Steps you take now will set you up for a gorgeous summer garden! Planting, weeding, mulching, watering and amending soil are your key June garden tasks.
The soil is warm enough now for final annual seed sowing and transplanting.
Nasturtium, marigold, zinnia, sunflowers, scarlet runner beans and morning glory seeds can be sown directly in the soil – for August flowering. If you’d like to see flowers sooner, consider transplanting these annuals – we have special varieties like Cypress Vine and Spanish Flag Vine in stock (while supplies last). And you can transplant warm-season veggies like tomatoes, eggplants, peppers, cucumbers, squash (summer and winter) and melons now that the soil temperatures have risen. This is also the time to direct-sow beans, okra and corn.
Tools for Weeding and Transplanting
The Front Range has a regular succession of seasonal weeds – you may have seen early-season dandelions and mustards last month. In June weeds germinate and grow quickly. They include plants that were historically considered food crops — red-root pig amaranth, cress, various docks, purslane and lambs quarter, as well as vigorous bindweed, thistle and mallow. The best strategy is to stay on top of the situation with a weekly weeding. Dig out bindweed, thistle and mallow by the roots, and use a short or long-handled cultivator/hoe to scrape the surface free of the weeds while they are still very small. (We love the Garden Bandit weeder for this!) This will keep them from competing with your garden plants, and will ensure they don’t go to flower and create more seed. By July you’ll be nearly home free!
As the summer heats up, it’s vitally important to be sure your recent transplants, direct-seeded areas, and containers have enough water. Check twice a day until plants are fully established, then water when necessary. Keep in mind that containers and raised beds dry out quicker than plants in the ground. Even plants that have low-water requirements when established need watering as transplants, so check soil moisture regularly.
Mushroom Compost
Top-dress with compost and mulch with compost 2–3 inches of straw, dry grass clippings or shredded leaves if you haven’t yet – this will help retain moisture and reduce weeds. Fertilize ornamental plants and vegetables per their individual requirements (ask us at the store if you’re not sure what to use), and consider feeding the soil life as well with our Compost Tea.