JuneRoses may be the star of the garden in May, but they take a lower billing to daylilies in June. These easy-to-grow perennials are a staple of southern gardens. Their spectacular colors and superior flower forms are irresistible and they are also easy to hybridize. Daylilies are not the only color in the June garden. Hot colors abound, with gladioli, red hot poker, yarrow and numerous annuals also competing for attention. These beautiful flowers are compensation for June, which is usually the beginning of unpleasant temperatures, sticky humidity and biting insects for months to come. Oh, and did I mention drought? Keep the water hose ready and try to schedule your gardening work for early mornings or evening hours.
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Water - Watering is a fact of life for successful gardening in the South. Be aware of rainfall amounts and if there has not been at least one inch of rain in one week, turn on the sprinklers!
Pest Control - I don't like to advocate the use of chemicals and I myself only use them in dire situations. However, we live in a region where conditions are ideal for promoting fungal diseases and devious insects are just waiting to pounce. In mild cases, I have had success with insecticidal soap (which is safe for the environment). Blackspot is a common occurrence on roses, although many of the older varieties are not plagued by it. Roses that are prone to blackspot will need to be sprayed every two weeks with a fungicide.
Pinching - Continue to pinch chrysanthemums until the end of this month.
Prune - Remove spent blossoms on perennials and annuals to promote more blooms. Cut spent blooms on hybrid tea roses by cutting the cane right above the first set of five leaves.
Pest Control - I don't like to advocate the use of chemicals and I myself only use them in dire situations. However, we live in a region where conditions are ideal for promoting fungal diseases and devious insects are just waiting to pounce. In mild cases, I have had success with insecticidal soap (which is safe for the environment). Blackspot is a common occurrence on roses, although many of the older varieties are not plagued by it. Roses that are prone to blackspot will need to be sprayed every two weeks with a fungicide.
Pinching - Continue to pinch chrysanthemums until the end of this month.
Prune - Remove spent blossoms on perennials and annuals to promote more blooms. Cut spent blooms on hybrid tea roses by cutting the cane right above the first set of five leaves.