GARDENING TASKS REMINDER FOR JUNE

Use a liquid fertilizer for bedding plants about 7 to 10 days after planting. A balanced fertilizer (30-10-10, 20-20-20) can be used. Continue to fertilize roses monthly, using a balanced formula (10-20-10) or a special mixture for roses.

Do not fertilize cool season (Fescue) grasses during June, July and August. When renovating your Strawberry bed, fertilize well afterwards. Refer to OSU Fact Sheet 6238, Strawberry Production in Oklahoma

Fertilize Bearded Iris about one month after blooming. Use a high phosphorus blend. (It's the middle number of three: as in 10-20-10).

As June begins to heat up, and the rains cease, watering becomes important. Grasses, both warm season and cool, need weekly watering. Apply about 1 inch per week to warm season grass if it does not rain. It is best to make two 1/2 inch applications. It is always better to water longer and deeply than to water a little each day. Deep watering will encourage roots to grow deeply into the soil where they will be protected when hot dry winds come along in July and August. Cool season grasses will require 2 to 3 inches of water per week during hot months.

Remember to water well after applying fertilizer.

Most beds need mulch. Unmulched soil forms a crust and needs more water.

All mulching materials need to be completely dry, however, never apply mulch to dry soil. As days begin to heat up and dry out, mulch gardens with pine bark, straw or dried grass clippings to conserve moisture, block out weeds and keep plants cool. Other good mulches to consider are: Oak leaves, pecan hulls, and cotton seed hulls. Chipped tree trimming mulch is good for perennials. When using wood products for mulching, apply extra nitrogen during the season.

Mulch strawberries after renovation.

Mulch Dahlias and fertilize later this month.

The one exception is Bearded Iris. Do not apply mulch to iris beds.

Resist the temptation to remove leaves from spring flowering bulbs. Let leaves die back before removing. The foliage provides nutrition for next years bulb.

"Pinch back" mums for a fuller bush and more blossoms next fall. Continue "pinching" until July 15th.

Deadheading (removing spent blossoms) is a sure fire way to encourage a longer blossom season for both perennials and annuals. When annuals become "leggy" shear back by one-third. Fertilize with a balanced formula (30-10-10) and water in well.

"Pinch" out the tops of dahlia plants after three or four leaves have emerged. This slows growth so that roots can get established, producing more blossoms later.

Remove faded rose blossoms. Some roses will respond with additional blooms. Cut back to a leaflet facing the outside of the bush to encourage open growth and air circulation.

Cut back creeping phlox by one-third to renew growth and establish healthy plants for next spring.

Sow Pumpkin seeds in mid-June for Halloween harvest.

Now is the time to plant morning glories. Try soaking seeds overnite to promote germination. Other annual vines such as cypress vine, scarlet runner, hyacinth bean, and moon vine can be planted from seed this month.

Continue planting annuals to fill in the garden when spring bulbs are spent and perennials are fading. Plants that love hot weather are such favorites as: Zinnia, Periwinkle, Marigold and Portulaca.

Keep up weeding your beds. Weeds are usually very unattractive and in addition, rob the soil of needed nutrients and moisture. Some harbor pests such as aphid and spider mite.

To test for spider mites, hold a piece of white paper under the plant leaves and shake. If small spots crawl around, you have spider mites!. Usually a strong spray of water from the hose every few days will control these unwelcome pests. Be sure to spray under the leaves. If you feel that a chemical control is needed, call the Master Gardener office (746-3701) for advice. Master Gardeners are on phone duty from 9 am to 4 pm and are armed with the latest information on tested and approved chemicals for use in this area.

If you failed to use a pre-emergent last spring and weeds abound, try using post-emergent broad leaf weed killer. Master Gardeners will identify the weed and the proper chemical to control growth.

Some very persistent weeds such as Johnson grass, nut sedge and poison ivy may need a stronger chemical such as Roundup or Kleenup. Be aware that these are non-selective weed killers and will kill everything that is green and growing. Therefore, it is wise to spray on a calm day and adhere strictly to label directions.

Bagworms (those pesky little worms that build their own house from plant material on which they live) can be most effectively controlled the first week in June. Products labeled for use on bagworms and also for use on the plant for which you need control, will almost certainly control this pest if sprayed when the worm is very small and spray can penetrate newly formed "bags".

Keep up with the regular spray schedule on your fruit trees.

Spray roses with a fungicide on a weekly basis to protect from black spot and other fungal diseases.

Tips

After spring flowering bulb leaves have dried out, it is safe to remove the foliage. Mark the spot where bulbs are planted to prevent digging into them as other plants are put in your garden. It will also give you an idea of where the bulbs are when it is time to dig and divide bulbs in the fall.
Protect trees from lawn mower and string weeders by mulching out to the drip line, or using protective aerated covers.
Remove tree wraps during the summer to avoid potential disease and insect buildup. Paint thin bark species with a white latex paint to prevent sunscald.
While on vacation, arrange for someone to mow the lawn, pick up the paper and water your plants. A well kept home and lawn will infer that someone is at home. Don't forget to set timers on lights and perhaps a radio.
Stake tall perennials before toppling winds arise.
Humming birds are already here, but are busy nesting and feeding young. Fill a feeder with 1 part sugar to 4 parts water. Heat until sugar is melted. Never use honey as a sugar source. It is not necessary to add food coloring, especially if your feeder is red. The hummers will find it, and you will be rewarded with their persistent and aggressive feeding until mid October. Be sure and change the sugar water mixture every 5 to 7 days, so that unhealthy mildew will not form.

Master Gardeners are ready to answer your horticulture questions. Call 746-3701 at the Extension Center 9 to 4, Monday thru Friday. Master Gardeners also answer the phone at the Garden Center 9 to 12, Monday thru Friday; call 746 5130.

Shirley can be reached by Email: SHIRLEY.

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Date Modified:Wednesday, 27-Jun-2007 16:59:40 EDT

Thursday, 24-Jul-2008 09:46:02 GMT

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June

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