Even though the calendar says it's not summer yet, it sure feels like it. We've had some nice rainfall and beautiful days to get out and enjoy our lovely decks, patios and landscape.

It seems there is always something to do in the yard and June is no exception. Here are a few suggestions:

* It's still a good time to plant annuals, herbs, veggies, etc. and our selection is good.
* Be sure to use your culinary herbs- the more you use them, the more they will produce. Make sure to keep flowers pinched off to keep them growing.
* Apply Fertilome Liquid Iron to azaleas, rhododendrons- all broadleaf evergreens- to provide iron needed for chlorophyll production by the foliage.
* Rhododendrons form next year's flower buds in late summer. To increase the size and number of flowers for next year, deadhead this year's spent flowers and fertilize with Holly-Tone in mid to late June.
* Trees and shrubs planted this year need at least 1" of water each week. This needs to be a deep, slow watering- not just a wetting of the mulch.
* Be sure to keep plants and beds mulched. Mulching helps to conserve moisture and also helps prevent weeds from growing. Putting down a weed preventer such as Garden Weed Preventer when mulching will also help to control weeds.
* Are slugs munching down on your hostas?- use Earth-Tone Bug & Slug Control.
* Be sure to use a fertilizer such as Schultz Bloom Plus or Osmocote on your annual containers and hanging baskets. With the constant watering they need, nutrients are more quickly washed out of the soil and need to be replenished.

These are just a few things that need to be done in the garden. We have many information sheets and 'to do' sheets at the garden center if you want more information.