TIPS FOR BULBS IN JUNE:

In late May or early June, divide narcissus bulb clumps. If you decide to store bulbs rather than leaving them in the ground; remember to replant in late summer or early fall. 

Lift tulip bulbs once the greenery has died back, clean and dry them. Store them in a cool place until fall. If you choose to leave your bulbs in the ground, don't forget to add fertilizer. 

If you are in zone 8 or 9 you can plant your bearded Iris rhizomes now. 

Divide grape hyacinth bulbs to increase next years production. These bulbs increase rapidly. Rodents consider these bulbs a delicassy. If they are planted with Daffodils or Scilla bulbs the rodents will leave them alone. 

Order crocus bulbs now to ensure you receive them for planting time. 

Plant gladioli in late May or early June. These bulbs will flower in about 3 months. To deter thrips (a tiny white or brown insect that loves your gladioli as much as you do), soak your bulbs in in a mixture of two tablespoons of disinfectant to a gallon of water for 3 hours before planting them. 





TIPS FOR FLOWERS:

Pick the faded flowers off fuchsia as they start to wilt. This will force more blooms. Control aphids by washing with water hose. 

Feed roses with a complete fertilizer in June. Weed well. Remove faded blooms and sucker shoots as they come. Watch for aphids, mildew and blackspot. 

Dig up and divide over crowded clumps of Primroses after bloom. Keep them well watered after planting. 

Water container plants daily, as needed. Feed every two weeks. 





TIPS FOR VEGETABLES:

Harvest your lettuce, peas, carrots, radishes and onions now. Plant another quick maturing vegetable or plant more of these varieties for continuous growth. 

Continue to thin out your lettuce plants. They should be about a foot apart. 

Lift early potatoes now. To avoid damaging them use a fork. 

If you want best results, this is the last month to plant your warm - season vegetables. (eggplant, pepper, squash, tomato and beans.) 

Pinch the tips of your broad beans off to prevent aphids. 

Transplant brussels sprouts into the garden now. Plant approximately 3 feet apart. 





GENERAL YARD & GARDEN CARE:

Pick up all leaves and faded flowers and add them to the compost. These are a favorite hiding spot for slugs and snails. 

Turn and dampen your compost often. Flies will breed in the grass clippings if you do not turn it regularly. 




TIPS FOR FRUIT & BERRIES:

Make sure that the grass around your fruit trees is kept short. Grass deprives the trees of nitrogen. 

Pick strawberries as soon as they ripen for the fullest flavor. Protect them from birds by covering with netting. Fertilize well. Be on the lookout for aphids, spidermites and slugs. 

Don't be alarmed if immature apple trees lose some of their fruit. This is known as "June drop". Thin the fruit out even more when it is a little smaller than the size of a golfball. Leave one apple from each cluster. 

Remove suckers from blackberries and raspberries as they appear. Remove any canes that have been infected by "anthracnose". This fungus will dry out the plant. You can tell if your berries have this because there will be dark spots with gray centers on the fruit as well as on the cane. 






TIPS FOR LAWNS:

Deep water lawns, trees and shrubs to encourage deep rooting and avoid heat stress. 

Do not start new lawn from seed now. The young grass will not survive the summer heat. 

If you have a new lawn you can add another application of seed, six months later to increase the turf density. 

Watch out for yellow patches, leaf curl or poor growth. Increase watering if you notice any of these signs. 

Install new edging around borders and beds and check existing edging after storms. Don't install edging after long periods of rain because the ground will swell and once it dries the edging will move. 

Water lawns regularily. Set your lawnmower at a higher lever. Longer grass will shade the roots from heat. Don't forget to save your clippings for the compost pile. Never add your cuttings after a weed treatment. 



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