Celebrate and Support Pollinators:
National Pollinator Week is June 17-23. This international celebration is in support of pollinator health. This is a great reminder to spread awareness of how we can help and support local pollinators. Adding more native plants, perennial flowers, and colorful annuals can help attract, feed, and provide habitat for the many pollinators in our area. During hot summer months, place a shallow dish filled with water, rocks, and small sticks to provide a safe place that insects can get a drink without drowning.
For more information on conservation efforts, check out The Xerces Society. They’ll be visiting our nursery June 21 11-1pm. Lane County Beekeeper’s Association (LCBA) will be in our nursery June 22 from 11-1pm.
Planting:
Bring home some summer color- our nursery is well stocked with gorgeous blooming plants and shrubs. There is no other herb more sought after in our nursery than basil, and our growers are keeping us stocked weekly. Whether you are making pesto, pasta dishes, or summer salads, this herb is a must have. Vegetable starts are here in abundance for your summer garden. Colorful hanging baskets add instant cheer!
Maintenance:
Trellis vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, and pole beans before they grow too large and begin to set fruit. Keep fruit trees healthy and free from pests & disease with this Month to Month Schedule.
If you’re growing garlic this year, stop watering when the tips of your plants become yellow, to allow the bulbs to firm up. For more tips on harvesting and curing your garlic, check out our Growing Garlic post.
Waterwise Gardening
Placing mulch around the base of your plants can help with reducing water evaporation. Always be sure to water down at the soil level rather than overhead so you can get right down to the plant roots. Soaker hoses are a very useful tool during the hot summer months to conserve water. There are a lot of great waterwise landscape plants that you can plant as well! Check out this great Waterwise Plant List.
Pests:
Now that your lovely garden is growing, you aren’t the only one dreaming of a feast! These common pests can discourage your best efforts in the garden. As always, prevention is the best medicine. Learn how to identify, prevent, and manage them effectively. One great way to prevent and treat pests in the garden is to encourage beneficial insects.
