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In the Western June garden, midway in the growing season, color abounds from pretty much every corner. Even the tricky hit northwestern cities and towns, which reeled under the untimely November and December freezes, are coming back strongly.
From now on it is mainly a job of maintenance rather than planting. Mowing the lawn, watering and weeding the garden, pruning of spring flowering shrubs these are the jobs to be accomplished now.
Annuals to sow: In the Pacific Northwest and Northern California lots of annuals can nonetheless be started from seed. If seed is sown now in the Southwest, and particularly in the hot sections of Arizona, the rows will will need protection from the heat. Peatmoss serves as a ideal insulator in this case.
No matter exactly where you are beginning seeds in the West this month, be sure to deliver them with a loose, porous soil. Some of the most effective annuals to sow are zinnias, marigolds, nasturtiums, portulaca, cosmos, salvia, cockscomb and sweet alyssum. All thrive in spite of hot weather. They will be dependable replacements for the bare spots in the spring border.
What to fertilize: It is a nicely-identified fact that lawns are able to resist weed invasion when fertilized regularly, so give the lawn a late spring feeding. Annuals, vegetables and potted plants such as fuchsias and tuberous begonias prefer mild feedings twice a month rather than heavier, infrequent doses. The critical acid-loving shrubs like camellias, azaleas and rhododendrons are ready for yet another feeding.
Pinching back plants: Pinch back annuals, perennials and even evergreen shrubs and trees to induce bushier growth. Some authorities declare that this kind of summer nipping, with mere thumb and forefingers, accomplishes a great deal more than a main fall pruning job. Do not let the faded flowers stay on annuals. This is the quickest way to end their blooming season.
Pest control: The sod web worm is the quantity #1 pest in June it is even worse than the ever-present aphid. Don't wait until brown places appear in the turf rather apply a preventive dose of control at once... check with the local garden center or county agent for the control methods. This is 1 case exactly where it actually pays to spray for protection rather than to wait for trouble.
As continually, aphids, red spiders and other should certainly be sprayed every ten to fourteen days. Also watch the roses, spraying them with a combination insecticide-fungicide when a week. If you can keep the foliage wholesome and clean by means of the summer months, prize blooms will be enjoyed for many more months. Spray with a excellent combination insecticide-fungicide just about every week.
Tasty vegetables. from your garden: Warm weather makes it possible to take pleasure in speedy tasty crops from tomatoes, cucumbers, corn, squash and beans. There is still time to sow the seed in the open ground.
Subtropicals: In the warm areas of the West, where subtropicals can be enjoyed outdoors, hibiscus, bougainvilleas and other showy items can be set out. Now is a great time to choose hibiscus, for most varieties are in full bloom.
Versatile fuchsias: It would not be challenging to program an intriguing garden devoted entirely to fuchsias. Various amateur hobbyists have already verified this.
There are compact, dwarf varieties for pots trailing kinds for baskets and powerful, tall growers for hedges and pillars. A few are even low sufficient for rock gardens.
Near the beach locations fuchsias can take full sun, but normally a northern exposure is greatest. Fuchsias revel in morning sun but prefer protection from midday on. An acid soil to which generous amounts of sphagnum moss have been added will suit them beautifully.
