☀️ June '24: Summer's Climax; The Planets Align; And Noctilucent Clouds
It's all Inside!
There is a lot happening in June! We have peak summer. Do we have peak garden? Maybe! Let’s jump in.
🏡 In the Garden
✅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.
Don’t Forget!
🌧️ 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.
Eating In Season
🔵 Look for blueberries and blackberries to be coming in! {I said this for May and I was wrong for our area - N. Alabama.}
🟢 Last chance for cool season crops. If your market has lettuces, brocolli, peas, carrots, beets, or cabbage from local farmers, enjoy them before the summer heat ruins their flavor profile.
🔴 Tomatoes should be coming in strong this month!
🌕 Lunar Calendar
In North America, June's full moon is known as the Strawberry Moon. However, for those of us in North Alabama, this name doesn't align with our local seasons, similar to May's Flower Moon. Nevertheless, in much of the country, strawberries, especially the wild ones, come into season in June.
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.
Look for the Full Honey Moon on the evening of June 21.
📅 Mark your Calendars!
The Planets Align
On June 3rd, the whole northern hemisphere will have the chance to see SIX planets aligned in the eastern sky. The only one missing from the sky will be Venus.
The Summer Solstice
The summer solstice for the Northern Hemisphere is on June 20th! This is the longest day of the year and marks a significant seasonal shift. This day is the climax of summer where the sun will reach its highest point in the sky. From this day forward our gaze will shift towards the horizon… towards the ever-increasing evening. But, that time can wait! Now is the time of sunshine, warmth, and fruit! May we indulge and be glad!
☁️ Noctilucent Clouds
The season for Noctilucent Clouds has begun! What are these clouds you ask? They are night-shining clouds. They are formed when warm air close to the earth’s surface rises into the atmosphere and rapidly cools down. When this happens, water vapor freezes around atmospheric dust particles and forms thin clouds super high in the atmosphere. The favorable conditions for forming these clouds are now - June and July! The best time to see these clouds is roughly 30 minutes after sunset.
Now, here is the thing: There are mixed reports about how far south Noctilucent Clouds appear. The closer you are to the poles the better your chances of seeing these night shining clouds. Generally, Noctilucent Clouds are not suppose to be seen in the deep south. However, they also said you are not supposed to see the Northern Lights in Alabama.
📆 Calendar of Firsts
A calendar of firsts serves as a meaningful tool to celebrate and connect with the ever-changing rhythms of nature throughout the year. Its purpose is to document and acknowledge the first occurrences of various events and natural phenomena that mark the transition of seasons. By recording the first blooming flowers, migrating birds, or changing foliage, individuals deepen their awareness of the subtle shifts that unfold in the natural world. This heightened observation cultivates a sense of awe and appreciation for the beauty and diversity of our environment. Moreover, a calendar of firsts invites us to engage in a deeper relationship with the natural world, fostering a sense of connection, mindfulness, and gratitude. It allows us to truly immerse ourselves in the present moment and develop a greater understanding of the intricate cycles that shape our lives and the world around us.
June firsts to be looking for:
Remember these are general examples for zone 7 in the southeast US. Specific occurances will depend on your regional climate and conditions. Keeping a personal calendar or journal will allow you to capture the unique experiences and observations of each month in your region.
The first blooms of sunflowers in the garden
First dragonfly spotting
First bite into a local blueberry or blackberry
First tomato sammich from a vine ripe, local tomato
Before You Go!
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✎ Are you passionate about gardening or seasonal living? Share it with the community and write for The Common! Email taylor@acommonlife.co for more information
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📜 Missed last week’s newsletter? See it here: The Northern Lights in Alabama.
We are having much better success with our garden this year! Haven’t harvested yet, but so far looking great.