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Solar farming is taking land once used to grow food. Researchers are looking for ways to do both

When Scott Thellman looks at the bottom land near the Kaw River, he sees productive farmland.

This area north of Lawrence, Kansas, just across the river from an old coal-fired power plant has fantastic soil, according to Thellman, who lives nearby and grows organic vegetables and row crops.

“It’s absolutely the best our county, and frankly our region, has in terms of the water accessibility, the mineral glacial components of the soil,” Thellman said. “Plants are really able to thrive here.”

It also makes a good place to locate a solar farm. It’s flat, with easy access to roads and high voltage power lines.

This spring the Douglas County Commission approved a 1,105-acre solar farm.

Utility-scale solar is the fastest growing power source in the U.S., more than doubling in the last three years. Power companies built more solar farms last year than ever before, and they’ll likely hit another record expansion this year.

The increase in solar energy means solar farms and traditional farms are vying for some of the same acreage. The competition for land comes at a time when farmland is already losing one to two million acres a year. Now solar farms are a small but growing use for those fields.

One answer is agrivoltaics – the idea that production agriculture can coexist with utility-scale solar power.

Developers of the solar farm outside Lawrence, for instance, have promised to facilitate sheep grazing around and under solar panels. Farmer Scott Thellman said there’s better land for grazing nearby, that’s marginal for farming.

“We’re looking at a field here that, you know, if built out would transition from very high-quality production to a solar array that currently has no actionable plan for agrivoltaics systems,” said Thellman.

How to harvest sun and food

At Iowa State University, a team of researchers is figuring how land can be used for both solar farming and just plain farming. Their work is concentrated on a 10-acre plot just south of Ames.

“It’s a solar farm. We’re producing electricity. It’s 1.8 megawatts enough for 200 homes. But it’s also a site for experiments,” said Matt O’Neal, an entomology professor involved in the project.

A man in a hard hat and red shirt stands in front of solar panels. Matt O’Neal, an entomology professor at Iowa State University, shows off the school’s experimental solar farm just south of Ames. — Matt O’Neal, an entomology professor at Iowa State University, shows off the school’s experimental solar farm just south of Ames.

This solar farm was built specifically to test mixing solar power and farming.

The solar panels stand at different heights. Some of the fixed panels are two feet off the ground on the low end, while some rise five feet. Another bank of panels rotates to track the sun, including some from an industry standard 5 or 6 feet high and others 8 to 9 feet off the ground.

While O’Neal wants to see how native flowering plants and bees do under these various conditions, Ajay Nair, the incoming head of the horticulture department, is growing fruits and vegetables.

“These plants love full sun,” Nair said. “The first thing that strikes anybody is, ‘Is there enough light for the plants to grow? which is a valid question.”

Nair thinks there will be enough sunlight between rows of solar panels for some crops to thrive. Even the shade may help, he said, by keeping plants cooler in the heat of summer. Tomatoes, for instance, start to suffer when the temperature rises above about 91 degrees Fahrenheit.

“If a heat spell comes, maybe these plants will fare better in those conditions,” he said. “But if you can show that you can still profitably grow crops without affecting the yield, without affecting the quality, I think that’s a good step forward.”

Yet other big questions remain.

The shade solar panels cast also boost humidity underneath and reduce the air flow. That may make the growing area under them more prone to plant diseases.

And farming around solar panels sharply limits the type and scale of machinery farmers can use. The huge tractors, harvesters and tillers that Iowa farmers rely on to grow corn and soybeans wouldn’t begin to fit between rows of solar panels.

Researchers at Iowa State University are testing how mixing farming with solar panels will work on a 10-acre plot.

That’s one of the reasons the team at Iowa State University is focusing on fruits, vegetables and bee-friendly plants. O’Neal said figuring out new ways to incorporate farming around solar panels will be necessary.

“So, are you going to have solar panels on farmland? Yes. Does that mean you can’t farm? No. Are you going to be able to farm the way you used to? Probably not,” said O’Neal. “There’s going to be some adjusting. But that farming could be different. And could it be profitable? Well, that’s the question.”

