I'm happy to say I got a lot of planting done this past month, but now I had better start focussing on weeding before it is too late! Those dandelions are just out of control this time of year, aren't they?
On the up side, June is the month when Calgary gardens really start to fill out and are at their freshest and greenest. The Saskatoons are blooming now, double-flowering plums and crabapples are just starting, and the lilacs will be blooming soon. Gorgessity in the garden, finally!
Here's my to do list for June:
VEGETABLE GARDEN:
- I've seeded everything that I plan to until the spring produce (spinach, lettuce etc.) has been harvested, so there's not much to do here except weed, and water regularly when necessary. If you're still planting, check out my Vegetable Gardening in Calgary 101 post.
TREES & SHRUBS:
- I prune my roses in early June because they are only just leafing out now and it is easy to see the dead material that needs to be removed. I posted some tips on rose pruning in this post.
- Lilacs should be pruned immediately after they have finished flowering.
ORNAMENTAL GARDEN:
- Deadhead (cut off finished flowers of) spring bulbs if they look messy but leave the foliage intact to provide energy to the bulb for next year.
- Weed, weed, weed. Seriously, this is the month to focus on weeds thanks to all the moisture we get this time of year. At a minimum if you don't have time, pull the flowers off weeds before they set seed so at least you have minimized future problems. If you do this in June you will really thank yourself later, I promise.
- Re-edge the borders between lawn and garden if not done done already. I think this looks so much better than plastic edging! But I haven't done this yet, even though I believe it was on my April and May to-do lists!
- Top up organic mulch. I've been using spruce needles (I have an endless supply!) and dried leaves around my shrubs, and compost in the perennial garden. Not sure how much I'll get around to adding this month, but this could be an ongoing or a yearly job. June is a great time for mulching because the soil has warmed up but the plants are still small enough that it is easy to get in around them to put down the compost or whatever mulch you choose. Make sure the mulch isn't touching the stems of your plants.
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