June 2024 Tips

Dear Gardening Friends,  Thanks to all who came to our Plant Sale. It was so much fun to see everyone, and things sold quickly. Now I’m trying to catch up. How did it get to be almost June?! May was certainly a strange weather month. Lots of rain and soggy soil. As a result, I’m way behind on my garden chores and I’m sure I’m not the only one.   The following are a few priorities for me and probably you as well.   With all the rain plants are really large, and so are the weeds. I have some dandelions that look like they’re on steroids. Weeding is a priority. When digging a weed, make sure to get all the roots. Don’t just pull from the top unless it’s the type of weed that pulls easily, roots and all.  I just spent much of today pulling forget-me-nots as they were all over this year and were about to drop seed. If you can’t get to weed, at least remove the seed head. This also goes for perennials that have a tendency to seed all over. Another chore I just completed was cutting back the seed heads on a few spring blooming perennials that seed readily.   The soil has been wet more than dry and it has been difficult to plant, move & divide. It’s best for the plant to wait until the soil is more crumbly so the soil covers the roots well. If the soil is wet and clumpy this will not happen.   Now that it’s much warmer it’s best to protect newly planted perennials or annuals from the hot sun. It’s helpful to cover them with a box, bushel basket or large pot to protect them from the heat and hot sun for a few days. It really cuts down on plant shock.   Anything newly planted or moved should be watered almost daily depending on your conditions. Containers and hanging baskets need frequent watering as well if we don’t get rain.   When you plant a new annual, it’s best to cut off any blooms. This gives the plant energy to set in roots as opposed to trying to keep flowers going. Make a bouquet out of the flowers so you can enjoy them. The annuals will send up more blooms.   Early to mid-June is the ideal time to cut back perennials that get very tall to about 1/3 to  ½ to reduce the final height and promote branching and increase bloom. Common plants for this are phlox, asters, mums and sedum. Make sure to cut back to a leaf join and not leave stubs.   With all the rain, slugs and snails are everywhere. There are many products on the market that are not toxic, yet effective at getting rid of slugs and snails. 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. You can also sprinkle a little salt on them, and they will die. The best times to scout for slugs is early morning or evening. Plants with random holes are a good clue there are slugs around. Beer traps also work. It’s a real battle this year. For more info on slug control go to: https://cals.cornell.edu/new-york-state-integrated-pest-management/outreach-education/fact-sheets/slug-and-snail-control   Keep your eye out for insects and diseases. It’s always best to first identify what it is and then what to do about it. I’ve already seen Powdery Mildew on my nine bark.     Please recycle your pots and trays here. I’m almost out after the plant sale. Just put them in front of the garage. I don’t use 3, 6 or 8 packs. Just drop them in front of the garage whenever it’s convenient. Our garage is off Lawrence as we are on the corner of Pine and Lawrence in E Aurora.  Yellow house, 170 Pine Street. THANKS!!   Now is the time you may be having problems or questions about your garden. Contact me for a Garden Consult. I can answer your questions and help improve your garden and gardening practices which will save you time and money.   Upcoming Garden Events:   Lewiston Garden Fest, Center Stret, June 15 & 16 10-5.          Lots of great vendors, Open Gardens, speakers and more. http://www.lewistongardenfest.com/   Buffalo Garden Art Festival at the Botanical Gardens, June 29, 10-3 & 30, 10-2. This fun event kicks off the various garden activities and tours that are happening this summer. Plus, it’s a great place to find just the right artful addition to your garden. https://www.gardensbuffaloniagara.com/buffalo-style-garden-art-sale Happy gardening! Lyn Chimera Lessons from Nature 170 Pine St. E. Aurora, NY 14052 [email protected] 716- 652-2432   Copyright © 2023 Lessons From Nature, All rights reserved. You're receiving this message because you requested to receive Lessons from Nature newsletters. unsubscribe from this list    update subscription preferences