June Gardening Tips
The following tips are from the Escambia County Master Gardener's award-winning Gardening Tips Calendars.


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Shrubs and Trees
  • You may remove the suckers from crape myrtles to give the plant a cleaner look. Root the suckers if you want more plants. Learn propagation techniques here.
  • Enjoy the bloom of the Chaste tree or Vitex. It is very attractive to bees and wasp which are beneficial in the garden. Bees will pollinate plants and many wasps will kill harmful insects.
  • Only remove dead fronds from palms when pruning. Overlifting the canopy of palms can lead to increased nutrient deficiencies and bud damage if there are strong winds in the area.
Lawns
  • Be cautious about using herbicides in the lawn. Our days are getting too warm for many applications. You will have to hand pull some weeds and be sure to mow higher to prevent many from germinating.
  • Do you have dollarweed or Virginia buttonweed? Both love moisture so begin your management by watering only when needed. Turn you system to manual and water only when the grass wilts.
  • If a company takes care of your lawn and landscape, they must be licensed to spray any pesticide. They are not even allowed to spread pesticide that you purchase (this includes weed and feed products).
Flowers and Vegetables
  • Gardens are full of color right now. You may want to visit the Escambia county demosntration garden for ideas.
  • Some good annuals for our area include angelonia, gomphrena, and salvia.
  • Established vegetables may need a light application of fertilizer. Stay away from high nitrogen sources and use a balanced fertilizer. You may only need 2 ounces per 10 foot row.
  • Be sure to rountinely harvest vegetables so more will set.
Miscellaneous
  • Always check around the house and landscape for areas that hold water to help prevent mosquitoes.