The beginning of summer rolls around, I begin getting excited about the amazing things that I can grow in my summer vegetable garden. But too often, I get overwhelmed with the thoughts that I just won’t be able to keep up. But if I just have a few things to do each week, summer gardening becomes a joy instead of a chore.
As the summer heat begins to set in and the spring flowering bulbs have stopped blooming, what can you do to make it easy in the garden in just 10 minutes a day? In this article of 5 quick tasks to do in June to grow vegetables at home, I will be sharing things that you are able to do during your week in just 10 minutes to keep young plants in your garden growing and healthy.
What to Garden in June
Start planting vegetables and fruits that like to flower and live in the summer garden are warm and hot seasoned crops after the cool of spring.
Warm season crops like the temperatures to be 65-85 degrees. These include tomato plants, eggplants, heat loving herbs, and peppers.
Hot season crops like the temperature to be 85 degrees and hotter. These hot weather can include corn, some summer squash, squashes, winter squash, pole beans, bush beans, long beans, okra, cucumbers, and melons.
When you try to plant a crop in the wrong temperature for a small plot of garden space than you are asking for that crop not to be successful. For instance, planting lettuce in the summer months is not going give you salad. The lettuce plant likes to live in a climate that is 35-75 degrees and when it is hotter than that, it will get bitter and bolt into flowers.
Maybe you have a part of your yard that is mostly shaded in the summer and growing greens or lettuce will work and not trigger the lettuce to think it needs to bolt instead of produce for you. Check out this article on permaculture gardening too.
June Garden Watering Tips
1. Pay Attention to the Weather
During the month of June, weather patterns can fluctuate between warm and dry spells, and heavy rain showers as spring is leaving. Keep an eye on the forecast so you can adjust your watering schedule accordingly.
2. Water Deeply and Infrequently
It’s important to water your plants deeply and infrequently rather than frequently and shallowly. This encourages deeper root growth, which can help your plants better withstand periods of drought.
3. Avoid Over-Watering
Over-watering in moist soil can be just as harmful to your plants as under-watering during the growing season. Make sure you’re not drowning your plants by checking the moisture level of the soil before watering.
4. Check the Soil Moisture Level
To check the ground and soil moisture level, stick your finger about an inch into the soil. If it feels dry at that depth, it’s time to water. If it still feels moist, hold off on watering for a day or two. Use mulch, such as organic compost especially on hot days to keep soil temperature cooler.
5. Water in the Early Morning or Late Evening
The best time to water your garden is in the early morning or late evening when the temperatures are cooler. This helps to avoid water evaporation during the hottest part of the day.
6. Use a Soaker Hose or Drip Irrigation System
Using a soaker hose or drip irrigation system can help ensure that water is delivered directly to the roots of your plants, minimizing water waste and maximizing efficiency.
Adding Nutrients
One of the keys to success is adding nutrients like liquid organic fertilizer and organic compost to your soil to help add new foliage and new growth to your plants. These natural sources of nutrients can help to boost plant growth, increase yields, and improve overall soil health. Also using a permaculture style of gardening is helpful in adding nutrients back into the soil naturally. Read more about permaculture gardening HERE.
Benefits of Liquid Organic Fertilizer
Liquid organic fertilizer is made from natural ingredients like fish emulsion, seaweed seed, and bone meal. These nutrients are easily absorbed by plants and can help to promote healthy growth, increase yields, and improve resistance to insect pests, weeds and diseases.
Fish emulsion: rich in nitrogen, fish emulsion is great for promoting leafy growth and can help to improve structure.
Seaweed extract: high in micronutrients like iron and magnesium, seaweed extract can improve plant vigor and enhance root growth.
Bone meal: a source of phosphorus and calcium, bone meal can help to promote root development and improve overall plant health.
Benefits of Organic Compost
Organic compost is made from decaying plant matter and other organic materials. It’s a rich source of nutrients that can help to improve soil structure, retain water, and promote healthy microbial activity. You can learn more about making your own compost HERE.
Improves soil health: adding organic compost to your ground can help to improve its texture, fertility, and overall health.
Promotes water retention: organic compost can help to retain moisture in the ground, reducing the need for frequent watering.
Encourages beneficial microbes: compost contains beneficial microorganisms that can help to break down organic matter and release nutrients.
Tips for Using Organic Fertilizer and Compost
Apply fertilizers and compost according to the recommended rate on the packaging. Over-application can lead to nutrient burn and other issues.
Mix fertilizers and compost into the ground thoroughly before planting.
Water your garden deeply after applying fertilizers and compost.
Consider using a compost tea brewer to create a liquid fertilizer from your compost.
