Hello Summer! Enjoy My Lodi Garden!
- Alyce Peterson
- May 31
- 2 min read
Long sunny days, warming soil, and the first real taste of summer arrives with June. In USDA Zone 9, gardens begin shifting from spring growth into full summer production, which means this month is all about watering wisely, supporting growth, and staying ahead of pests and weeds.
Still Time to Plant Those Veggies
Vegetable gardens should now be thriving. Heat-loving crops like tomatoes, peppers, squash, cucumbers, melons, beans, and okra can still be planted successfully in June. Succession planting keeps the harvest coming through summer and into fall.
Check-in With Your Sprinkling System
As temperatures rise, deep watering becomes more important than frequent shallow watering. Deep watering encourages stronger root systems and healthier plants during hot weather. Refresh mulch around vegetables, roses, and shrubs to help conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
Keep the Roses Blooming
Continue deadheading spent blooms to encourage repeat flowering, and inspect plants regularly for black spot, mildew, aphids, and spider mites. Remove damaged foliage promptly and make sure plants have good air circulation during warm evenings.
Floppy hats, Not Floppy Flowers
Stake tall flowers early while stems are still flexible. Herbaceous perennials and fast-growing summer plants may also need support now before they flop over in the heat.
Weed Before They Seed
Staying ahead of weeds now will save countless hours later in summer. Pull weeds before they seed and spread.
Sped Time Enjoying Your Garden
Finally, spend a little time simply enjoying the garden. June is one of the most beautiful months in Lodi's gardens — roses are blooming, vegetables are growing rapidly, and pollinators are everywhere. A few minutes each morning walking the garden can help you spot issues early and appreciate the rewards of the season.
The Lodi Garden Club meets the first Thursday of each month between September and May. For more information, click here.
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