June 2020 Gardening Tips

Dear Gardening Friends, 
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First, I want to thank all of you who ordered plants from my plant sale last month. It was very successful, but I missed seeing everyone at the sale. Hopefully, next year we will be back to normal.
 
It’s JUNE How did that happen?! I know this cold snap is temporary, but it still feels like March to me. One of the lessons learned from the extreme weather swings we’ve had over the last 3 months is that nature survives. We may have lost some things to the heavy freeze in May and had transplants wilt in the extreme heat last week, but overall plants survive.
 
I was fascinated at how fast the trees leafed out during that hot week. Some of my ferns grew seemingly overnight. Others are not even up yet, and I’m concerned. Yet, looking at gardens they seem lush and green. We are lucky we have our gardens to distract us during these difficult times.
 
The following are some tips for this time of year.
 

• There are quite a few things happening in the garden based on all the rain we’ve had. One of which is the plants are growing lush and large. Good air circulation is helpful in preventing fungal disease so you may need to cut back on some plants that are crowding each other.

 

• Another resulting factor of the moist soil is slugs. In my garden I have been experiencing an over abundance of the little buggers. There are many products on the market that are not toxic, yet effective at getting rid of slugs. I hand pick everyone I see but with gloves or a paper towel. The slug slime is extremely difficult to wash off your hands. I can attest to this firsthand! Once you make that mistake you won’t do it again.

 

• Watch out for any insect issues you have had in the past. As soon as you notice damage, take action. Identify what the insect is and research the best and most ecological way to deal with it. It’s much easier to control at the onset than once a lot of damage is done.

 

• With the cooler weather I am still dividing and moving some perennials. Once they get large or form flower buds it’s best not to disturb them. This will probably be my last week for moving plants.

 

• If you do move a plant, protect it from the intense sun for a few days to prevent the plant from wilting. It’s a major shock for a plant to be uprooted and in combination with the intensity of the sun this time of year, shade helps reduce the shock. Bushel baskets work well, empty plastic planting pots, boxes, even an umbrella works.

 

• The deer tick population is increasing as has the incidence of Lymes disease. People are finding them in their gardens. Wherever there are deer and black footed mice there is a chance of ticks. For complete information and suggestions check out the Department of Health in Erie County’s website: http://www2.erie.gov/health/index.php?q=ticks-lyme-disease. It has a video of how to remove a tick and info on how to prevent as well as identify.

 
 
 
Educational Opportunity:
 Master Gardener Online Garden Fence Chats 
Join our CCE Erie Master Gardener hotline volunteers as we host virtual hotline hours or ‘Garden Fence Chats’ Monday –Friday via Zoom from 10:00 am to noon.
REGISTER FOR GARDEN FENCE CHATS HERE    https://cornell.zoom.us/meeting/register/vpYvcu6trTspMthpDqjMUzrOiSoFqWp1eQ?fbclid=IwAR3qWjL-oua5i7Sjqm6y6lXaanBXl1inS_GOQu3wfjUjA0KaGwZSTrsvGdU
This will be an opportunity to chat with Master Gardener hotline volunteers real time and share your gardening questions either by phone or the computer. The link above will also list the topics for the week. They are also listed on Buffalo-niagaragardening.com.
We will open each day with a short presentation covering a timely topic or frequently asked question and then keep the line open for people to call-in or virtually stop-by with questions. Come hear from your garden friends what is happening in their gardens and what they are learning.
 

• We reuse pots so please drop off left over pots and trays at my home, 170 Pine St (driveway on Lawrence) or 37 N. Union in Wmsvl. (behind the house by back door). I do not use 6 packs or pots smaller than 4 inches. THANKS!

 
Don’t forget to contact me for a garden consult. I can help improve your garden and gardening practices as well as save you time and money! It’s not too late for improvements.
 
           
Happy Gardening!