Feed, Water, Mulch: Your June Garden Checklist

June is one of the most exciting times in the garden. Seedlings have taken off, flowers are blooming, and vegetable plants are beginning to put on serious growth. While most of the planting is done, now is the time to focus on maintenance to keep your garden healthy, productive, and thriving through the summer months.

Here are four simple ways to help your garden succeed this season.

Feed Hungry Plants

As vegetables and flowers grow, they quickly use up the nutrients available in the soil. Heavy feeders like tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, squash, and hanging baskets benefit from regular feeding throughout the growing season.

When choosing a fertilizer, you'll notice three numbers on the package, such as 5-3-4 or 10-10-10. These numbers represent the fertilizer's NPK ratio:

N = Nitrogen helps promote leafy, green growth.

P = Phosphorus supports strong roots, flowering, and fruit production.

K = Potassium helps improve overall plant health, disease resistance, and stress tolerance.

Different plants have different nutrient needs. Leafy crops often benefit from additional nitrogen, while flowering and fruiting plants typically need more phosphorus and potassium to support blooms and harvests.

If your plants are looking pale, growing slowly, or producing fewer flowers and fruits than expected, a mid-season feeding can make a big difference. Granular fertilizers provide long-lasting nutrition, while liquid fertilizers offer a quick boost for stressed or hungry plants.

Look for products designed specifically for vegetables, tomatoes, flowers, or all-purpose garden use, such as Coast of Maine Stonington Plant Food, Coast of Maine Organic Plant Food, or Espoma Garden-tone.

A little fertilizer now can help support stronger growth and larger harvests later in the season.

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Water Smarter, Not Harder

As temperatures rise, proper watering becomes increasingly important. Rather than watering lightly every day, aim to water deeply and thoroughly. Deep watering encourages roots to grow farther into the soil, making plants more resilient during hot, dry weather.

Morning is generally the best time to water, as it reduces evaporation and gives foliage time to dry before evening.

Keep an eye on raised beds, containers, and hanging baskets, which can dry out much faster than traditional garden beds. Consistent moisture is especially important for tomatoes, helping prevent common issues like blossom end rot.

Tools like watering wands, soaker hoses, hose timers, and rain gauges can make watering easier and more efficient.

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Mulch Matters

If there is one thing gardeners can do right now to reduce maintenance and improve plant health, it's adding mulch.

A fresh layer of mulch helps retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, regulate soil temperature, and reduce the frequency of watering. It also helps keep soil from splashing onto plants during heavy rain, which can reduce the spread of certain diseases.

Whether you're mulching flower beds, vegetable gardens, shrubs, or trees, products like Vermont Mulch, pine bark mulch, or straw mulch can help keep your garden looking great while reducing summer chores.

Your future self will thank you when you're pulling fewer weeds in July.

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Give Plants a Mid-Season Boost

June is also a great time to refresh your soil with compost and other organic amendments.

Applying a thin layer of compost around established plants can improve soil structure, support beneficial microbes, and provide a slow release of nutrients throughout the growing season.

Consider top-dressing garden beds with Moo Compost, Coast of Maine Lobster Compost, or worm castings to help support healthy growth and improve long-term soil health.

While you're in the garden, take a few minutes to check your plant supports. Tomatoes, cucumbers, and other vigorous growers can quickly outgrow their supports this time of year.

Now is the perfect time to add or adjust tomato cages, garden stakes, and plant ties before plants become too large and difficult to manage.

Need Help?

Every garden is different, and our team is always happy to help you find the right products for your specific plants and growing conditions.

Whether you're looking for fertilizers, compost, mulch, watering supplies, or advice, stop by West Lebanon Feed & Supply and let us help you grow something great this season.