“In early June the world of leaf and blade and flowers explodes, and every sunset is different.” — John Steinbeck

By now, all of the prep work, planning, cleaning, pulling, sharpening, trimming and planting is paying off in a rich, healthy glow of green! Below are a few suggestions to “pencil in” on the calendar and keep the garden in tip-top shape.

Early to mid-June

Water restrictions are still in effect. You choose which three days of the week. Water before 10 a.m. and after 6 p.m. to prevent evaporation.

Early June is all about planting. Nasturtium, marigold, zinnia, sunflowers, hyacinth bean vine, morning glory and cardinal flower vine seeds can be sown directly in the soil.

Check containers daily, watering when necessary; they dry out quicker than plants in the ground. Protect hanging containers from high winds.

Herbs such as basil, chives, cilantro and parsley can also be grown from seed. Most herbs need no fertilizer and little water. Cut herbs early in the morning and harvest just before flowering.

Mulch 2–3 inches to retain moisture and reduce weeds. Now is the time to stay on top of weeds before they spread. Do a morning inspection and pluck them out when they are young.

Transplants of tomatoes, cucumber, summer squash, and peppers can be planted in early June.

Directly sow seeds of corn, lima beans, cantaloupe, pumpkin, watermelon and zucchini.

Plant gladiola corms weekly to extend bloom periods into the late summer and early fall months.

If the lawn hasn’t been fertilized, this is the time to do it.

Mid to late June

Regular garden maintenance begins as June progresses. Deadhead perennials to encourage more blooms. Stake leggy plants like delphinium and foxglove.

Many fruit trees, especially apple trees, will shed small fruit around this time. It’s a natural thinning process called June drop. Additional hand thinning also can be done at this time if increasing the quality of the harvest is desired. Spacing fruit 8 to 10 inches apart on branches and removing the weaker and damaged fruits will greatly benefit the healthy fruit.

Control the spread of raspberry plants by cutting back sucker growth.

As lupine blooms fade, inspect the plants for aphids. An infestation of these tiny white insects can occur overnight and kill the plant. Spraying plants thoroughly with an insecticidal soap should help get rid of them.

Prune spring-flowering shrubs such as lilac, weigela and forsythia after they finish blooming.

Pinch back aster and mums for bushier plants and more flowers this fall.

Don’t forget to find a comfortable garden seat, have a large glass of something cold and refreshing in hand, sit down, take a deep breath and experience the beauty of June.

Submit gardening questions to [email protected] or call 719-520-7684. The in-person help desk is open 9 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays at 17 N. Spruce St. Find us on Facebook at Colorado Master Gardeners – El Paso County.