Farming to scale on a solar farm

While growing plants under solar panels is possible, making a living doing it is tough.

Three years ago, a power company paneled over an established field of wild blueberries near the coast of Maine. Lily Calderwood, the wild blueberry specialist at the University of Maine said the plants changed.

“They look healthy, but they have more leaves, because they’re in the shade,” said Calderwood. “Any plant will grow more leaves and increase that area, the surface area of their little solar panels, to capture as much light as they can.”

The problem is the plants are producing a lot fewer blueberries — too few to justify the farmers’ time and effort to harvest them.

And many crops, such as tomatoes, are typically harvested with big machinery, too large to make its way between solar panels.

Land owners can absorb a cut in production and still make money on solar power, because power companies pay to lease land. A Purdue University survey found that 88% of farmers have been approached by solar companies, more than half of them offering at least $1,000 per acre to lease land for solar farms. So, for farmers who own their land, lease payments could help offset the loss in agricultural productivity.

Anne Kimber, executive director of the Electric Power Research Center at Iowa State University shows off a generator built in 1887. — Anne Kimber, executive director of the Electric Power Research Center at Iowa State University, shows off a generator built in 1887.

And power companies may also reap benefits from having crops under their panels, according to Anne Kimber. She directs the Electric Power Research Center at Iowa State University and said farming under solar arrays will make the panels work better.

“Because we’re going to be cooling the arrays in the heat of the summer, by evaporative cooling from the crops growing beneath them,” said Kimber. “And if you can cool down the arrays, you’ll get greater solar production.”

As the demand for electricity increases, as well as the demand for solar farms, Kimber thinks agrivoltaics can ease some of the fears about taking farmland out of production.

But back outside Lawrence, Kansas, farmer Scott Thellman is skeptical. He said the idea of agrivoltaics was used to sell the county on the solar farm.

“It’s now a buzzword,” said Thellman. “I think there’s potential for research projects, different things like that. I don’t know if we should be using our nation’s best ag ground for it.”

This story was produced in partnership with Harvest Public Media, a collaboration of public media newsrooms in the Midwest. It reports on food systems, agriculture and rural issues.

Source: kcur.org

7 vegetables to plant in June – with expert advice on how and when to sow seed

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I do not think there is a better time in the gardening calendar than June. Flowers are blooming, fruits are cropping and the birds are singing. If you enjoy gardening, it is hard not to spend any spare moments outside, tending the borders and container displays.

June is typically the peak-growing season in the vegetable garden, making this a busy month for gardeners. Crops sown in March and April should begin to reward you with delicious harvests while watering and weeding will be important jobs for the weeks ahead.

As a gardener, I am always amazed at how quickly seeds can germinate and plants grow at this time of year. June is still an ideal time to directly sow seeds into your beds and containers, with the soil warm and the evenings mild. So, while it is a busy time of year, knowing what to plant in June will ensure you enjoy a long harvest this year.

Marigolds growing alongside Swiss chard in a vegetable garden

What vegetables should you plant in June?

vegetables to plant in May can also be sown this month, particularly if the spring weather has been slightly cooler.

While it will be a busy time of year in the kitchen garden, with watering, weeding and fertilizing taking up much of your time, do not forget to continue to sow seed, including carrots, radishes, and kale, as doing so will help to prolong your harvest time. Here, I share 7 delicious vegetable crops you can plant in your garden in June.

1. Beets

beetroot harvest of different colored beets gathered in late summer

If you are considering how to start a vegetable garden, learning how and when to plant beets is a good first step. Beetroot is one of the easiest vegetables to grow, and, importantly, a delicious crop to harvest for your summer suppers.

While you may have already sown beets earlier in the year, I would recommend succession sowing again in June. Doing so will mean that you will enjoy a late summer harvest.

While sowing will depend on your US hardiness zone, if June remains mild, beetroot seed can still be sown directly into your veg beds. Once the mercury hits the 75 to 80°F (24 to 27°C) mark, it is probably too late in the season, but sowing in early to mid-June should still result in good crop.

