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Written by Sylvia Henthorn
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| Annuals |
Last chance to plant. Deadhead often for continued bloom. Annuals, in particular, require pinching back to avoid growing tall and spindly. At least twice during the summer pinch plants back halfway, though not all at once or the plants will look bare. |
| Bulbs |
Naked lady and spider lily bulbs can be planted for fall bloom. Cut foliage of spring bulbs if it is brown. Make succession plantings of gladiolus until July 1st. Stake dahlias if you did not do it when planting. |
| Herbs |
Last chance to plant. Pinch back flowering herbs to avoid setting seeds. |
| Houseplants |
Remember to water more often if you have moved plants outside. Fertilize more often now the plants are growing rapidly, or use slow-release fertilizers. Never feed a plant when the soil is dry and the leaves are wilted, when it is infested with insects or disease, or a container plant that you just purchased – it was probably fed at the nursery. |
| Lawns |
Common Bermuda grass: fertilize every 30-45 days, mow to maintain a height of 1.5-2”. Fescue: Mow to maintain a height of 2.5-3”. Control general grass and broadleaf weeds if necessary. Lawns require a deep watering of one inch weekly. |
| Perennials |
Daylilies may be seen in bloom. Stake tall plants. Pinch mums when plants are 6-8” tall, and pinch once or twice more before July 15. Cut back perennials after blooming. If they set seed they will think summer is over and will not flower again. Spray for fungus, especially phlox. |
| Roses |
Continue spraying program. Water deeply. Fertilize more often, but in smaller amounts. |
| Trees/Shrubs |
Remove vigorous unwanted limbs on new trees. Leave a few inches between the trunk and mulch to avoid promoting rot and disease in the tree. |
| Vegetables |
Plant bush and pole snap beans, bush and pole lima beans, cucumbers, eggplants, peppers, squash, and tomatoes. Water as needed. Monitor frequently for disease and insects. Mulching tomatoes not only conserves water and chokes out weeds, but also prevents splitting and cracking. |
| Hint: |
June is the transition month between spring and summer. Heat and dry conditions are coming soon. The task of the month is to finish planting and mulch well. |
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Forget Me Knots
