b'The June GardenBy Bridgette CrosbyS ummer is here and thatWatering in the early morning is usually best because means early mornings areit helps the plants prepare for the brutal heat of the day. best for gardening chores.If you water at night, your plants have already been Recently, I have been gettingstressed and they wont be able to recover properly. You up an hour earlier in order towant to give your plants the best shot possible so that enjoy more time in the garden.they will thrive, grow and give you a great harvest. I also like to linger on the back porch with a steamy cup of coffee and meditate on the beauty of nature. It is aJune is also a great month to set up your shade systems. soothing, yet inspiring way to start the day.Many plants prefer a little shade and when temperatures climb, tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, and cucumbers will The hollyhocks, sage, celery, and Queen Annes Laceslow their flowering or stop altogether. No flowers = no are in full bloom. A variety of pollinators are enjoyingfruit. Help them out and provide some shade by setting the flowers, and many species of birds visit and eat theirup umbrellas in your garden, putting up shade sails, or fill of seeds from brittle bushes, sunflowers, and orangedraping a light fabric or shade cloth over the plants inPhotos by Bridgette Crosbybells. Allowing some of these flowers and plants to growthe afternoon. and go to seed has multiple benefits. Not only will theFor June plantings, I recommend herbs, squash, okra, taller plants provide shade for my tomatoes and peppersIf you drape the cloth, be careful to use the rightmelons, watermelons, yard long beans, and a second throughout the summer, but they also provide foodtype of fabric so that you dont cook your garden!planting of corn if you have the room. Just watch for for wildlife and will help the soil stay cooler during theMost nurseries carry several varieties of shade cloth.aphids as melons, cucumbers, and squash are especially summer. The corn my daughter and I planted last monthIf gardening in containers, provide extra shade andsusceptible and aphids love them! You can also plant is getting taller by the day and the tomatoes and pepperswatch your moisture levels a little closer, or move intoadditional flowers such as hollyhock, vinca, sunflowers, are thriving. The bees did a great job pollinating theafternoon shade.zinnia, and salvia. One of my favorite flowers that appears apple tree and clusters of apples have formed on most ofin June is the artichoke, and whenever I plant I always let the branches.a few flower. The blossoms are huge and the purple color combined with the texture of the flower is mesmerizing! June is the month when deep watering really counts. Deep watering allows the soil to build up a reserve ofHowever and wherever you garden, I hope that the moisture that will last a long time and encourages rootsmonth of June brings you happiness and joy! to sink deep feelers that will help them survive the heat of summer. Just be careful not to overwater. ManyHappy Digging! gardeners here overwater, not knowing that a long, deep drink every few days or even every week is better than a shallow splash every day.22 June 2023'