Welcome to the month of June, gardeners! Spring days are here and we are SO ready to get our hands dirty in the garden. Spring has sprung, blooms are blooming, summer is right around the corner, and it’s time to get to work.
“I think that no matter how old or infirm I may become, I will always plant a large garden in the spring. Who can resist the feelings of hope and joy that one gets from participating in nature’s rebirth?”
~ Edward Giobbi, Artist
Check these June gardening tips off of your June to-do lists and check back in with us next month for more! If you missed our tips earlier this spring, you can find there here.
Tree Care
This month, keep an eye out for pests and infestations as the temperatures rise and the pests get hungry! At the first sign of aphids, treat your fruit and shade trees. Signs of aphids include curling and misshapen leaves. Look for them on the undersides of leaves. When possible, use organic treatments such as a homemade soap spray or the introduction of beneficials such as ladybugs.
Another pest to look out for around this time of year is the codling moth in your apple trees. The moth’s larvae are the ones to blame for wormy apples. On other fruit trees including apples, apricots, cherries, peaches, nectarine, grapes, pears, roses, and euonymus, watch for and control powdery mildew with fungicides.
Flowers and Shrubs
We should be through our cold frosty nights but just in case, remember to cover tender annuals with newspaper or other covers, to protect from frost.
We are past the typical last frost date, which is May 15 in northern Utah so summer flowering tubers like cannas, begonia, and dahlias can be safely set out.
Keep dead blooms off of your annuals and perennials in order to keep them bushy, full, and blooming!
Apply plant supports to newly emerging perennials and annuals that tend to flop over, such as peonies. Support them before they grow tall enough to fall over.
Lawn
It’s sprinkler time! Now is the time to start watering your lawn, but don’t overdo it. Lawns don’t need to be watered every day, or even every other day. For guidance on proper lawn watering in your area, be sure to check this weekly watering guide.
If you haven’t already, be sure to aerate your lawn.
Fertilize your lawn every 30 to 90 days starting now but be careful not to over-fertilize. Always follow the label. Now is also a good time to apply iron to your lawn. Iron helps to ensure a healthy, lovely green lawn that doesn’t grow excessively and is easier to maintain.
As the weather warms up, keep your lawn mowed between 2-3″.
For more tips, check out our Seasonal Tips page!