What Are June Garden Tasks?
Keep On Blooming
June is primetime to be out in the garden as plants continue to grow fast and the heat hasn’t hit full blast yet! We celebrate pollinators all month long, honoring bees, butterflies, and other vital creatures that help keep gardens blooming.
Feed Me!
June is prime growing time in the vegetable garden. Feed hungry plants with an organic vegetable fertilizer like Espoma® Organic Tomato-tone® Tomato & Vegetable Food. It’s also time to side dress with compost or worm castings for an added kick.
Celebrate Pollinators
Support pollination in the garden by planting beautiful, heat-loving annuals like zinnias, portulaca and sunflowers. Add summer color to your flower beds and hanging baskets, too.
Mulch Magic
Make mulch magic with bark. Bark does more than beautify, it locks in moisture, keeps roots cool, and feeds your soil as it breaks down. Apply now before the heat hits.
Smart Watering
Water established plants deeply, and less frequently, to encourage deep root systems. For lawns—deep, early morning watering keeps them strong and resilient through rising temps.
Pest Check
Check veggie plants daily for problem pests like tomato hornworm, aphid, whitefly, and squash vine borers. Be sure and check the underside of the leaves as well.
Keep On Blooming
To keep things fresh and flowering, deadhead perennial plants such as salvia, coneflower, and lavender.
Other Timely Tasks for June
- Harvest veggies often: pick zucchini at 6”-8”, harvest beans regularly to keep plants producing, and check tomatoes daily once ripening begins.
- There is still time to plant heat-loving crops like corn, cucumber, melon, squash, okra, and black-eyed peas.
- Feed your houseplants now: they’re actively growing and ready for a nutrient boost.
- Create a wildlife oasis: provide fresh, shallow water for birds, butterflies, and bees during the warm days ahead.
- Avoid heavy pruning or planting between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. during heat spikes.
- Grow a tasty duo! Plant herbs now and tuck a basil plant next to your tomatoes for a perfect summer pairing.
