Let’s talk PERENNIALS! June is National Perennial
Gardening Month. Perennials are plants
that grow and flower every year, and only need to be planted once! Most perennials are considered low maintenance
and just need some general care to keep them happy and healthy. Pollinating plants fall under this category
too, so join the efforts to help pollinators in your little corner of the
world.
It is important to choose plants that are appropriate
to your garden site. Full sun plants can be in areas with six or more hours of
sunlight every day, four to six hours is partly sunny, and four hours or less
is a shade garden. Good drainage is
essential for successful plants
When planting, loosen the root ball and tease the
roots so they will grow outward. The plant should be set at the same depth as
they were growing in the container. After filling the hole back in with
soil/compost mixture, water thoroughly.
Perennials should receive 1-2” of water each week to
develop a deep root system. A soaker hose works well for this purpose and saves
water usage. Fertilize in Early Spring when new growth begins. During the
growing season, fertilize once a month until the end of July. Mulch should be
applied after planting to help hold in moisture and reduce weeds. Additional mulch applied in winter is also
recommended, especially for new plantings.
The art of deadheading is removing the faded, spent
flowers on a plant. It will help lengthen the bloom season of many plants as
well as improves the appearance of the plant. Some perennials with attractive
seedpods such as Rudbeckia, Sedum, and Ornamental Grasses can be left alone.
Once the initial display of flowering has ended, cut back the entire plant by
two-thirds. This will help promote additional blooms.
Now in closing, let’s discuss several other tips for
the month of June. Soaker hoses and drip irrigation systems make the most
efficient use of water during dry times. Continue spraying roses with fungicide
to prevent black spot. Mow lawns frequently enough so you don’t have to remove
more than 1/3 of the total height of grass per mowing. There is no need to
remove grass clippings from the lawn unless they are excessive. Prune flowering
shrubs after they have bloomed. Hand prune or shear evergreens now. Watch for
bagworms AND JAPANESE BEETLES. Milky Spore, Grub killer, and Japanese Beetle
traps are available to eradicate Japanese Beetles. For bagworms, use
insecticide with the pest listed on the label or hand pick them if the numbers
are light.
Plant pumpkin seeds now to have Jack-o-lanterns for
Halloween. Stop harvesting asparagus when the spears become thin. Repeat
plantings of corn and beans to extend the harvest season. As soon as cucumber
and squash vines start to “run,” begin spray treatments of Permethrin to
control cucumber beetles and squash vine borers.
Enjoy your harvest………………………….see you in the garden.
Sandi Hillermann
McDonald
