Do not fertilize cool season (Fescue) grasses during June, July and August. 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).
Remember to water well after applying fertilizer.
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.
"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.
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.
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.
| URI:/calendars/caltips_jun.shtml | Date Modified:Monday, 26-Oct-2009 17:44:42 EDT | Friday, 03-Sep-2010 14:30:41 GMT |