Celebrating
longer, warmer days in your garden
June 20 marks Summer Solstice in the Northern
hemisphere: the longest day of the year. The word solstice is made up of sol,
the Latin word for “sun,” and stice,
the Latin word for “to stand still.” For thousands of years, people have been
celebrating the beginning of summer with gratitude for a bountiful harvest,
longer days, and warmer weather. In the Northwest, where plentiful rains have
fed our planted seeds and bulbs, n
Lawns need the most water in July, as this is the
time of year with the least rain. In order to keep lawns green, an inch of
water per week is needed. If you want to conserve water, cut this amount in
half. The lawn will fade to a light brown; this is summer dormancy, and the
lawn will spring back to its lush color when the rains and shorter days
return. One great way we help to postpone dormancy is to mow the lawn higher.
Higher grass in the summer will remain green longer.
There is still time to plant vegetables for a
harvest this year. Make sure you choose veggies (as well as any other flowers
and plants) that are suited to the climate this time of year.
Some pests will make their appearance in your garden
this month. Be on the lookout for crawling bugs like cockroaches and ants, as
well as aphids, mites, and other insects. Pay special attention to fruit
trees, which can attract a greater volume of bugs. Look into organic methods
of pest control for greater protection to yourself, your loved ones, and the
environment.
As always, keep an eye out for weeds, pulling them
before they get out of hand. Pull spent blooms on flowers to keep them
healthy and keep away pests and disease. Now’s the time to enjoy your garden
in the sunshine and celebrate the life growing all around us.
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