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June Activities
TREES AND SHRUBS:
~Trees,
especially those within the lawn, will need supplemental watering during dry
times. Consider a soaker hose set in the drip line of large trees. Water
slowly for several hours to get hydration deep within the root system.
~Watch for yellowing on azaleas that could signal nutritional problems.
Check with the local county extension office for a soil sample kit to test
pH and iron levels.
~Old canes and dead wood may be pruned from spring blooming climbing
roses. Wait until February to heavily prune repeat bloomers.
PERENNIALS:
~Use
a lower nitrogen or balanced fertilizer on color beds of perennials.
~Keep beds well mulched to shade roots and retain moisture.
ANNUALS/VEGETABLES:
~Pests
become, well, PESTS this time of year in the vegetable garden. Hand pick
bugs if possible. Insecticidal soap may be used on many vegetables and
fruits, but only according to label directions.
~Black-eye and other southern peas as well as okra may still be seeded.
Pick okra frequently and while the pods are young to keep a check on insect
infestation.
~Don’t be afraid to prune back seasonal color (such as petunias, vinca,
geraniums) to get a new flush of blooms. They will often get leggy
(especially petunias, if you can even get them to keep going this long) and
will need an extra bit of nutrition as well.
GENERAL:
~Weed
problems in turf grass crop up more frequently when grass is cut too short.
St. Augustine should be kept above 2”, but Zoysia and Bermuda will thrive at
1 ½”. By raising your mower, you will also prevent sunburn to the lawn and
lessen heat stress.
~Water lawns less frequently but for longer periods of time to encourage
a deep, healthy root system. One inch of water every 5-6 days is
sufficient.
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