Beetroot seeds are available to buy online from Burpee.

2. Chard

Red and yellow Swiss chard plants growing in sunshine in a vegetable garden

If you want to learn how to grow Swiss chard this year, June is the ideal time to sow seed for a delicious harvest later in the year. With vibrant colors available to grow, chard is both a delicious crop but also one that is aesthetically striking when grown in the kitchen garden.

Chard seeds are larger than most others, so I recommend planting them in 1-inch holes that are 4 inches apart. Depending on germination you can subsequently thin your chard plants, or leave them to grow if you intend to harvest early when foliage is smaller but flavorsome.

Grow your Swiss chard in a full-sun location and in soil that has been mixed with some organic matter. Remember that soil health is important, and nutrient-rich soil will improve plant growth through the rest of the growing season.

Considering when to harvest Swiss chard, you should be able to enjoy baby, smaller leaves in 4 to 6 weeks, whereas larger, mature foliage, will be ready to harvest in 6 to 8 weeks.

Swiss Chard, Bright Lights

how to grow okra, this crop enjoys hot weather, so sowing seed in June is a good idea. Okra is often considered one of the best drought-tolerant vegetables, thriving in warm, dry weather, so if you reside in US hardiness zone 8 and above, okra is the crop to grow.

Okra is a delicious vegetable, and renowned as a ‘cut-and-come-again’ crop, meaning that if you keep picking okra pods, more will grow. Plant your seed in a shallow drill but, once germinated, thin so that your okra plants are approximately 12 inches apart, giving them enough space to grow.

Okra seeds are available to order online from Burpee.

Miracle-Gro Peat Free Premium Fruit & Vegetable Compost

how to grow carrots, but for those looking to get started with vegetable growing, carrots are a great crop to select. What’s more, you can grow carrots in containers, for those gardeners with smaller plots.

Carrots grow best in an open, sunny site with well-draining but moisture-retentive soil. Sowing at later times in the year can also reduce the risk of carrot root fly, as early crops are more susceptible.

Carrot seeds are available to order from Burpee.

5. Fennel

If you are looking for a fragrant crop to grow in your yard, look no further than fennel. Learning how to grow this aromatic crop is relatively straightforward, and if you are wondering when to plant fennel, these seeds can be sown throughout the summer months.

When considering how to grow fennel, I would recommend thinly sowing seed at about half an inch to an inch deep. Germination should take 2 weeks, depending on your climate, after which you can thin your seedlings so that there is about 15 inches of space between each plant.

Fennel seeds are available from True Leaf Market.

6. Broccoli

There are two types of broccoli that you can grow in your kitchen garden. The large-headed variety is referred to as calabrese, while the other type is known as sprouting broccoli, with smaller florets. These two crops are delicious and highly nutritious, and if you are wondering when to plant broccoli, both of these can be sown outdoors in June.

When considering how to grow broccoli, prepare your vegetable beds by weeding and raking the soil. Carefully sow your seeds in a row, thinning your seedlings after germination. I tend to prefer giving my broccoli plants plenty of room to grow so that the side shoots can develop as the season rolls on. Make sure you water your broccoli plants regularly during the summer, and you can feed them every few weeks with a high-nitrogen fertilizer.

Broccoli plants, as with all brassica crops, are susceptible to pest attack, such as from cabbage-white butterflies, so it is a good idea to protect your beds using a fine, mesh net, available from Walmart.

Broccoli seeds are available to order from True Leaf Market.

Miracle-Gro Shake ‘n Feed All Purpose Plant Food

how to grow parsnips should know that soil condition is important when growing this root vegetable. While parsnips can grow in a range of soil types, it is best to avoid beds with clay, and heavy or waterlogged soil.

In preparation, fork, till and rake your soil before sowing the seed, clearing any rocks and weeds, and covering the seed with half an inch of soil. Remember that parsnips have long, tap roots, so ensure that your bed or planter can accommodate deep growth.

It is a good idea to consider companion planting to help ward off pests from your prized parsnip plants. I would suggest planting chives, garlic or leeks nearby, which can help repel aphids.

