This week in the garden: June 21 - 27

Provide a water source in the garden to attract birds and other pollinators. (Photo: PxHere)

Tasks

• Control weeds before they flower, produce seed and multiply.
• If citrus trees have scale, mites or thrips, spray with summer weight horticultural oil.
• Treat petunia, geranium and tomato plants with Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) to control budworm and tomato hornworm.
• Deeply water fruit and nut trees. Ideally, mature fruit trees should be irrigated to a depth of 3 feet.

Pruning

• Pinch back new growth to improve plant shape and encourage bloom.
• If bush training fruit trees to a 5- to 6-foot bush, do not miss this pruning in June.

Fertilizing

• Do not fertilize cool-season lawns (fescues, bluegrass, perennial rye) during hot summer months.
• Avoid fertilizing herbs as too much fertilizer reduces flavor and fragrance.

Planting

• If your needs are such that you must plant now, remember to provide ample water and temporary shade.
• Fruits and vegetables: corn, parsnips, plant from seed.

Enjoy now

• Annuals and perennials: lisianthus (Eustoma), blanket flower (Gaillardia), gazania, globe amaranth (Gomphrena).
• Bulbs, corms, tubers: gladiolus, amaryllis (Hippeastrum).
• Trees, shrubs, vines: crape myrtle.
• Fruits and vegetables: boysenberries, eggplant, melons.

Things to ponder

• A small water feature, such as a recirculating fountain or a shallow pebble-filled bowl, provides drinking water for thirsty birds, butterflies and other garden wildlife. Regularly replenish the water and check for leaks.