June is a vibrant month for gardening, offering ideal conditions for summer crops and beautiful blooms. Not sure what to plant or when to plant? Here’s a comprehensive guide to what you can plant, tips for “summerizing“ your garden, and ways to manage common pests and diseases. We’ll also share specific insights on tomatoes, herbs, and garden design ideas like raised beds and container gardening.
1. What can I plant in June?
Vegetables:
– Tomatoes: These thriving summer stars love warm weather.
– Cucumbers: Perfect for salads, you can train them on trellises for space efficiency or stake them.
– Peppers (Bell and Hot): Peppers need a warm start and will flourish in June for a late summer harvest.
– Beans: Plant bush or pole beans for a prolific summer yield.
– Squash (Zucchini and Summer Squash): Fast-growing and easy to manage, these should be planted directly into warm soil.
Herbs:
– Basil: A classic in summer, basil thrives in warm temperatures—perfect for pesto!
– Cilantro: Plant more cilantro if you want a second crop; it can bolt in heat.
– Parsley: It’s hardy and can continue to grow throughout the summer.
– Chives and Oregano: These perennials are great for continuous harvesting.
Flowers:
– Sunflowers: Brighten your garden with cheerful sunflowers that attract pollinators.
– Zinnias: Easy to grow, these flowers add vibrant colors and attract beneficial insects.
– Cosmos: These heat-loving annuals bloom beautifully in late summer and fall.
2. Tips for “Summerizing” Your Garden
– Mulching: Add a layer of mulch around your plants to conserve moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds. At the Marshall County Co-op, we have an abundant supply of different mulches. Just ask one of our gardening experts for the one that is right for you.
– Watering: Ensure consistent watering, especially for newly planted seeds and transplants. Water in the early morning or evening to minimize evaporation.
– Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer to give your plants the nutrients they need during their active growth in summer. Also available at the Marshall County Co-op.
– Pruning and Deadheading: Regularly prune your plants and remove spent flowers to encourage new growth and extended blooming.
3. Managing Common Pests and Diseases
– Monitor Regularly: Keep a keen eye on your garden for early signs of pests, such as aphids, slugs, and spider mites, as well as diseases like powdery mildew.
– Companion Planting: Use companion plants to deter pests naturally. For example, plant marigolds among your vegetables to repel nematodes and aphids.
– Natural Pesticides: Consider organic options like neem oil or insecticidal soap to manage infestations without harming beneficial insects. Check out all we have at the Marshall County Co-op.
– Healthy Practices: Ensure good air circulation, avoid overwatering, and remove any diseased plants immediately to prevent spreading.
4. Garden Design Ideas
– Raised Beds: These improve drainage, reduce soil compaction, and make access easier. Ideal for vegetables and herbs. Check out some of the raised beds that the Marshall County Co-op has to offer.
– Design Tip: Use untreated wood, concrete blocks, or metal to create your raised beds, and fill them with a mix of soil and compost.
– Container Gardening: Perfect for those with limited space. Containers can host an array of plants from flowers to herbs to vegetables.
– Design Tip: Ensure your containers have drainage holes, and choose the right size based on the plants’ root systems. Place taller plants behind shorter ones to create depth in your garden design.
– Vertical Gardening: Utilize trellises, shelves, or hanging pots to maximize space and add visual interest.
We hope some of this helps you for your summer garden planning and helps you set up for a bountiful and beautiful garden. And remember, if you have any garden questions or supplies, please reach out to the experts at the Marshall County Co-op. We are here for you!
Enjoy the joys of summer gardening! 🌱🌻🍅