Lawns
Warm Season Grasses
Bermuda and Zoysia
May-August: Keep the mower deck at the height of 1-2 inches depending on lawn condition. The optimal soil pH for Bermuda and Zoysia is 6 – 6.5. Add sulfur if the pH is too high or lime if the pH is too low. At this point, the grass should be fully green so apply ½ pound to 1 pound of nitrogen per 1000 square feet every 4-6 weeks. If summer annual weeds like white clover, spurge, and lespedeza become a problem, apply broadleaf selective postemergence herbicides. However, do not apply preemergent if the plan is to overseed with ryegrass in Oct/Nov. Continue to water an inch a week unless it is raining.
Mow frequently enough so that no more than 1/3 of the grass blade is cut.
Cool Season Grasses
Kentucky Bluegrass
Apply a 15-5-10 weed and feed fertilizer to reduce broadleaf weeds while providing the correct balance of nutrients. Use 1 pound of nitrogen per 1000 square feet. Water lawns in the morning with 1 inch of water per week (unless raining) to prevent disease.
Mow frequently enough so that no more than 1/3 of the grass blade is cut.
Tall Fescue
Raise the mower deck to cut at a height of 3.5 inches to keep the soil moist so the deeper roots do not dry out. No fertilization is needed at this time. Water lawns in the morning with 1 inch of water per week (unless raining) to prevent disease. Do not apply herbicides because the high heat and drought make Fescue susceptible to herbicide damage.
Mow frequently enough so that no more than 1/3 of the grass blade is cut.
Annuals
- Direct sow sunflowers, nasturtiums, marigolds, borage, basil, and other warm season flowers and herbs.
- Fill in exposed mulch or soil areas with wildflower seeds or annuals to prevent weeds.
- Fertilize annuals with water-soluble fertilizer for a mid-season boost. Follow directions on the package label for best results.
Perennials
- Fertilize perennials with water-soluble fertilizer for a mid-season boost.
- Foliage may be removed from spring bulbs if it has yellowed and is becoming dry. All foliage should remove easily by hand.
Shrubs and Trees
- The beginning of June is an excellent time to take softwood cuttings of shrubs to start new plants.
- Water shrubs as needed approximately 1” total per week, if needed. Fertilize now.
- Keep long shoots from developing on shrubs by pruning out tips.
Fruits and vegetables
- After your vegetable garden is well established, it is best to water it thoroughly once a week rather than giving it a light watering every day. That way, a deeper root system is encouraged to develop, which will later help the plants tolerate dry weather.
- Blossom-end rot on tomatoes, peppers, squash, and watermelons can be prevented. Do this by maintaining uniform soil moisture by mulching and watering correctly, planting in well-drained soil, and not cultivating deeper than one inch within one foot of the plant. Make sure the fertilizer used on these vegetables and fruits contain micronutrients, as blossom end rot is often a result of calcium deficiency. The label will indicate if micronutrients are included in the fertilizer.
- Continue planting direct-seeded, warm season vegetable crops such as beans, summer squash and cucumbers, beans, sweet corn, southern peas, melons, and okra
.. - Pinch off blooms of herbs like basil, mint, oregano, and savory to promote bushy growth and longer growing time.
Miscellaneous
- Continue monitoring for pest insects and diseases watch for aphids and thrips, especially on summer bulbs, flowering plants, and new growth.
- Stay out of the garden when the vegetable plant leaves are wet. Walking through a wet garden spreads disease from one plant to another.
- Freshen up mulch around woody plants, perennials, and veggies if needed.
- Garden flowers, whether annuals or perennials, benefit from “deadheading” after flowering. By removing the spent flower heads, energy is used to produce more flowers or foliage and roots. Many will produce another flush of blooms.
- Weed the garden regularly to keep the task easy and manageable.