June marks the flood-tide of the gardening year. Not only are the days the longest of the year, but the riotous display of roses, poppies, peonies, iris, delphiniums and other perennials reaches a peak that knows no equal.
This is the time to prune shrubs that have finished flowering – forsythias, spireas, flowering quinces, vibumums, deutzias. flowering cherries and all others that bloom on wood of the previous season. Instead of shearing, cut old and weak branches to the ground to encourage new growth from the base. Study the natural shape of each plant, and maintain it when pruning.
Continue to water newly transplanted trees, shrubs and other plants, as these are the days when they are getting established. Mulching with peat. moss, grass, clippings, hay or buckwheat hulls will help to conserve moisture and even keep the weeds down.
Thick clumps of crocus, narcissus, tulips and other Spring bulbs should he lifted and divided after the leaves have turned yellow and brown. Very old manures and bone meal are good fertilizers, but avoid the use of fresh manures.
Dahlias may still be planted in light, porous soil. Mix a chemical fertilizer with the soil, and give plants plenty of sun and space for full development.
It is still time to sow seeds of annuals for color in the late Summer and Fall. Vegetables may also be started for late crops. In either case preparing the soil properly and feeding the young plants will bring wonders.
Asparagus should not be cut after the end of this month. The new stalks and foliage are needed for the development of strong roots and the storing of food. Asparagus are heavy feeders, and appreciate quantities of rotted manure.
Continue to spray fruits with the proper fungicides and pesticides to keep the many diseases and pests these plants are heir to in check. There are “all purpose” preparations that do all jobs at once.
If you are looking for a different, large, June-blooming shrub, consider Iiuddleia altertitfolia, fountain butterfly bush. Its widespreading arching branches are covered with fragrant lilac-lavender flower spikes. It will do well in poor soil and partial shade, though flowers are more profuse in full sun. Give plants 10-15 feet to spread.
With the arrival of warm and hot weather, adjust the blades of your lawn mower so that it cuts the grass about two or two and a half inches. It is needed to shade the roots from the hot sun.
House plants should be fed with liquid fertilizer every two weeks during the growing period. Keep an eye peeled for scale, mealy bugs and other pests. Pinching plants back will keep them bushy.
This subject and hundreds more can be found at plant-care.com:
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