Meadow View Greenhouse & Garden Center

June in the Garden

What a gorgeous spring we have had! The plants that made it through the long, cold, wet winter seem to be celebrating their survival. My only complaint is that it all seemed to be in fast forward. Once spring began, it sprinted for the finish line in record time. I suppose my perception was also colored by what was going on in my life. As some of you know, I have twin girls who just graduated high school. My last few weeks have been an endless succession of work, getting them ready for prom, and getting them ready for graduation. But now it is over. They graduated with honors and all family members have gone home, so it is time to get back to normal and write this article!

As we transition from spring into summer there are lots of things that can be done:

*Number one: don’t forget to water. Our plants got lazy last year and did not work very hard on establishing roots because it was so wet. Many plants will need to be watered all summer long. Remember, slow and deep is better than shallow every day. For those of you with sprinklers, I would encourage you to set empty tuna cans around your new plants, especially trees and shrubs, and check how much water is actually getting to the base of the plant. If the can fills by the end of the week, it means your plants are getting the recommended 1″ of water. Often there are areas that your system will not hit because of blockage from the canopies of other shrubs. A better option for larger plants is drip systems, or the good old fashioned water hose. Remember, most hoses deliver at 5-6 gallons per minute, so don’t be in a hurry.

*Mulching will help to protect against water loss. If you haven’t mulched yet, consider putting a layer of newspaper 3 sheets deep under the mulch. It will act as a weed barrier, and will decompose and add nutrients to the soil. It’s a great way to recycle. If you have mulched already, don’t forget to “fluff” the beds periodically to keep them from compacting.

*You can still plant! Annuals and perennials can be planted at any time. Vegetables are also great plants to stagger, so that you continue to get that wonderful fresh produce. If you don’t have a garden spot, don’t be afraid to grow veggies in a container.

*Watch for weeds! Pull them, spray them, and Preen, Preen, Preen! If you pull in the morning, the weeds won’t be as prone to scattering seed heads. One word about Preen; I had a customer tell me she tried it and it didn’t work. Remember, some of the weed seeds will have already germinated when you apply the product and they will not be affected. You may have to do 2-3 weeding sessions to get it under control.

*Cut back fall perennials that tend to be lanky such as asters, goldenrod, and Joe Pye weed. If you take them back by about 1/2, they will still bloom, but will be shorter and stockier. While you are cutting, don’t forget to deadhead your annuals to keep them blooming. If some of your annuals are starting to look scraggly, you can cut them back too.

*Many plants will appreciate another dose of fertilize. This is especially important for heavy feeders like Wave Petunias. Check your labels for directions and use the appropriate type for what you need.

*I was hoping we would have fewer bugs because of our cold winter. That hope has died. There may even be more than usual. Keep your eyes open and treat before your plants are infested. Start with the least toxic methods first please, and spray late in the day when bees aren’t working. This is particularly important if you are using oil based products, which will burn your leaves if the sun hits them after they are sprayed.

*Most of all, don’t forget to take the time to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Harvest vegetables, pick bouquets, share plants, and smell the roses. Appreciate the beauty we are surrounded with, and do your part to take care of it.

*If you have questions, don’t hesitate to call or stop by. We are here to help!