Summer is in full swing. Take advantage of the longer days by completing your gardening tasks in the morning or evening. Here are a few tips for keeping your June garden looking great

Planting – Plant summer blooming perennials and annuals. The best way to conserve moisture is by mulching. Adding a 3-4” layer of mulch will keep the soil cooler and helps to prevent weeds. Keep hanging baskets out of hot afternoon sun.

Vegetable Gardens – Enjoy your harvest of tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, etc. You can still plant eggplants, squash, and pumpkins from seed. Keep an eye out for pests. Especially leaf-footed bugs on tomatoes. Provide water for birds nearby, as they sometime peck your fruit and vegetables seeking out moisture.

Mowing – Hot weather means grass will grow faster. You should mow every 5 or 6 days, to avoid having to bag the clip- pings. Raise lawn mower blades to cut 3 inches high to retain moisture and prevent diseases and pests.

Pruning – Pinch tips of coleus to avoid flowering and encourage bushier and compact growth. Remove spent blooms on spring and summer annuals to promote new blooms. Remove any diseased or insect damaged foliage on plants.

Fertilizing – Fertilize containers and vegetable beds with slow release organic fertilizers.

Water – Deep root watering on trees, lawns and shrubs is best. It encourages roots to move down into the soil where they will be less susceptible to moisture changes. Avoid frequent short periods of watering. Keep your azaleas well watered as this is the time of year they are setting next years blooms. We have a variety of soaker hoses and sprinklers to help out with watering.

Pests – Keep an eye out for pests as well as beneficial insects in your vegetable garden. Pick off pests by hand. Check for snails and slugs early in the morning, when they are active. Pests are very active this time of year, so check your garden daily!

Birds – Change water regularly in bird baths and keep them full. Don’t forget to refill feeders regularly as well.

You should… Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, wear protective sun gear, use mosquito repellents and granules for protection from bites.