Add Color with Summer Annuals
Adding some more fall foliage and color with summer annuals can bring joy and a host of other benefits to anyone’s vegetable gardens.
Annuals come in a variety of bright and beautiful colors, making them the perfect addition to any garden. Whether you prefer warm yellows and oranges or cool blues and purples of roses, there’s an annual out there that will suit your style.
Did you know that seeds of certain annuals can help repel pests and protect your vegetables? Marigolds, for example, are known to repel nematodes, while nasturtiums can deter aphids and whiteflies. By planting seeds of these annuals alongside your veggies, you can create a natural defense system that will keep your plants healthy and thriving.
In addition to their aesthetic and protective benefits for flower show, annuals can also promote soil health by attracting pollinators and beneficial insects. This can lead to less weeds, better yields and a healthier overall ecosystem in your garden.
Go to the garden center near you and pick out flowers like nasturtiums roses, marigolds, and cosmos more flowers that like being in the sun and take 10 minutes to plant throughout your veggies garden.
How to Keep the Vegetable Garden Growing
When you have warm season crops like tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants in your garden you might need to give them a little added protection in the gardeners the form of a shade cloth.
Using a shade cloth is an excellent solution. By reducing the amount of direct sunlight that hits your plants, a shade cloth helps to regulate their temperature and protect them from sunburn and other damage. This means your plants can stay hydrated and produce a bountiful harvest even in the midst of scorching heat.
Check out this shade cloth from Amazon.
5 Quick Tasks to do in 10 minutes in June Gardening
Water: With the summer heat picking up, it’s important to make sure your plants are getting enough water. Take a quick walk through your garden with a watering can or hose, giving attention to plants that need extra hydration, such as newly transplanted ones, plants in containers, and those in full sun. Keep in mind that overwatering can also be harmful, so allow the ground to dry out slightly before watering again.
Add Nutrients: Just like us, plants need proper nutrition to thrive. Consider adding a quick dose of organic fertilizer like compost or seaweed extract to help enrich the ground and encourage growth.
Watch Out for Bad Insects or Pests: Pests and diseases can quickly invade your garden and destroy your plants. Check for signs of infestation, such as chewed leaves or discolored spots, and take immediate action to protect your plants. One easy solution is to handpick pests like caterpillars and snails or use organic insecticides like neem oil.
Add Shade Cloth if Needed: If you notice some of your plants starting to wilt or sunburn in the intense summer sun, consider installing shade cloth over them. This can help protect them from the harsh midday sun while still allowing enough light for growth. Shade cloth can be easily hung over garden beds, patio plants, and greenhouse roofs.
Add Color: Brighten up your garden with pops of color this June by planting colorful annuals like marigolds, zinnias, or petunias and bring hope. These plants are easy to grow and add instant cheer to any garden space even in hanging baskets. You can also add color with garden decor, such as brightly colored pots, garden art, and decorative stones.
Sign up for the free download of 5 Tasks to do in 10 minutes in June to make sure that you have what you need.
Or take a 4-week online course with your kids to grow a garden in summer HERE.
FAQ’s
What to do with spring flowering shrubs?
After your spring flowering shrubs have finished blooming, it’s important to prune them back to help promote healthy growth and future blooms. Remove any dead or damaged branches and cut back any overgrown areas to maintain a balanced shape.
Can I add summer flowering bulbs to my summer garden?
These bulbs can be planted directly in moist ground in your garden beds, or used as a stunning addition to your container gardens. Plus, if you’re a fan of fresh cut flowers, summer bulbs are an essential addition to your garden for enjoying beautiful blooms in your home. Go to your local nursery to see what varieties they have for June gardening.
What herbs can I add to my summer garden?
Basil: This fragrant herb is an essential ingredient in many recipes and can be used fresh or dried. It grows well in warm temperatures and needs plenty of sunlight. In late summer, basil will be in full swing of producing but are not perennials so they will not last through late fall.
Thyme: Thyme is a versatile herb that adds a savory flavor to dishes. It prefers well-drained soil and moderate sunlight.
Rosemary: Rosemary has a pine-like flavor and pairs well with meat dishes. It requires plenty of sunlight and well-drained soil.
Parsley: Parsley is a mild herb that is often used as a garnish. It grows well in both shade and sun.
Mint: Mint is a refreshing herb that can be used in drinks, desserts, and savory dishes. It needs plenty of water and likes partial shade.
- To learn how to grow these from seed, check out this article.
Things to look out for in June Garden:
Japanese beetles, fungal diseases, not enough water, not knowing how to fertilize, and too many weeds. Keep a record of things that are not supposed to be happening in your garden in June and find ways to help your garden to grow in strength and production.