Southwest Region

• June is the driest month. However, do NOT overwater. Water slowly, deeply (5 or 6 inches deep), and let the soil dry between watering.
• Stick to your mowing schedule. Lawns will grow faster with the warmer weather, so try to mow every 5 to 6 days.
• Apply a 3 to 4 inch layer of mulch around the roots of your plants. The mulch will help retain moisture during the dry summer months.
• Finish seeding Bermuda and warm-season grasses by the end of June.
• Native and imported heat-tolerant plants can be planted during summer months as long as they are watered regularly until fall.
• Plant colorful summer annuals, such as cosmos, marigolds, salvia, or petunias.
• Pinch back established mums and plant mums now for fall bloom.
• Cut back on fertilizing roses during the hot temperature. Water deeply. Hose off roses in early morning to increase humidity.
• Remove faded or dead flowers from your plants to encourage new growth.
• Remove any unwanted or vigorous branches from trees.
• June is not a good planting month for most edibles. You can plant melons, sunflowers, and sweet potato transplants. Be sure to water your transplants both before and after you plant them.
• Some common problems to look for in gardens are gray leaf spot, blossom end rot, spider mites, and lace bugs.