RSSWhat to do in the June garden
WSU/YAKIMA COUNTY MASTER GARDENERSYakima Herald-Republic
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Can you get up too early on a gorgeous June morning?
More and more as the weather warms those first couple hours of the day become precious, cool, outdoor time. Use them to gather early produce or flowers or just to putter around and see what needs to be done in your garden and yard. It is said that the best fertilizer you can give your garden is your footprints on the garden path.
In case you need a little help thinking of things to do, here are a few suggestions:
* Cultivation and mulching should be placed high on your gardening priority list. To prepare new beds, work soil deeply with a digging fork but without turning it over. This helps maintain the microbe activity level in your soil. Add an inch or 2 of compost and top off with mulch after planting. Keeping a good mulch layer in your garden helps retain moisture, slows weed growth and helps to keep the soil from compacting. As the mulch breaks down, it can be cultivated in as compost.
* Cut some fresh flowers to savor inside or take to a friend.
* Inspect plants for signs of insect infestations such as mites or aphids. If you have questions about specific insects, call the Master Gardening clinic at 509-574-1600.
* Leave the foliage on spring-blooming bulbs until it dies and dries up on its own. The foliage is the factory that manufactures energy to keep the bulbs healthy for next spring.
Before you remove the dead leaves this summer, mark the area with small stakes so you will not disturb the bulbs as you garden.
Do not fertilize bulbs during or after flowering because it can make the bulbs soft and prone to disease. The bulbs will lay dormant during the summer. Tthen as fall begins, fertilize them with a slow-release balanced fertilizer. This will nourish them as they establish new roots and gather strength for next year's flowers.
* Thin vegetable seedlings so they don't crowd adjacent plants. Thin and pinch back annuals for bushier growth. Thinning and prudent pinching are vital in encouraging and ensuring the robust development of plants.
* Fertilize bedding and other plants with a little high nitrogen fertilizer for strong growth before they flower or fruit. Yakima soils in general need nitrogen, but usually have sufficient amounts of phosphorus and potassium. (If you are growing on old orchard ground your situation may be different. A soil test might be in order if your garden is not thriving.)
On commercial fertilizers you will find three numbers separated by hyphens. These numbers tell you how much of the three essential nutrients, nitrogen -- phosphorus -- and potash or potassium, are in that fertilizer. Nitrogen is represented by the first number on the package. A high nitrogen fertilizer will have a bigger number followed by smaller numbers. 5-1-1 would be a high nitrogen fertilizer. Liquid fish fertilizer is a good, all purpose, easy-to-use, organic, high-nitrogen fertilizer. (Yes, I know it smells!)
* Deadhead your annuals and herbaceous perennials (remove the faded flowers) to keep them blooming longer.
* Stake tall perennials and continue to tie annual and perennial vines to supports.
* Water your plants and lawn effectively -- slowly, deeply but infrequently. This will promote deep roots and keep them happy, beautiful and productive. Early morning watering helps reduce problems with powdery mildew and black spot.
* Harvest cool weather crops such as peas, broccoli and spinach regularly to keep them producing as long as possible.
* Pull or hoe weeds when they are small -- before they go to seed -- to keep them from competing with desirable plants for water and nutrients.
* Water container plants often. They dry out quickly in their limited environment.
Happy gardening!
* Washington State University Extension Master Gardener Program is an organization of trained volunteers dedicated to horticulture and community service. Questions about gardening, landscaping or the program may be directed toward the Master Gardener Clinic by calling 509-574-1600 or visiting the WSU Extension office at 104 N. First St. in Yakima. New volunteers are welcome.
Garden tour nears
From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Yakima Valley residents will have an opportunity to explore the gardens of five fabulous local "landscape artists."
The event's the Yakima Area Arboretum's annual self-guided tour. The gardens feature a wide variety of landscaping styles, artwork, plant solutions and specimens.
Cost is $20, with proceeds benefiting the arboretum. Tickets may be purchased at the arboretum, Loo Wit Gardens, Russell's Nursery and Cowiche Creek Nursery. Box lunches are available for $10; order by Wednesday.
For more information or for lunch, call 509-248-7337.
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