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. Edible crops that need warm soil to germinate (and to keep from rotting), like beans, corn and squash (the Three Sisters!) and okra can be sown direct now.
Nasturtium, marigold, zinnia, sunflower, scarlet runner beans and morning glory seeds can be
sown directly in the soil – for August flowering. For earlier flowers, consider transplanting Cypress Vine, Spanish Flag Vine and Black-eyed Susan Vine (while supplies last).
Annual culinary and medicinal herbs like Basil, Parsley, Sweet Marjoram, Summer Savory can be sown directly in your garden or containers now. Cutting Celery, Lavender, Rosemary, Oregano, Thyme and many other culinary and medicinal herbs can be planted out now from starts.
Tomatoes, eggplants and peppers planted earlier with protection will soon begin producing flowers and fruits. At that point, switch from higher nitrogen fertilizers to organic formulas that are more balanced. Many will also need support – tomato cages, trellises, and any number of other support systems should be put in place soon.
Onions will benefit from additional side-dressing with fertilizer now, as after the Summer Solstice, they will begin the transfer of energy from foliage to storage bulb.
Now is your chance to increase the size of your garlic bulbs by scratching in some balanced organic fertilizer around the plants, and removing the edible flower scapes. Later this month, reduce watering and watch for leaves beginning to turn yellow, indicating that they are heading toward harvest time, usually from late June to mid July.
As potato vines grow, continue to ‘hill up’, adding soil or straw on top of the plants, leaving only a few inches above the soil or straw.
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 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.