Make sure the sugar-water in your hummingbird hasn’t fermented in the hot sun. Keeping reading for other June duties in the garden. iStock image
The pollinators are happy! Wildflowers are flourishing, bees are buzzing (not at the hummingbird feeder), and butterflies are flittering and fluttering. We welcome June with a smile.
JUNE GARDEN DUTIES
1. Clean bird feeders. Molded seed will make our feathered friends sick. With an abundance of rain lately, you also might notice gnats hovering around and within your bird feeders. This is a sure-fire sign that it’s time to clean.
2. Spread diatomaceous earth in your gardens to reduce fleas, ticks, and chiggers. We’ve got enough pesky critters. Be bite-free while you prune and garden. Gentle reminder: Diatomaceous earth is kid- and pet-friendly. Also, if we get another gully washer, it’s best to reapply after the rain stops. (No need after drizzle or heavy morning dew.)
3. Build up your soil with a seaweed-based application such as Medina Plus. Seaweed-based fertilizers are a good source of nutrients, including nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus.
4. Late this month, set out fall tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants in preparation for autumn planting.
5. Baby bottle brushes are wonderful for cleaning hummingbird feeders. If you have a feeder that the hummers haven’t gone to recently, check to make sure the sugar-water (4:1 ratio) hasn’t fermented in the sun.
6. If you plan to have Halloween pumpkins, start preparing your plot in the garden. Plant Halloween pumpkins the week of July 4.
PYTHIUM BLIGHT
Mark in Cassie wrote: “When I was walking through my yard, checking to see if the soil (see, I remembered) was dry enough yet to mow. I noticed a splash of gray across a section of my yard. It looks like someone tossed a greasy water bucket. What is going on?”
Mark, we’ve seen that splash. And then, you realize it would have had to be a great toss. The greasy spot patch in your grass is most likely pythium blight. It is common after a long wet period. The cause: too much moisture without air circulation. The good news is it will heal as it dries. Wait until your soil dries before mowing. Mowing will assist in air circulation, and your lawn will heal.
WATER
[image id="33734" title="Melon, cucumber, mint water" linkto="file" ] Stay hydrated with refreshing fruit- and herb-infused water. Use what's in your garden. iStock image
We all know to drink our water and stay hydrated, especially in the upcoming hot months. Put a little pizzazz in your water with frozen fruit, frozen cucumbers, or mint from your garden. It is perfectly OK to combine herbs and fruits. Monday can be melon-mint day. Tuesday, enjoy frozen tangerines. Wednesday, add watermelon to your water, etc. Have fun, be refreshed, and stay hydrated.
Til next time. Keep your souls and soles in your garden!
Remember the True Master Gardener: Jesus said, “I am the vine; my Father is the Gardener.” John 15:1
"In the Garden" is written by daughter-father gardening due Martelle and Bill Luedecke. Questions or comments? Contact Martelle at 512-769-3179 or luedeckephotography@gmail.com. Contact Bill at 512-577-1463 or bill@texasland.net.
