Help for Homeowners

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This web site is provided as a service to consumers by members of the Minnesota Nursery and Landscape Association (MNLA).

GardenMinnesota Calendar: Summer

General Summer Season Tips:

Deadheading (removing faded flowers and seed heads) directs the plant’s energy to more flowering rather than to producing seeds. It’s especially recommended for annuals.
Pinch back phlox, asters, and mums to make them more flower-productive.
Fertilizers are best applied to azaleas, rhododendrons, and blueberries in spring or early summer.
Use grass clippings as mulch around flowers. Do not use those that have had herbicides applied.
Leave the last rose blossoms of summer to encourage dormancy.
Apply slow-release fertilizer in midsummer to provide good plant performance until frost.

Stake larger varieties of perennials such as delphiniums.
Begin leaf-spot control on tomato plants and stake young tomato plants; late-staking contributes to blossom end rot.
Tie climbing roses to trellises.
Perform last pinching of chrysanthemums to promote compact, bushy plants.
Do last picking of rhubarb at month’s end to allow roots to store energy for next season.
Mulch your garden after the soil has warmed up later in the month.
Fertilize lawns, flowers, and gardens, and continue weeding.
Prune and shape new growth on arborvitae, junipers, and yews.
Trim evergreens and hedges.
Prune pines, spruce, and fir trees in early to mid month.

Remove spring bulb foliage as it browns.
If spring-flowering bulbs aren’t doing well, dig up bulbs after the foliage has died and divide.
Before late summer, transplant and divide perennials.
Water, weed, fertilize, and harvest vegetables.
Trim maple trees.
Continue to water young trees and shrubs weekly.

Deadhead annuals for more blooms.
Divide irises and day lilies.
Complete evergreen pruning before the end of the month to prevent winter injury.