A CHECKLIST FOR JUNE

In the vegetable garden, keep tomatoes and peppers evenly watered to prevent blossom end rot.  If it occurs (a black or brown, squishy, sunken spot on the bottom of the fruit), spray the plants and fruit with a calcium solution, following directions on the label.

Side dress vegetables, after they are up and growing, with a 10-10-10 fertilizer.  Don't let the fertilizer touch the plants.  Rake or hoe it into the topsoil along-side the rows, then water it in well.  Or, save water by fertilizing just before a rainstorm is forecast.

Keep your vegetables picked to prolong the bearing season.  If they hang on too long, the plant will stop producing.  If you can't tolerate the thought of eating one more zucchini, donate it and any other surplus to your local food bank.  Next year, plan to help with Plant a Row for the Hungry.

In the flower border, keep dead blossoms picked to prolong the colorful season.  This is called deadheading.  It is accomplished by cutting off the whole flower, including the base, not just pulling off the petals.  The base is where the seed will grow.  Once seed is set, the flower has accomplished its mission and stops blooming.

Fertilize perennials and annuals when they are growing strongly.  A hose-end sprayer and a water soluble fertilizer with a high middle number helps to keep the flowers coming.  If they are wilted or dried out, don't fertilize.  Feeding a stressed plant could condemn it to the compost heap.

Be responsible when using pesticides.  Only use insecticides when absolutely necessary.  The honeybee population doesn't show signs of recovering in the U.S.  Don't apply anything that might harm them when they or the native pollinators, like bumblebees, are flying, collecting nectar and pollen.

Spring blooming trees and shrubs should be fertilized and pruned right after they bloom.  Shape evergreens and remove dead wood from all trees and shrubs.  Heavy pruning of deciduous trees (they lose their leaves in the winter) should wait until the tree is dormant.

Is there anything more satisfying than raising food for the table and flowers for the soul?

--Posted by Anne K Moore, June 10, 2007--