Parsnip seeds are available to buy from True Leaf Market.

FAQs

Can I plant potatoes in June?

If you want to plant potatoes but have not yet done so, fear not, you can still plant potatoes in June. Not all varieties will be suitable for late spring and early summer sowing, so it is best to check before planting. ‘Charlotte’ potatoes are a good example of a delicious variety that can be planted in June, and with the warming temperatures, their growth will be rapid.

June is not too late a time in the growing season to plant crops in your yard. Taking the time to sow as much as you can now will result in bumper harvests later in the year.

For more kitchen garden advice, see our guide on the best flowers to plant in a vegetable garden to deter pests, that will not only look beautiful but will help you to ward off pests and problems.

Source: homesandgardens.com

Summer gardening checklist – 11 vital jobs to guarantee a gorgeous yard

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I have been writing my summer gardening checklist because there is so much to do in the backyard right now that if I don’t, I’m bound to forget some essential jobs.

Everything is growing like crazy, and every day presents a fresh set of tasks to do to keep my backyard ideas and planting looking their best.

I find the best way to get through them all is to take the ‘little and often’ approach, as this keeps our yard looking good and also helps me to unwind at the end of the day.

Echinacea and rudbeckia in a summer garden — *Follow our summer gardening tips for create a beautiful back yard that flowers until the fall*

11 top jobs for the summer garden

prune plum trees, gages, apricots and cherries.

Unlike most other deciduous fruit trees that are pruned when they are dormant in the fall, these varieties can be susceptible to a fungal problem called silver leaf disease which releases its spores from late summer and through the winter.

To keep them safe from contamination, they need to be pruned when there is less chance of contracting silver leaf, which is a short window in midsummer.

As when pruning all trees and shrubs, always use suitable tools that are sharp and clean to avoid damaging the wood and spreading diseases. I like these best-selling gonicc 8in Bypass Pruning Shears from Amazon for slimmer branches, and turn to a foldable pruning saw such as this sturdy Rexbeki folding saw with a 14in blade on Amazon for thicker pieces of wood.

Branches higher up can be easily tackled with long-handled loppers like these Fiskars 28in bypass loppers, which are a best-seller on Amazon.

Remove any branches that are dead, dying or diseased – diseased wood should be cut back to clean, healthy material. Then take out any branches that are weak or spindly or growing inwards, as they can block airflow through the plant and look messy.

Symptoms of silver leaf are a silvery sheen on leaves, and a dark staining in the wood when it is cut. On older, dead wood you may find bracket fungi with a white upper surface and purple-brown underside.

If your tree has contracted silver leaf, cut back affected branches to healthy wood 4-6in beyond diseased material and dispose of it immediately, then disinfect your pruning tools.

2. Prepare indoor and garden plants for your vacation

*Stand houseplants on damp capillary matting so they have a supply of water when you are away*

There’s always a lot to do before going on holiday, but in the rush to pack your suitcases and check your travel documents, don’t forget to make sure your garden is in good shape before you go.

Deadhead plants, get rid of weeds and mow the lawn. Prioritize which plants need the most water, such as crops in growbags, as well as patio planters and baskets. If you are worried about their welfare, invest in an automatic irrigation system such as the highly-rated Drip Irrigation System available at Amazon.

These can be attached to a timer, like Amazon’s best selling Orbit 62061Z Single-Outlet Hose Watering Timer, that is secured to a garden tap. You set the timer and can go on your vacation safe in the knowledge that your plants will be irrigated in your absence.

For patio planters I also like to use bottle drippers such as these attractive terracotta vacation plant waterers on Amazon. They are attached to a bottle filled with water and liquid tomato feed, and release a gradual stream of food and moisture to keep your plants thriving.

Water and fertilize greenhouse plants and leave the door ajar and window open so plants are well ventilated and less likely to overheat. A couple of bowls of water placed around the greenhouse will also help reduce temperatures and raise humidity, keeping the atmosphere healthy .

Don’t forget to harvest and store any ripe crops and don’t neglect your indoor plants. Water them before you go away and move them to cool rooms – I use the bathroom and stand plants in the tub with a little water at its base.

