Monthly Garden Chores – June

Summer is here in Washington.  The days are mild, and dare I say, sunny?  I don’t know about you, but these are the easy days of gardening for me.  Just a little watering and weeding–most of the planting is done.

Seeds I’m Starting Indoors this Month

No seeds to start indoors this month.  I’ll start a few next month for my fall garden.

See the full list of seeds I’ll be planting this year

What I Plan to Transplant Outside this Month

• Parsnips {planting them now ensures they will be ready for Thanksgiving dinner}
• Swiss Chard {it’s been in the greenhouse, but I am moving it out this month}

What I plan to Harvest This Month

• Rhubarb
• Broccoli
• Lettuce
• Radishes
• Lettuce
• Peas
• Strawberries
• Chives
• Sprouts
• Basil
• Bok Choy
• Swiss Chard
• Microgreens
• Basil
• Endive

Houseplants and Indoor Bulbs

You should be watering/feeding houseplants regularly now.  You probably don’t have any indoor bulb maintenance this month, so get outdoors and enjoy the sunshine!

Trees and Shrubs

Prune your Rhododendrons and Azaleas if they have finished blooming {by deadheading them}.  If it is getting hot in your area, most trees can benefit from a deep watering this month.  This is also a good month to put mulch around trees and shrubs that are susceptible to the heat and low water conditions.

Weed and Pest Control

Continue regular weeding.  I prefer natural pest control, so start considering being a good host for beneficial bugs in your garden.  Most nurseries will have ladybugs for purchase too.  If the birds are starting to poke around the strawberries, etc. in your garden, it might be time to invest in a net.  Squash bugs might be making their first appearance too–I like to keep on top of them by squishing them as I see them and practicing co-planting to repel them.

Lawn Care

Regular mowing, watering, feeding {if you prescribe to that sort of thought}, and preventative care {i.e. bill bug and crabgrass prevention} is really all you need to do to keep a nice healthy lawn.

These garden chores are based on my Zone 8a Seattle/Tacoma WA location. Find your garden zone HERE.