June is a great season for gardeners, and though much of the early season planting is already finished by June 1, there is much more care a garden needs throughout the month to have the best results for top produce, pungent herbs, and the most beautiful blooms.

In the garden, June is the time to…

• Deadhead Blooms

Trim off spent blooms from annual flowers to encourage additional blooming and extend their growing season.

• Trim Bulbs

Once spring blooms have finished flowering and the foliage is completely brown, trim the foliage to make room for summer flowers and to keep beds looking neat.

• Prune Flowering Shrubs

After spring flowering shrubs have stopped blooming, prune them appropriately to keep their desired shape.

• Adjust Watering

As spring rains taper off and summer temperatures heat up, adjust watering schedules as needed. Soaker hoses are ideal for beds and gardens, and lawns should be watered deeply but less frequently to encourage strong root growth.

• Plant Warm Season Crops

Fruits and vegetables that require warm soil are best planted in June, such as corn, pumpkins, beans, squash, and cucumbers.

• Deepen Mulch

Add additional mulch to gardens and flowerbeds to conserve water and minimize weed growth. Grass clippings are a good, inexpensive option.

• Divide Perennials

If perennial plants are becoming too large or need better control, they can be best divided in June and transplanted to new locations. Now is also a great time to add new perennials to the yard.

• Harvest Spring Produce

Cool season fruits and vegetables will be nearly spent in June, but there is time for one last harvest of strawberries, radishes, lettuce, and spinach.

• Thin Seedlings

Before new crops get too dense, thin rows and beds to give them appropriate room for robust growth. Thinning blossoms and early fruits on trees will encourage larger produce instead of stunted crops.

• Keep Weeding

Weeding is a never-ending task, and it is important to keep up on the chore in June when the garden is still getting a strong foothold. Regular weeding now will help crops get a good, sturdy start for better results in autumn.

• Stake Plants

As new crops get taller, loosely stake thin or floppy plants to keep them from tipping and breaking. June is also the best time to begin training vines and climbing plants to keep them under control.

• Watch for Pests

June is when pests come out in force, including slugs, aphids, and a variety of funguses and diseases. Watch for these pests carefully, and take steps to eradicate problems before they grow out of control.

• Attract Bats and Birds

Nature can provide natural pest control for gardeners who attract bats and birds to their garden. Put up a bat house, add a bird feeder, and take other easy steps to bring wildlife to the yard and let them feast on garden insects.

While June may not be the biggest season for planting, there are plenty of garden chores that need attending too and will keep any gardener busy throughout the month.