Another option is to stand plants on absorbent capillary matting, like this top-rated automatic plant watering system on Amazon, that has an end dipped in a bowl of water. That way plants will receive an adequate supply of moisture in your absence.

3. Look after patio containers and hanging baskets

Pansies and violas in container — *Check containers and baskets regularly for pests*

You have created your container garden ideas and planted baskets with the best basket plants and trailing plants, and they should be looking beautiful now so here’s a list of things to do to keep them looking that way.

Because they have a high density of plants growing in a confined space, they soon get through available supplies of food and also need watering with care.

Check the compost every couple of days by sticking your finger in up to the first knuckle. If it feels dry, water the plants but if there is still moisture there, wait until the following day.

Once flower buds have formed and started to open, start feeding the plants fortnightly with a solution of tomato fertilizer like the keenly-priced Farmer’s Secret Tomato Booster on Amazon which is high in potassium that encourages better blooming.

Watch out for pests, removing slugs, snails and caterpillars by hand. If plants suddenly fade and die you may have vine weevil grubs eating their roots, so treat the compost with a solution of Nature’s Good Guys beneficial nematodes, available on Amazon.

Deadhead regularly to keep blooms coming. You may want to use snips for sticky-sapped petunias.

4. Take softwood cuttings

Take pelargonium cuttings in summer — *Pelargonium cuttings are a quick and simple way of making ore plants for free*

Midsummer is the perfect time for taking cuttings from plants such as tender perennials including pelargoniums, penstemons and fuchsias.

Not only do they act as an ‘insurance policy’ against plants dying in winter, they give you free plants to choose from next year when you are playing around with flower bed ideas or wondering what to include in your summer container ideas.

Take cuttings now, avoiding some commonly made cuttings mistakes, and they will have time to grow large enough to be moved into their own pots before the colder weather arrives.

Softwood cuttings are taken from this season’s growth and should root quickly. Keep them in the greenhouse or cool room indoors and they will be ready to move outdoors next year after the frosts have finished.

5. Move some houseplants outside

Move some houseplants into the yard in summer — *Certain varieties of houseplants can be moved into the garden in summer*

We all benefit from being outside in summer – so why should our houseplants be any different?

Several varieties can be safely moved outside in summer, but knowing when to move houseplants into the garden is key to their survival. Wait until the temperatures are reliably mild, especially at night, and never move them out if frosts are still a possibility as most houseplants come from temperate zones and can’t handle freezing conditions.

Move them out gradually, a few hours a day to start with, then bring them in at night until they have acclimatized to outside conditions. Start them somewhere with light shade and gradually move them into a sunnier spot, though leafy houseplants such as calathea and anthurium prefer to be out of direct sun.

Indoor plants will benefit from having their leaves washed clean by rain (though take care that cacti and succulents don’t rot), and light breezes will help strengthen their stems and branches – though if storms are forecast, move them somewhere sheltered.

Always check your plants’ growing requirements before moving them outside as some, such as moth orchids and Ficus benjamina (weeping fig – one of the best indoor trees) don’t like being moved, especially outside.

Plants with furry leaves such as African violets should also be kept indoors as rain will damage the attractive appearance of their leaves. Bring them back indoors when temperatures drop in the fall, and don’t forget to check them for pests.

6. Keep up with pest patrols

*Using fingers to rub a colony of aphids off a rose bud*

A summer garden is an ‘all you can eat’ buffet for pests and a ripe breeding ground for diseases unless we are not careful to keep them in check.

Many gardeners and gardening organizations such as the Royal Horticultural Society in the UK are moving away from using chemical sprays to get rid of unwanted bugs. By doing so you will boost the natural diversity within your yard and the birds, predatory insects such as beneficial ladybirds and animals that make it their home will help to keep pest numbers down.

The easiest way of preventing unwanted infestations is to keep a close eye on plants and remove small colonies of pests by hand before they become unmanageable, picking off slugs, snails and caterpillars and squishing aphids.

