June in the Garden

“It’s June” … What needs to be done

PLANTING

• Buy and plant crape myrtles in bloom to be sure you are getting the desired color. Know the variety’s mature size to avoid future pruning. Ask for varieties that are resistant to powdery mildew.
• This is the best time to plant vinca (periwinkle) in full sun. Look for the variety ‘Cora’ since it is resistant to soil-borne diseases. Water with drip irrigation or soaker hose to keep water off foliage.
• Plant these tropical annuals for their flowers: tropical hibiscus, ‘Gold Star’ esperanza, mandevilla and Mexican heather. Use croton, bougainvillea and variegated tapioca for their foliage color.
• June is the time to select day lily varieties as they reach peak bloom.

FERTILIZING AND PRUNING

• It is time for the second application of an all-nitrogen, slow release fertilizer on turf grasses. Cut the amount by half to prevent excessive growth which means more water and mowing!
• Fertilize container plants and hanging baskets with a water soluble fertilizer every week or two.
• Prune back autumn sage and mealy cup sage by one-third their size. Deadhead salvias, as well as annuals and perennials, to stimulate new growth to allow the plant to continue re-blooming until late fall.
• Continue to prune as necessary, fall-blooming plants such as Mexican bush sage, mountain sage, Mexican mint marigold, copper canyon daises, asters and mums to keep them compact and to prevent buds from forming prematurely. Don’t prune after September 1 when buds begin to form.
• Remove flower stalks on coleus, caladiums, lamb’s ear and basil before buds open. This will promote new leaf growth.

GARDEN WATCH

• Take a critical look at your landscape while at the height of summer development. Make notes on how the landscape can be better arranged; plants that need replacement, overgrown plants that need to be removed; or possibly, areas that can be converted to more family friendly activities. Save this information for implementation later in the year or next spring.
• Control aphids on crape myrtles with a strong spray of water.
• Spider mites can be troublesome, especially on tomatoes. Treat with an appropriate organic or synthetic pesticide.
• Wrap the trunks of newly-planted shumard oak and Chinese pistache trees to prevent sun scald and borers.

EXTREME GARDENING TOPICS:

Extreme Disease – Rose Rosette is a virus spread by the tiny eriophyid mite. This disease was first identified in the 1940’s in wild rose bushes and later spread to other varieties. The signs of Rose Rosette are: red (or yellow on hybrid teas) new growth, rapidly elongated stems, and witches’ brooms, which are sections of multiple stems that are red with distorted leaves and covered with a large amount of thorns. At this time there is no known treatment for this disease other than digging up and destroying the entire plant.

Original post by: Monty Grearner

 

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