How To Keep Your Garden Thriving All Summer Long

After a busy spring, June isn’t the time to slow down. There’s still plenty to do to keep your garden healthy and thriving throughout the summer. June’s warm soil means it’s still time to plant heat-loving veggies like squash, corn, and herbs like basil or thyme. Keep new plants shaded and well-watered. Refresh mulch to help conserve moisture and block weeds. For better water use, consider drip irrigation that targets plant roots directly and avoids runoff. Weeds are easier to handle now before they take over. Clear a few feet around each plant to stop competition for nutrients and space. Replace faded spring annuals with heat-tolerant summer bloomers. Remove worn-out plants and add flowers like petunias or geraniums. Trim old blooms from perennials like roses, lilacs, and rhododendrons. Deadheading keeps plants looking tidy and encourages more flowers later in the season. Inspect leaves and stems for signs of pests like aphids or beetles. Catching damage early allows for quick treatment, consider using neem oil if needed.