June Lawn & Garden Tips

June is upon us, and with it come many landscape and garden chores which need not be forgotten. Here are a few tips and suggestions which I hope will lead to success in the lawn and garden this summer.

Look for insect activity now on evergreen trees like magnolias and hollies. Scale, spider mites, lacebug, leaf minor, spittlebug, and leaf hopper are prevalent this month.

Evergreen shrubs like Burford Holly may be shaped by trimming new growth. Do not cut into last years growth.

Climbing roses don't really climb - they have long canes that require support. You'll need to loosely tie the canes to a trellis with broad strips of material. Do not use wire, it can damage the cane.

When it is necessary to transplant woody plants in hot weather, drape them with a wet sheet after they are planted. Dampen the sheet two or three times a day keeping the plant covered for several days. This will help the plants survive the untimely move.

Divide spring and early summer flowering perennials after the blooms fade. Instead of severing the clump in half, try jiggling the roots apart with two sharp, spading forks. This takes more time, but damages fewer roots than cutting the clump apart.

Continue a regular control program for insects and diseases on your fruit trees. A complete home orchard spray may well be the most practical method of control.

Strawberries picked early in the day keep best. Do not wash berries until ready to use. Store berries in covered containers in the refrigerator.

Side dress sweet corn with 34-0-0 when it reaches knee high. About a half pound per 10 ft. of row should boost the corn.

Tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, cucumber and okra can be fertilized with 5-10-15 about every six weeks throughout the growing season.

If weed plants are mature, plan to weed your garden early in the morning when moisture is present to prevent the seed heads from shattering and dropping weed seeds in the garden.