June Garden Notes

Did you know pollinator flowers are planted to rehabilitate and provide food to bees, humming birds, and butterflies? Some favorites are yarrow, lavender, cosmos, zinnias, salvias, sunflowers, milkweed, and passion flowers. 

There are so many benefits to planting pollinator flowers. The plants produce nectar to attract pollinators. As the pollinator moves from flower to flower collecting nectar, they are moving pollen from flower to flower. Certain fruits, veggies and seeds will not be produced if their flowers are not pollinated.

Pollinator flowers also provide nectar for the bees as food and energy source to and from the hive. They pick up pollen from flowers used to feed baby bees in the hive. It is symbiotic relationship. 

There are certain flowers that are specific feeders for different species. For example, monarch caterpillars feed exclusively on the leaves of milkweed. Milkweed is critical for the survival of the monarch butterfly. Passionflowers are the main food source of the longwing butterfly group. The butterflies leave their eggs on the passionflower vines and the caterpillars eat the leaves and cocoon themselves on the plant. You also get the added benefit of gorgeous cut flowers. 

What to do for your garden in June?

The summer gardens would love a bit more sun than we are getting these days, but they are still growing.  If you have not fed your plants since planting it is a great time to add fertilizer and compost to the base of the plant mix into the soil. All plants love the extra boost going into the heat of summer when they are producing heavy fruits. 

The tomato plants liked to be pruned and thinned a little to allow air flow and sun into the plants. Plant extra flower seeds to promote growth through the fall. Be sure to take time to enjoy the beauty in your garden. Nature is astonishing when you really pay attention!!