Here’s what to do this month to get your garden growing for summer. It’s time to plant summer-blooming bulbs, annuals and perennials. And it’s also time to care for the lawn.
By Sally Anderson of MSN Real Estate
There are plenty of reasons to celebrate June, but let’s start with just one: It’s summertime!
The solstice isn’t until June 21, but not all plants know that.
Lots of gardeners have already begun their summer planting and maintenance.
Now that the weather is warmer, you can lower your water bills and impress your neighbors by watering at cooler times of day to prevent quick evaporation.
A good way to start is to plant extra bulbs now for a burst of brightness later in the summer, when some of your early favorites have begun to fade. Dahlia, gladiolus, canna, crocosmia, tuberous begonia and tigridia are all good choices for a touch of garden drama.
In many climates, early June isn’t too late to put annual seeds or seedlings in the ground. Plant sunflower, marigold, cosmos, sweet alyssum and zinnia. You can also plant seedlings of geranium, impatiens, petunia, coleus and Madagascar periwinkle; by now, the ground in most regions is ready for even the most tender vegetables and flowering annuals.
Annuals that have already bloomed should be deadheaded when the flowers fade.
"Color spots"
For splashes of color in early summer, select bright nursery annuals already in bloom. They’re a great solution for the time-challenged gardener, and it’s more pleasant doing "dirty work," such as dividing perennials and planting seeds, when you’re surrounded by chocolate cosmos and scarlet impatiens.
Plant color spots of annuals — usually sold in 4-inch, 6-inch or 1-gallon pots — to accent your garden with instant brightness. Be sure to water plants before removing them from pots, and water again after planting.