June Gardening

Photo by Debbie Roland

By Debbie Roland, Permian Basin Master Gardener

With rising temperatures, strong winds, and days with high UV rays, plants need attention to stay healthy and productive.  Whether you grow flowers, vegetables, or native plants, a few things can help your garden thrive through the summer.

Watering becomes an important task in June.  Watering deeply is better than frequent shallow watering because it encourages roots to grow deeper.  Early morning is the best time to water since less moisture evaporates before plants can absorb it.  Adding mulch around plants also helps retain soil moisture and keeps roots cooler.  Organic mulch such as bark, straw, or shredded leaves works best in our area.

Master Gardeners recommend native and heat-tolerant plants because they perform best this time of year.  Vegetables like okra, peppers, squash, and tomatoes generally handle the heat well if watered consistently.  Herbs such as basil, rosemary, oregano, and thyme also do well.  If you love flowers, consider lantana, zinnias, marigolds, salvia, and black-eyed Susans. 

Now is the time to monitor for pests.  Spider mites, aphids, and whiteflies often appear during hot months.  Check the undersides of leaves regularly and remove damaged foliage when needed.  In many cases, a strong spray of water can control small infestations without harsh chemicals.

Lawns require attention as it gets hotter.  Raise mower blades slightly during summer to help grass retain moisture and reduce stress.  Bermuda grass and buffalo grass are common choices because they tolerate drought better than some varieties.

Container gardens need extra care because pots dry out much faster than soil in the ground.  Larger pots retain moisture longer and may reduce the frequency of watering.  Grouping containers together can also help conserve humidity around plants.

Lastly, avoid heavy fertilizing during periods of high heat.  Too much stress can damage plants.  Focus on consistent watering, mulching, and deadheading to encourage continued flowering and growth.

With proper care and good plant choices, lawns and gardens can remain productive and beautiful throughout the summer months.

If you have questions, call the AgriLife office in Odessa at 498-4071 or in Midland at 686-4700.   Additional information and our blog for access to past articles are available at westtexasgardening.org.  Click on “Resources.