- Direct sow warm season veggies like corn, beans, cukes and squash and flowering annuals like nasturtium, cosmos etc.
- Spring Bulbs –Cut flower stems of tulips/daffodils etc & allow leaves to grow, returning energy to the bulb. Divide & re-plant tulips if flowers were absent or very small & other bulbs if they are too crowded.
- Houseplants – Gradually bring outside for a ‘holiday’ to a shady protected area, then move to suitable sun or shade location as needed.
- Compost-Use compost to mulch garden beds and trees. Turn your compost pile and water if dry. Read more about composting at this link.
- Lawn–Feed soil with compost or organic fertilizer. Mow high-3”/7.5 cm. Pull weeds on a weekly basis. For more information on healthy lawns see this link.
- Perennials -Stake & support peonies, delphiniums and other tall plants.
- Chickadees need over 5,000 caterpillars to feed their young in a single nest! Spraying kills their food source and beneficial insects too.
- Prune–spring flowering shrubs after they have bloomed if necessary. Overgrown shrubs may benefit from rejuvenation.
- Roses -Prune laterals of climbing roses to 6-8” after blooming to keep them flowering. Here’s a great video on how to do it!
- Veggies -Stake or cage vegetables like tomatoes and beans as needed. Mound potatoes to maximize production & protect tubers from sun exposure.
- Water–newly planted trees & plants regularly; lawn & existing trees less frequently, but deeply. Potted plants will need more frequent watering. Use soaker hoses for water-wise gardening.
- Birds -Keep feeders and bird baths filled & clean.
- Pests & Diseases –Inspect plants regularly.
- Squash bugs –all you need is duct tape & this video!
- Aphids–plant Alyssum near problem plants to attract hover flies which are basically aphid assassins!
- Japanese Beetles -make their appearance in June. Take necessary steps for control: hand pick, knock into a bucket of soapy water, or use a hand vacuum to suck them up!
- Gypsy Moth: Wrap tree trunks with burlap bands or sticky bands in early June to trap the older gypsy moth caterpillar as it treks from the canopy to hiding places on the ground. Remove trapped caterpillars daily.
- Remember that not all ‘bugs’ are pests. Most bugs eat other bugs & birds need insects to feed their young. Many plants can survive minor infestations of insects, so avoid reaching for sprays which kill beneficial insects and keep your garden in balance.
Halton Region Master Gardeners
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Halton Region Master Gardeners 