June is Rose Month, so let’s work hard, but don’t forget to stop and smell the roses! We are saying goodbye to the spring and hello to the start of summer! We will also be saying hello to gorgeous annual and perennial flowers and unfortunately the pests that come along with the warmer weather. Let’s get right to it with your June Landscape Management 101!
EARLY JUNE
- Prune all spring flowering shrubs as they finish blooming.
- Cut peony blooms when they are one-third open if you want to bring them in for cut flowers.
- Plant late potatoes and cabbage.
- Fertilize bulbs and most perennial flowers now. The bulbs will be forming for next year and the perennials will be actively producing flowers!
- Prune and transplant houseplants experiencing vigorous growth due to increased light and warmer temperatures. Fertilize monthly.
- Control heavy plant bug damage on honey locust and ash foliage with insecticides.
- Inspect your vegetable garden for pests, covering and spraying as necessary. If you have specific questions check with a Vande Hey Company horticulturist.
- Spray fruit trees.
- Cut back late spring blooming perennials such as yarrow and salvia to encourage a second flush of blooms in summer.
- Aphids can be treated with a strong jet of water or insecticidal soap. They are typically identified by curling foliage, sticky leaves, and black sooty mold.
MID JUNE
- Cut back delphinium after blooming.
- Allow only 1 dahlia shoot per clump
- Mulch woody plants to control weeds, retain moisture, and modify soil temperature extremes.
- Stake and mulch tomatoes; thin annual flowers and vegetables.
- Sow perennial seeds and label all perennials.
- Remove seed clusters from lilacs.
- Check spruce and arborvitaes for spider mites. Thoroughly wet plants with hose if present.
- If you have not mulched yet, 2-4” of fresh mulch will discourage weeds, hold moisture, and maintain even soil temperatures. Mulch rings around trees can also prevent mower damage.
LATE JUNE
- Pinch out tips of black raspberry shoots when 3 feet tall.
- Remove leaves of spring flowering bulbs after they turn yellow for best development and growth next year.
- Set house plants on shaded patio as night temperature warms.
- Fertilize roses after first full flush of blooms.
- Keep an eye out for Japanese beetle adults and get ready to treat grubs.
As always, let us know if you have questions! We can give suggestions, recommend product, and help you create the beautiful backyard you’re striving toward. Call 920.788.6344 today!