Late-June garden chores:
Continue to deadhead spent flowers of annual or perennial flowers as they fade. This encourages more blooms.
Prune out old lilac blossoms at their base. This conserves plant energy that would otherwise go to producing seed.
Complete fertilization of established trees and shrubs. If growing in a lawn area, trees/shrubs should get sufficient nutrients when the lawn is fertilized. If they are out of lawn areas, lightly fertilize the rooting area with a lawn-type fertilizer such as 28-3-3 or similar formula. eed and feed” type. Water the area after application.
Use pine needles, wood chips or similar organic materials as mulches around trees, shrubs, roses and perennials.Mulches help keep soil moist and inhibit annual weeds. Mulches may be applied up to 3 inches thick, but keep them 6 inches away from tree trunks and shrub stems. For more information on mulches in the landscape, see Colorado State UniversityExtension fact sheet # 7.214, Mulches for Home Grounds or see it online at
Fertilize sweet corn as it approaches “knee high.” Plant broccoli and cabbage for a fall harvest.
For local horticultural information, call Planttalk Colorado at 888-666-3063 or visit online at www.planttalk.org.
Robert Cox is a Colorado State University Cooperative Extension Horticulture agent in Jefferson County.
