Evanston gardening in June is the month of glory and gumption. When June rolls in and the sun beams, gardeners are faced with the reminder that nature is beautiful, stubborn and sometimes weird. Here are a few tips that should make you smile.
Credit: Lincolnwood Garden Club of EvanstonDeadhead for drama
June is when your flowers start to bloom. To keep them cheery, deadheading is essential. Deadheading directs energy towards foliage and roots, and can lead to healthier and more vigorous plants. But here’s an unusual twist: Instead of composting those spent blooms, crush them up and sprinkle them around the garden to discourage pests. Bugs are picky about wilted petals as humans are about leftovers.
Mulch with a mission
First of all, I cringe when I see volcano mulching around trees. When mulch is placed by the trunk it will bring insects, rodents and rot to the tree trunk. It may look tidy but save the tree. Instead of brown mulch — make your garden quirky by using crushed wine corks, shredded holiday paper (not glossy) or even old cereal boxes. Embrace your inner eco-warrior!
Tomato tea party
I have read if you steep banana peels in water for a day or two, the potassium rich brew is a natural fertilizer. Steep compost in water for a few days, then use the resulting tea as a foliar feed (spray the leaves) or soil drench. Tea-rrific!
Mosquito madness
Mosquito madness hits in June. Fight back with marigolds, lavender, catnip, rosemary and basil planted in decorative pots around your seating area.
Herbs on a roll
My clever neighbor constructed moveable containers in which I could roll herbs for optimal sun. Planting herbs and rolling them to my back door was a pleasant way to keep them near.
Credit: Lincolnwood Garden Club of EvanstonPollinator party time
Plant flowers in June that attract pollinators. Think sunflowers, cosmos and zinnias. Also sage, cuphea and fuchsia for hummingbirds or lantana, portulaca and sweet allyssum. They will help keep your garden buzzing with life.
Go native
Plant native perennials like coneflowers, rudbeckia or prairie grasses. They love sun and are a gift to wildlife.
Companion plants
Plant your crops and flowers strategically. Marigolds and nasturtiums go well with carrots and basil and French marigolds compliment tomatoes to deter pests. Plant nasturtium with squash to protect against aphids. It’s like matchmaking, but for plants.
Happy gardening! See you next month.
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