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Summer Gardening in the Great Plains: A Guide to June Planting and Maintenance
Introduction
June is a busy time for gardeners in the Great Plains region, which includes Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, and South Dakota. The weather is warm and sunny, and the days are long, providing ideal conditions for plant growth. However, it’s important to be aware of the specific gardening tasks that need to be completed in June to ensure a successful growing season.
June Gardening Tasks
- Spring Cleanup: Remove spent blooms from bulbs and perennials, and prune forsythia, spirea, lilac, and viburnum. This will help promote new growth and flowering in the future.
- Planting: Plant out warm season vegetables such as beans, cucumbers, and squash. You can also transplant seedlings of tomatoes, peppers, and other vegetables that were started indoors earlier in the spring.
- Mulching: Spread a layer of mulch around plants to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
- Weeding: Keep up with the weeding to prevent weeds from competing with your plants for water and nutrients.
- Watering: Water plants regularly, especially during hot and dry weather.
What to Plant in June
The following is a list of vegetables and flowers that can be planted in June in the Great Plains:
- Vegetables: Beans, beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, corn, cucumber, kale, lettuce, onions, peas, peppers, spinach, squash, tomatoes
- Flowers: Cosmos, marigolds, zinnias, sunflowers, petunias, impatiens, begonias
Tips for June Gardening in the Great Plains
- Choose heat-tolerant varieties: Select plant varieties that are well-suited to the hot and dry conditions of the Great Plains.
- Water regularly: Water plants deeply and regularly, especially during hot and dry weather.
- Mulch around plants: Mulch helps to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
- Fertilize plants: Fertilize plants according to the manufacturer’s instructions to provide them with the nutrients they need for healthy growth.
- Protect plants from pests: Keep an eye out for pests such as aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. Treat infestations promptly with organic or chemical pesticides.
Conclusion
June is a busy but rewarding time for gardeners in the Great Plains. By following these tips and completing the necessary gardening tasks, you can ensure a successful and bountiful growing season.
