegetables – Monitor water and fertilize tomatoes and begin harvesting those great homegrown vegetables.