With the big Memorial Day weekend planting push behind us, many vegetable gardeners are now basking in the glow of their “finished” gardens. But don’t settle into a cruise-control mindset here; staying on top of small tasks throughout the growing season will keep your garden on point and help ensure bountiful harvests.
According to Michigan State University Extension’s Smart Gardening planner, June is a time for consistency, fine-tuning and keeping a close eye on things. Here are four garden tips to keep in mind this month:
Thin vegetables as necessary. Many vegetables that are direct-seeded into the garden (as opposed to being started indoors) will need to be thinned in order to grow properly – otherwise you can end up with a wonky or stunted harvest. These vegetables can include beets, beans, carrots, cucumbers, chard, lettuces and radishes, among others. Check the instructions on seed packets for recommended spacing and any specific directions for thinning each variety.
Stay on top of your tomatoes. A little extra effort can go a long way here. Staking tomatoes, especially varieties labeled as indeterminate, can vastly improve their health and make harvesting much easier. The same goes for removing tomato plant “suckers” (small shoots that form where branches join the main stem) before they get too big and unwieldy. Water tomato plants with consistency to keep the soil evenly moist, which can reduce the chances of blossom end rot and help you get the biggest possible yields.
Don’t let weeds get out of control. Weeding can be tedious work, but keeping weeds out of the garden means they won’t compete with your vegetables for nutrients and moisture.
Check frequently for pests and diseases. Gardeners can nip potential problems in the bud by keeping a close eye on their plants throughout the growing season. Check regularly for signs of pests and diseases, such as discolored or drooping foliage, and treat swiftly. Unsure what the issue is or how to fix it? MSU Extension’s gardening hotline (888-678-3464) and Ask an Expert site can help.
A full growing-season calendar, with more tips for the month of June, is online here.
Find more tips and gardening advice at Michigan State University Extension’s Gardening in Michigan site.
