Last updated on May 31st, 2013
HERE IN ZONE 5-B, June is the time for roses (fragrant ‘New Dawn,’ above, announces the entrance to my Woodland Garden). It’s also the time for training tomatoes, smothering weeds, and deadheading departed spring flowers. What to do first? I follow this list of chores:
General
Watering. Drought sometimes occurs this month just when the steady growth of everything requires moisture. If Nature doesn’t handle the watering chores, your garden hose will.
Compost. Fork over material in your compost pile or bin and soak it thoroughly.
Container Gardens. Plants confined in hanging baskets, window boxes, or urns (like the pink petunias above) can’t forage for food and moisture as they would in the open garden. Consequently, feed and water these container plants daily. During hot spells, provide water twice a day.
Weeds. If pulling weeds isn’t your idea of a good time — I can’t bear the job — smother the offenders with thick layers of newspaper, as above, followed by a thick layer of shredded leaves or some other mulch. I use common white vinegar to eliminate the weeds which emerge in my brick, gravel, and blue-stone walkways.
Perennials
Astilbe. Discover these deer-resistant plants that sprout fragrant spires of pink, white or red in light shade. They need considerable moisture throughout the summer months.
Chrysanthemum. Pinch top- and side-growth back now and through July.
Iris. Remove at the ground level all stalks bearing faded flowers. I hope you have the twice-blooming types that flower again in the fall.
Peony. If only the fragrant puffs had staying-power! Deadhead spent flowers, and keep the plants well-watered and mulched.
Primula japonica. Keep this “candelabra primrose” moist, and it will bloom for you through all of June. Details and pictures.
Roses. Enjoy them now before the Japanese beetle makes its destructive return. If blackspot is present on foliage, spray weekly with a solution of milk and water.
Vegetables.
Tomatoes. In the interest of high-quality fruit, remove suckers. Also, tie vines to vertical supports. This year, I’m incorporating crushed egg shells into the soil around my plants. According to research, the shells slowly release calcium, a substance which mitigates the chance of a fungal-disease called “blossom-end rot.” See all my tomato-growing tips.
Blueberries and strawberries. Keep in mind that birds are interested in the ripening fruit as much you are. Better cover the plants with netting.
Salad Greens. Make new sowings now to replace older crops which have bolted. Otherwise, replant the salad bed with beans, turnips, or beets — all these are quick to grow, and they don’t mind the summer heat.
Potatoes. Whenever stems reach 6 inches in length, cover all but the top 2 inches with soil, shredded leaves, or weed-free straw. New potato-bearing stolons will emerge along these covered parts. My potato-growing guide.
Chives. Be sure to make Chive Blossom Vinegar before flowers fade. You’ll be happy to have this pink, flavorful infusion when winter arrives.
Garlic. If you’re growing the hard-neck type, as I am, remove flowering stalks or “scapes” to encourage further development of the bulbs. I use the scapes to make this incredible pesto.
Houseplants. These enjoy a summer holiday outdoors just as children do. Of course, out of doors doesn’t mean out of sight, out of mind; houseplants require plenty of attention during the warm season. I care for mine this way.
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Krystal says
I’ve heard of birds getting caught in netting around blueberries and strawberries and dying. I’ve always has luck putting rubber snakes in conspicuous areas around the fruits to scare the birds away.
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Krystal – I’ve had no problem with birds getting caught in the netting. Rubber snake idea sounds intriguing. But tell me — how do you arrange this fake predator on a bed of strawberries — without smashing the plants? Or do you set the snake near the bed — not on it?
roxanna says
before berries start to change color you can paint stones that are about the size and shape of berries a berry color. the birds will peck at the hard stones and by the time your real berries get ripe the birds are to discourged to peck the real thing. i have done this and not only did it work but was sort of entertaining at the same time with the bonus of the birds not being in danger.
Mary Ann Salsman says
HELP ME!! 😉 The Japanese Beetles are making me a crazy woman! There are way too many to hand pick them off so I have had to spray. I have found nothing that has a residual affect. We have an irrigation system so maybe that’s affecting it. I am having to spray every 3 days or so. They are devouring my knockout roses and crape myrtles.
Jane says
Kevin, I’m enjoying your postings, while drinking my first cup of coffee this Sunday when temperatures outside are trying to climb from the 30’s… the last weeks of Fall in the southern part of Brazil.
Looking at the iris pic, felt nostalgic, my garden in Texas was full of them. I have planted some ryzhomes last October when I got settled here and they are doing great. Hoping to see some blooms next September/October.
I’m now figuring out when to prune roses, there are several old plants on the side of my family’s house – totally neglected for years. Local “folklore” says that we must prune them on June 24th (St John’s birthday), but reading a bit online, found out that for my area the best time is the second week of July. We will see. And I’m using your tip for black spots.
Thanks again!
Lissa says
Mary ann have you tried planting geraniums and 4 oclocks around those plants? Both are a natural JB killers.
Krystal says
I have my strawberries in window boxes on my deck so I put the snake in so his head is hanging over the edge a bit. Looking lime hes about to strike.
JaneM says
How do you bring them back inside in the fall without bringing in aphids, scale, etc? No matter how o cut back, spray with soap and water, I always seem to have a problem.
Erica says
I haven’t cut spent flower stocks from my siberian iris (ever!) and they seem ok. What’s the reason for cutting the stalks?
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Roxanna – What a unique idea — berry-painted stones to discourage the winged berry-robbers!
Mary Ann – Japanese beetles are a horror. Here in New York’s Hudson Valley, the hard-shelled beasts usually emerge the first week in July. Milky Spore, which is safe for people and pets, will kill the beetle larvae.
Krystal – Nice!
JaneM – Are you referring to houseplants? I give them a firm blast of water to remove aphids. Before coming indoors the plants get sprayed with House & Garden Raid. To date, I’ve had no issues with scale on plants.
Erica – I deadhead my common bearded iris purely for aesthetic reasons.
Jeri says
Kevin, When you use White vinegar on weeds, do you use it full strength, or diluted? If so what the dilution ratio.
Thanks,
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Jeri – I use common white vinegar, 5% acidity, full-strength.
Leisa says
Kevin, I want to say that I enjoy your site so much. I have learned a lot from you in the 4 months since I first found you. Keep posting!
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Leisa – Nice to meet you. So glad you find this crazy site helpful!