What's Happening in June
June is here and so are the vegetables. This month you will find a special blend between spring and summer with loads of fresh fruits and vegetables at the markets. As it starts to heat up, garden work turns to second plantings and weed control. However, the work you do in June will not return void in the coming months. Also, Is June the month for lovers? February has been put on notice!
Monthly Garden To-Do's
✅In June, as the spring rains gradually diminish and become less frequent, proper watering becomes crucial. The key lies in watering deeply once a week or so, rather than providing light daily waterings. By allowing the water to penetrate deeply into the soil, you encourage the roots to delve deeper, enhancing their resilience during drier periods.
✅During the summer months, gardeners often encounter the frustrating issue of blossom-end rot. Many online sources attribute this problem to a calcium deficiency, which is indeed true. However, what they often overlook is the role of irregular watering in inhibiting the plant's ability to effectively utilize the available calcium. To address this issue, heavy mulching proves beneficial, as it helps alleviate the problem. Additionally, watering deeply on a regular basis, preferably on a weekly schedule, will contribute to resolving this issue.
✅As June progresses, your early spring crops may start to show signs of struggling, with some either dying back or bolting. When this occurs and you're prepared to bid farewell to the remnants of spring, it's best to remove them. Instead of pulling the plants out of the ground, I recommend cutting them at the base. After cutting them back, generously cover the area with mulch, allowing it to settle for about a week. Then, you can proceed to plant your second or third summer crop, such as squash, cucumbers, corn, or beans.
✅If you have not yet trellised your tomatoes, now is the time to do so before it becomes too late. Additionally, it is important to stay vigilant in removing suckers from your tomato plants. This practice will redirect the plant's energy towards developing robust and productive stems, as well as branches that bear fruit. Lastly, as your tomatoes continue to grow, it is advisable to trim off the lower leaves that droop towards and touch the ground. This will promote better airflow and contribute to preventing diseases and damage caused by pests. 👇
✅ Direct seed warm season flowers and herbs like sunflowers, nasturtiums, marigolds, and basil!
✅ As your herbs grow, pinch the central stem to promote bushy growth. Pinch just hard enough without breaking off the stem.
✅ In June, it's time to harvest your garlic and onions! For onions, wait until the bulbs have formed and become firm, and the plants are approximately half brown. At this stage, they are ready to be pulled up. As for garlic, wait until they have developed scapes, which can be enjoyed as a delicious addition to your meals. Towards the end of June, when the majority of the plants have turned brown, it's time to harvest the garlic bulbs. Both onions and garlic require a curing process. This involves allowing them to dry out in a well-ventilated and shaded area for a few weeks. You can hang them in bundles or lay them in a single layer to ensure proper air circulation. Handle them with care to avoid bruising. Once fully cured, store them in a cool and dry place, and they will bring you joy for months to come.
Timely Tips for June
🌧️ In the summer months, avoid walking through the garden if the leaves are wet. This helps to avoid spreading diseases from one area to another.
❌ In June, it becomes crucial to diligently keep grasses out of your garden. For many gardeners, it's the intrusion of grass that can wreak havoc on a growing season. While mulching provides significant assistance, there are times when grass still manages to find its way into the garden. When this occurs, it becomes vital to prevent its establishment. A helpful tool in this regard is the "Stirrup Hoe," which simplifies the task of hoeing and makes it more manageable.
🌿 If you have any vacant space in your garden, consider planting a cover crop of buckwheat. Beyond its attractive blooms, buckwheat serves multiple beneficial purposes. It acts as a magnet for beneficial insects, contributing to a thriving ecosystem in your garden. Moreover, it nourishes the soil's microbiology and aids in the development of organic matter, ultimately enhancing soil health.
Seasonal Activities
June is a great time to enjoy time spent by water. Whether it’s a creek, a lake, or the beach. In the south, the water is still cool and refreshing in June. Once late summer rolls around, getting in a lake can sometimes feel like getting in a bath.
Forget February, June is here to claim the title of romance! As North America celebrates the Strawberry Moon, Europe introduces the enchanting "Honey Moon." In ancient customs, newlywed couples were gifted honey or mead, an exquisite honey-based beverage, to bless their union with fertility and happiness. Now that you're acquainted with the origins of the term "honeymoon," embrace the spirit of the June "Honey Moon" and ignite some romantic moments. Raise a glass of your favorite summer beverage and let the magic of this special time stir up romance in your life.
Lastly, don’t forget the summer solstice! It’s a great day to mark on the calendar as it is the longest day of the year. Grab a drink, find some water, and enjoy!
In the Kitchen
Summer abundance is beginning and many of the spring favorites are still at the market. You should be eating “high on the hog” this month. See the shopping guide below for what’s in season.
👉 One suggestion for mixing things up would be to try different combinations of a “marinated salad” as a flavorful side dish or appetizer. These salads typically involve marinating vegetables or other ingredients in a mixture of vinegar, sugar, oil, and sometimes additional herbs or spices. The marinating process allows the flavors to meld together and the ingredients to absorb the tangy and sweet flavors of the marinade.Served chilled, they can be a refreshing and different way to enjoy the garden and market bounty in the summer months.
Market Shopping Guide
🍓 Strawberries - time is running out!
🍅 Tomatoes
🥒 Cucumbers
🌶️ Peppers
🥔 Potatoes
🥬 Kale
🧄🌼 Garlic Scapes
🥬 Leafy Greens
🟢 Green Beans
🟡 Squash and Zuchini
🌽 Corn
🥬Collard Greens
🌿Summer Herbs - Basil, Dill, cilantro, Parsley, Thyme, Oregano, Mint, Rosemary
🔵 Blueberries
🟣Blackberries
Lunar Calendar
In North America, June's full moon, known as the Full Strawberry Moon, is the sweetest of the year. While the moon itself is inedible, its arrival signifies the beginning of strawberry harvesting season. Among the Algonquin tribes, this full moon was a clear sign that wild strawberries were ripening and ready to be harvested.
This June look for the full “Strawberry Moon” in the sky on June 3rd!
Important Dates to remember this June
☀️ June 21st is the Summer solstice! It marks the longest day of the year and the official start of summer in the Northern Hemisphere. ☀️
Quotes from the GOATS
“Sustainable farms are to today's headlong rush toward global destruction what the monasteries were to the Dark Ages: places to preserve human skills and crafts until some semblance of common sense and common purpose returns to the public mind.”
- source
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