June Garden Construction and Plant Clinic Visit As June’s golden rays bathe the garden, it’s the perfect time to embark on construction projects and seek expert advice at the plant clinic. Garden Construction: The warm summer weather provides ideal conditions for outdoor construction. Consider adding: * Raised beds: Extend your growing space and improve drainage. * Trellises: Provide support for climbing plants, maximizing vertical space. * Arbors: Enhance garden paths and create shaded seating areas. * Water features: Introduce a soothing element with a pond, fountain, or waterfall. Plant Clinic Visit: If you encounter any plant health issues or have questions about plant care, a visit to the plant clinic is essential. Certified horticulturists can: * Diagnose plant diseases: Identify the cause of wilting, discoloration, or pest infestations. * Recommend treatment plans: Suggest appropriate remedies such as fungicides, insecticides, or cultural practices. * Provide gardening advice: Offer guidance on plant selection, watering, fertilization, and pruning. Benefits of a Plant Clinic Visit: * Accurate diagnosis: Avoid guesswork and identify problems precisely. * Effective treatment: Receive tailored recommendations to restore plant health. * Preventative measures: Learn how to prevent future problems and maintain a thriving garden. * Education: Gain valuable knowledge and improve your gardening skills. Tips for a Successful Plant Clinic Visit: * Bring a sample of the affected plant or a photograph. * Note any symptoms or changes observed. * Be prepared to answer questions about care practices and environmental conditions. * Follow the recommendations carefully and monitor plant progress. Remember, .Garden+construction+in+June+may+include+a+visit+to+the+plant+clinic., ensuring a vibrant and healthy garden throughout the summer season.
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June brings warmer temperatures, humidity, and possible thunderstorms. Moreover, school is out and many people are going on holiday. This leaves less time for landscaping and gardening tasks, but there are things to do in the June landscape and garden here in the Northwest Florida region.
In today’s article, I share some ideas from the UF/IFAS Extension North Florida Gardening Calendar (edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep451) for the month of June and invite you to attend our plant clinic in June.
Annuals that can tolerate full sun during the warm summer months include celosia, portulaca, vinca, and some coleus. To see Annuals: edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topics/annuals.
Add bright colors to the landscape with perennials. To see Perennial landscape plants: edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_perennials.
The warm, rainy weather of summer is the perfect time to plant palms. Be careful not to cover the trunk with soil and choose hardy palm varieties for North Florida. To see Palms: edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_palms.
Plant heat-loving herbs, including basil, Mexican tarragon, and rosemary. Pinch back regularly to prevent flowering and improve branching. To see Spices: edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_herbs.
Plant okra, southern pea, and sweet potato. To see Vegetable gardening in Florida: edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_vegetable_gardening.
If there is no rain, watch for drought stress and water as needed. To see Landscape irrigation: edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_landscape_irrigation.
Prune lightly during the warmer months to encourage more branching and flowering. Azaleas can still be pruned in June without removing next spring’s flower buds. See Pruning Landscape Trees and Shrubs: hort.ifas.ufl.edu/woody/documents/PruningLandscapeTreesShrubs.pdf.
Yellow and brown spots in St. Augustine grass can be caused by chinch bugs, disease, or lack of water. Take the time to determine the cause so that your remedy is effective. Rejuvenate areas where grass is not growing well by replacing it with a more adapted turf or ground cover such as mondograss, perennial peanut, or Asian jasmine. You can also use mulch instead of lawn grass on slopes or under large trees. Choose wisely. To see Garden pest insects: edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_garden_pest_insects en The Florida-friendly landscape guide to plant selection and landscape design: fyn.ifas.ufl.edu/pdf/FYN_Plant_Selection_Guide_v090110.pdf.
The June plant clinic will be held Friday from 9 a.m. to noon at the temporary UF/IFAS Extension Annex, located at the rear of the Okaloosa Technical College Campus at 1976 Lewis Turner Boulevard in Fort Walton Beach.
If you have a plant problem that you would like to diagnose, bring a sample of the weed, plant, insect, etc. to the clinic. The sample must be fresh and represent what can be seen in the landscape. This could be a plant stem with several leaves, a 10 cm square of grass with roots attached, etc.
You can also bring a soil sample for pH testing.
.Gardeners in June may want to include a visit to the plant clinic on their to-do lists. The experts there can help diagnose and treat problems with plants, and they can also provide advice on how to prevent future problems. Some of the most common problems that gardeners face in June include: * Insects: Aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies are all common pests that can damage plants in June. * Diseases: Fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and blight can also be a problem in June. * Nutrient deficiencies: Plants may not be getting the nutrients they need from the soil, which can lead to yellowing leaves, stunted growth, and other problems. The plant clinic can help gardeners identify and treat these problems quickly and effectively. The experts there can also provide advice on how to prevent future problems by choosing the right plants for your garden and by following good gardening practices. Here are some tips for preventing garden problems in June: * Water your plants regularly: Plants need about 1 inch of water per week, but more during hot, dry weather. * Fertilize your plants: Plants need nutrients to grow and produce flowers and fruit. Fertilize them according to the directions on the fertilizer package. * Inspect your plants regularly: Look for signs of insects, diseases, or nutrient deficiencies. Treat any problems as soon as possible. * Keep your garden clean: Remove dead leaves and other debris from your garden to prevent the spread of diseases. By following these tips, you can help your plants stay healthy and beautiful all season long.
