June Gardening: A Quick Guide

June is a busy month for gardeners. The weather is warming up, and there's plenty to do. But first, let's talk about vegetables. If you're thinking about planting some, head to your local garden center. They'll have a wide variety to choose from. Tomatoes are a popular choice. If you're growing them in containers, pick a determinate variety. These plants stay compact and produce a big harvest all at once. Indeterminate varieties, on the other hand, grow tall and need more space. They're better suited for garden beds. Timing is crucial when it comes to planting. Ideally, tomatoes should have been planted about 10 days ago. But don't worry if you missed that window. The upcoming warm weather will speed up their growth, so you won't miss out on harvest time. June brings some changes to the garden. But don't worry, there's still plenty of time to plant. The weather this weekend is perfect for getting your hands dirty. A mix of rain and dry, cooler days makes for great planting conditions. Container gardening has come a long way. Eggplants, for instance, do well in pots. Varieties like Hansel and Gretel produce long, slender fruits. Just remember, container plants need more water. An irrigation system can help with that. It's not too late to plant some vegetables. Asparagus can be harvested until mid-June. After that, let it grow to recharge for next season. Basil, planted in May, might not look great due to the cool, wet weather. But don't worry, it'll bounce back. June is a good time to start basil outside to avoid disease. Edamame can be grown in the ground or containers. But beware of chipmunks digging up the seeds. Cover them with a cloth or screen until they germinate. Pole beans and bush beans can still be planted until mid-July. Annuals are a great way to add color to your garden. Anything you find in the garden store is safe to plant outside. Newer varieties of impatiens are more disease-resistant, so give them a try. Marigolds, geraniums, and petunias are garden staples. But don't forget about bacopa, scaevola, verbena, and tropical salvia. They're fantastic in containers or directly in the ground. Tropical salvia is a hummingbird magnet. But remember, they're not frost hardy. So, enjoy them while they last. Add some interesting foliage plants like canna, begonias, or coleus for a look that lasts until frost. Geraniums are a warm-weather favorite. They bloom all summer long. If you have some sun, try nasturtiums in a hanging basket. They're edible and look great in a summer salad. Moving plants is risky this time of year. But if you must, do it carefully. Dig the plant out, water it heavily, move it to its new home, and cover it with shade cloth. Mist it a couple of times a day and keep the soil moist for the best chance of success. But it's better to wait until late August or September. Iris bloom in late May and early June. They're beautiful, but their blooms don't last long. As we move through June, keep your garden weeded. A 2- to 3-inch layer of leaf mulch will help keep the ground from drying out. But don't pile mulch too high around trees. You want to see the flare at the base. If you have a lawn, it needs about an inch of water a week. Watering between 4 p. m. and 8 a. m. is best. This allows the grass to dry out during the day, reducing the risk of disease. June has long days, perfect for outdoor activities. But remember, daylight is shrinking, so make the most of it.