What to do in June in the garden.
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June is a good month to plant tropicals and subtropicals while it is warming up but the days can still be cool due to the overcast weather. Many tropicals like regular water so if you have a damp spot on your property they will be happy. But there are a lot of tropical shrubs and perennials that are drought tolerant such as Natal plum, bougainvillea and blue hibiscus. Just remember that even drought tolerant plants need regular water until they become established, usually for the first year.
Summer perennials are at their peak this month so if you are looking for some blooms to add interest to your garden, now is a good time to visit the nursery. There is still time to get them in the ground before the weather gets hot as long as they are watered regularly.
Established perennials that are blooming all summer will need to be fertilized this month and every month until they are done flowering. Cut back and fertilize spring blooming perennials such as lavender and euphorbia and you may get another cycle of bloom during the summer.
Keep an eye out for insect damage and use gentle methods such as hand picking and sprays of water to get control before the pests become too established. Remove damaged foliage or blooms regularly. Extensive insect damage can be an indicator that the plant may be located in the wrong spot and is under stress from not enough sun or water or too much sun or water!
Pinch back fall blooming plants about one third throughout the summer to keep the plants bushy and to encourage more blooms.