June 11, 2023

8 Vegetables & Fruits You Can Direct Sow in June

June is a month of transition in the garden. As spring crops are harvested and temperatures rise, it can be a challenging time to plant. The heat can be intense, and the soil can dry out quickly, making it necessary to water more frequently. However, the longer daylight hours and warm soil temperatures also provide an excellent opportunity for fast germination and growth. Planting in June can give you a bountiful late summer and fall harvest. Here are eight vegetables and fruits that you can direct sow in June.

1. Cucumbers

Days to Maturity After Planting: 50-70 days

How to Seed/Plant: Plant cucumber seeds about 1 inch deep and 2 feet apart in rows that are 6 feet apart.

Tips For Growing: Cucumbers love the sun, so make sure they're in a spot that gets plenty of it. They also need consistent watering to produce well. Mulching around the plants can help retain moisture.

2. Green Beans

Days to Maturity After Planting: 50-60 days

How to Seed/Plant: Plant seeds 1 inch deep and 2 inches apart in rows that are 2 feet apart.

Tips For Growing: Green beans need full sun and well-drained soil. Water them deeply once a week, but avoid wetting the leaves to prevent disease.

3. Zucchini

Days to Maturity After Planting: 45-55 days

How to Seed/Plant: Plant zucchini seeds 1 inch deep and 3 feet apart in rows that are 4-5 feet apart.

Tips For Growing: Zucchini plants need plenty of space to grow. They also require consistent watering. Watch out for squash bugs and squash vine borers, which can damage the plants.

4. Corn

Days to Maturity After Planting: 60-100 days

How to Seed/Plant: Plant corn seeds 1-2 inches deep and 4-6 inches apart in rows that are 2-3 feet apart.

Tips For Growing: Corn needs full sun and fertile soil. It's a heavy feeder, so be sure to fertilize regularly. Water deeply, especially when the plants are flowering and the ears are forming.

5. Carrots

Days to Maturity After Planting: 70-80 days

How to Seed/Plant: Sow carrot seeds directly into the soil, about 1/4 inch deep and 2 inches apart.

Tips For Growing: Carrots prefer cooler temperatures, so mulch around the plants to keep the soil cool. They also need loose, well-drained soil to grow properly.

6. Beets

Days to Maturity After Planting: 50-60 days

How to Seed/Plant: Plant beet seeds 1/2 inch deep and 1-2 inches apart.

Tips For Growing: Beets need full sun and well-drained soil. Keep the soil consistently moist and thin the seedlings to about 3-4 inches apart once they're up.

7. Swiss Chard

Days to Maturity AfterPlanting: 50-60 days

How to Seed/Plant: Sow Swiss chard seeds 1/2 inch deep and 6 inches apart.

Tips For Growing: Swiss chard prefers cooler temperatures but can tolerate heat. It needs consistent watering and fertile soil. Harvest the outer leaves and allow the center to continue growing.

8. Cantaloupe

Days to Maturity After Planting: 70-90 days

How to Seed/Plant: Plant cantaloupe seeds 1 inch deep and 18 inches apart in hills that are 3 feet apart.

Tips For Growing: Cantaloupes need plenty of sun and well-drained soil. They're heavy feeders, so fertilize regularly. Use mulch to prevent the fruits from touching the soil and getting dirty or rotting.

Planting in June can be a rewarding experience, yielding a bountiful harvest in late summer and fall. With the right care and attention, these eight fruits and vegetables can thrive in your garden. Happy gardening!

May 3, 2023

10 Perennial Flowers to Direct Seed in Spring

Direct seeding is a process of planting seeds directly into the ground, as opposed to starting them indoors and transplanting later. It is a popular method for gardeners who want to grow beautiful, low-maintenance gardens. Direct seeding can be done with a variety of flowers, but choosing the right flowers is important for successful growth. Here are ten perennial flowers that are perfect for direct seeding in spring, along with tips on how to ensure your garden is successful.

Black-eyed Susan

Black-eyed Susan is a hardy, low-maintenance flower that blooms in late summer. It grows well in full sun and well-drained soil. To direct seed black-eyed Susan, sow the seeds in the spring after the last frost. Water the seeds regularly and keep them moist until they germinate.

Coneflower

Coneflowers are a classic garden flower that come in a variety of colors, including purple, pink, and white. They grow well in full sun and well-drained soil. To direct seed coneflower, sow the seeds in early spring after the last frost. Keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate.

Lupine

Lupines are tall, spiky flowers that come in a variety of colors, including blue, pink, and purple. They grow well in full sun and well-drained soil. To direct seed lupine, sow the seeds in early spring after the last frost. Keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate.

Poppies

Poppies are delicate, colorful flowers that grow well in full sun and well-drained soil. To direct seed poppies, sow the seeds in early spring after the last frost. Keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate.

Sunflowers

Sunflowers are a cheerful addition to any garden. They grow well in full sun and well-drained soil. To direct seed sunflowers, sow the seeds in late spring after the last frost. Water the seeds regularly until they germinate.

Salvia

Salvia is a low-maintenance flower that comes in a variety of colors, including blue, purple, and pink. It grows well in full sun and well-drained soil. To direct seed salvia, sow the seeds in early spring after the last frost. Keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate.

Columbine

Columbine is a delicate, bell-shaped flower that comes in a variety of colors, including red, yellow, and blue. It grows well in partial shade and well-drained soil. To direct seed columbine, sow the seeds in early spring after the last frost. Keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate.

Foxglove

Foxglove is a tall, spiky flower that comes in a variety of colors, including pink, purple, and white. It grows well in partial shade and well-drained soil. To direct seed foxglove, sow the seeds in early spring after the last frost. Keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate.

Blanketflower

Blanketflower is a low-maintenance flower that comes in a variety of colors, including red, yellow, and orange. It grows well in full sun and well-drained soil. To direct seed blanketflower, sow the seeds in early spring after the last frost. Keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate.

Yarrow

Yarrow is a low-maintenance flower that comes in a variety of colors, including white, pink, and yellow. It grows well in full sun and well-drained soil. To direct seed yarrow, sow the seeds in early spring after the last frost. Keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate.

Coreopsis

Coreopsis, also known as tickseed, is a beautiful and low-maintenance flower that blooms in shades of yellow, pink, and red. It grows well in full sun and well-drained soil. To direct seed Coreopsis, sow the seeds in early spring after the last frost. Keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate. Once established, Coreopsis requires minimal care and will come back year after year, making it a great addition to any garden.

Direct seeding perennial flowers in spring is an easy and cost-effective way to create a beautiful and low-maintenance garden. By selecting the right flowers for your climate and soil conditions, and following the proper techniques for direct seeding, you can enjoy a garden filled with a variety of colorful blooms that return year after year. With the tips and information provided in this post, you'll be well on your way to creating a stunning perennial garden that will bring joy and beauty to your home for years to come.