June Gardening Tips for the Midwest
Watch for insect pests such as aphids, cabbage loopers, Japanese beetles. If the populations are small, you may be able to keep them under control by hosing them off plants with a strong stream of water (for small insects) or hand-picking them from the plants (for larger bugs).
If infestations are severe, consider spraying with an organic insecticide or insecticidal soap -- or attract birds and beneficial insects to attack the pests the natural way.
Slugs love wet weather. Watch for chewed holes on your plant leaves -- if you see slugs or signs of their damage, use a slug bait in your garden. There are traditional and organic types available.
Also: Encourage critters such as snakes and toads as both eat slugs.
Fungal diseases also love bouts of cool, wet weather. Some plants are very susceptible to certain diseases; spray crabapples, roses, phlox, bee balm, lilacs, or other varieties that always seem to get powdery mildew or leaf spot diseases with a fungicide during these wet periods.
Continued on page 5: June Lawn Care Tips
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