June - Outdoors

Plant pumpkins in early June.

Stake tomato plants.

In late June stop harvesting asparagus and fertilize.

Harvest peas when pods are plump. After harvesting replant the area.

Use for plastic milk jugs - seep irrigation. Simply use a large nail to punch holes in the sides of the jugs, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bury the jugs, leaving the necks protruding from the soil. Fill the jugs with water (solutions of liquid fertilizer may be used to water and fertilize at the same time) and screw the caps on firmly. The water will gradually seep out, providing a slow, deep irrigation for surrounding plants.

Plant beans, cucumber, squash, sweet corn and late tomatoes.

Harvest strawberries.

Do not worry about fruit drop on fruit trees. It is a natural occurrence.

To protect bees that pollinate many of our crop plants, spray pesticides in the evening after bees have returned to their hives.

Shrubs and perennials look nice as foundation plantings, but rain may not reach under the eaves, so you may need to water frequently.

Climbing roses don't really climb - they have long canes that require support. You'll need to loosely tie the canes to trellises with broad trips of material. Do not use wire, it can damage the cane.

Remove old flower heads from bedding plants to prolong the period of bloom.

June - Indoors

If you keep your houseplants indoors all summer, keep them out of the draft of the air conditioner. Plant react to an air conditioner's cool air in various ways. Some drop their leaves, others don't bloom well and some fail to bloom all together.

Houseplants can be kept in good condition for several weeks while one is on vacation by using clear, plastic bags as miniature greenhouses. Simply soak the soil thoroughly, allow to drain, then place the potted plant into a plastic bag and tie the opening tightly. Two or more sticks in the soil will support the plastic tent and prevent it from resting on the plants. Plants, such as African violets, that are apt to develop mildew should have a few air holes cut for air circulation.

July - Outdoors

Check squash vines for squash vine borers; eggs are laid on the stem.

Prevent cucumbers from developing a bitter taste by keeping soil moist.

Cucumbers will not remain at peak on the vine; pick vines often.

Don't refrigerate fresh tomatoes; fruit textures deteriorate quickly in the cold.

Vegetable gardens need one inch of water per week. Do not water in the evening; leaves will not dry and this provides great conditions for diseases.

Pinch off the fuzzy growing tips of vine crops to stop them from taking over the garden.

Let some onion flower heads form instead of picking them out; when dried they look great in arrangements.

Blackened twig and branches on apple trees may be an indication of fireblight. For free information sheet on Fireblight Control send a SASE to Fireblight, University of Illinois, 5106 South Western Avenue, Chicago, IL., 60609.

Cut, harvest and dry herbs. For free factsheet on Drying Herbs send a SASE to Drying Herbs.

Attend the County Fairs:
Kane County Fair - July 15-20 St. Charles, IL. 630-584-6926
DuPage County Fair - July 23-27 - 2015 Manchester Road in Wheaton, IL. For more information call 630-668-6636 or CES office 630-653-4114
Lake County Fair - July 23-27 - Grayslake, IL. 847-223-2204

Renew your organic mulches; they break down rapidly in warm weather.

Water lawn deeply (5" to 6" deep).

With warm temperatures, check container grown flowers daily.

Provide a fresh water source for insect eating birds.

Remove all sources of stagnant water to control mosquitoes.

Cut roses late in the day; they will last longer.

Join a garden club; many members are well informed in a number of horticultural areas.

Pinch back snapdragons to promote a second flush of bloom. Stake tall flowers to prevent wind damage.

Divide and replant iris.

July - Indoors

Protect houseplants from strong sunlight, it can cause foliage to burn.

Check outdoor houseplants for insects.

Water houseplants with water at room temperature.

Keep houseplants away from cold air coming from air conditioners.

Root cuttings of houseplants such as coleus and geraniums.

Early Summer 1997
Watering Lawns Properly | 1997 Perennial Plant of the Year - Salvia 'May Night' | Shrub of the Month - Butterfly Bush | Garden Myths | Basics of Fertilizing Houseplants | Cybergarden Sites | Bug Bites | Lawn Care Calendar | Hort Shorts | Hort Tips | Food Safety: The Summertime Rules | Healthy Cooking: All Vegetables Are Not Created Equal | Locally Grown: The Best Is Yet to Come | Health Update: First Aid Kit To Go | Health & Household Tips | Did You Know?

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