June Tips for the Garden
June Garden Tips
June is a busy month in the garden, with warm weather crops thriving and early summer maintenance essential. Here’s how to make the most of your garden this month.
Adding New Plants
Early June is a great time to plant heat-loving vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, squash and melons. You can also plant seedlings of cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, winter lettuce, spinach and silver beet. For a fall harvest, plant strawberries now. It’s also a good time to plant new fruit trees, including citrus, apples, pears, plums, peaches and nectarines.
For cool-season greens like lettuce and spinach, plant them in a shaded area to prevent heat stress and ensure better growth.
Watering
Use soaker hoses when possible to keep foliage dry and reduce the risk of leaf diseases. Water early in the morning so any moisture on leaves dries before the hot sun can cause burn. Newly planted crops need consistent watering—keep soil moist but not waterlogged.
Mulching
Mulch around tomatoes with straw or light-colored material to retain soil moisture and reduce weeds. Wait until soil temperatures are warm enough for heat-loving plants. Red plastic mulch can increase tomato yields by up to 20 percent.
Pruning and Staking
Prune trees that have finished fruiting by cutting back stems to healthy buds. Seal large cuts with pruning paint to prevent disease. Provide trellises or supports for vining vegetables like peas and pole beans and consider caging tomato plants to encourage upright growth.
Harvesting
Harvest peas when pods are full but still tender. Snap peas should be picked before seeds swell for the sweetest flavor. Peas generally finish producing by the end of June, so consider planting a fall crop. Stop harvesting rhubarb and asparagus early to allow plants to build foliage for next year’s harvest.
Weeds, Pests & Disease
Stay on top of weeds—pull them early, especially after rain when soil is soft. Monitor plants for pests and disease. Quick action is key: use horticultural oil or insecticidal soap as needed and always follow product instructions carefully.
Following these tips will help your garden stay productive and healthy through the summer months.