Using biological controls will also help. These are natural predators, often parasitic wasps such as Encarsia formosa that predate whitefly (available from Nature’s Good Guys on Amazon), or microscopic mites or eelworms, that target specific pests then die off at the end of the season when their food supply has gone.

7. Nip plant diseases in the bud

Powdery mildew on a purple flower — *Diseases, such as the powdery mildew on this clematis, can be thwarted with good plant care*

We all worry about diseases spreading through our plants and the best way you can help prevent this is to start with healthy plants.

Always buy from a reputable seller and make sure that the plants you take home have glossy leaves, aren’t pot bound (turn them over to check there are no roots poking out through the drainage holes) and don’t have moss and weeds growing amazon their compost as this can show they have been on sale for a long time.

When you plant, check the labels saying how large your plants will grow and give each enough space to grow properly. You should always clean garden pots if you are reusing them, to remove any lingering pests or diseases.

If plants are crammed too close together, air can’t circulate around their leaves and stems which can increase the risk of common fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and hollyhock rust. Close planting also makes it easier for pests to travel from plant to plant.

If you do spot a sign of disease, cut away the affected plant material, or whole plant if the infection is bad, and dispose of it – never add it to the compost. Always clean and disinfect your pruning tools after removing diseased plant material.

So give plants the space they need and feed and water them sufficiently and they will give you healthy blooms and glossy foliage all summer long.

8. Keep your greenhouse healthy

Greenhouse ventilation — *Damping the greenhouse floor helps lower temperatures and keep plants healthy*

If you have a greenhouse, you need to make sure it is a healthy and safe place for plants to grow. If it gets too hot, plants will wither and scorch, a dry atmosphere encourages spider mites to take up residence, and if plants are overwatered they are at risk of rotting from the base up.

Control the greenhouse’s temperature by improving ventilation with open doors and windows, shading the structure with sun-blocking netting such as this top-rated Cool Area sun shade on on Amazon.

Another option is washable shading paint, like this rain-resistant product from Inspired Cool Glass, also from Amazon. This is applied to the panes in early summer and washed off in the fall.

Damping down the floor in the morning also helps reduce the temperature and raise humidity, which keeps glasshouse red spider mites at bay. These sap-sucking pests can spread disease and weaken plants, but they hate having ‘wet feet’, so keeping compost damp and the air slightly humid helps deter them.

9. Thin young fruits

Thinning apples in early summer — *Thin apples so the remaining fruit stay healthy and grow to a good size*

Are your fruit trees full of little fruits? It’s exciting if they are – but don’t be alarmed if they start to shed a few.

This is a phenomenon called ‘the June drop’ and it’s simply nature’s way of getting rid of excess fruits in early summer to stop the boughs from snapping under their weight and give the remainder the light and space they need to grow healthily.

Once this has finished, towards the end of June or in early July depending on the season’s growing conditions, we can thin the fruit further still, by hand. Thinning varies according to the fruit variety, but here is a general guide:

Plums are particularly prone to overcropping and heavy branches may need additional support. Leave one from every 2-3in (5-8cm) or a pair of fruits every 6in (15cm).
Pears are one of the best fruit trees to grow, and often need thinning less than other varieties. Clusters can be reduced to two fruits 4-6in (10-15cm) apart.
Cooking apples are thinned to one fruit every 6-9in (15-23cm), dessert apples to one every 4-6in (10-15cm)
Thin peaches to one every 4in (10cm) when they are hazelnut-sized, then one every 8-10in (20-25cm) when walnut-sized.
Thin nectarines to one every 6in (15cm).

10. Deadheading and weeding

Deadheading a rose with pruning shears — *Deadheading will keep summer flowers blooming for longer*

There is a lot to think about and do in the summer garden but don’t neglect the basic tasks of deadheading, weeding, feeding and watering.

Deadheading encourages plants to keep forming buds for prolonged blooming, and weeding removes the rivals of cultivated plants that are often faster growing and steal moisture, soil nutrients and sunlight.

Weeds can also harbour pests and diseases so dig them out and add them to the compost heap unless they have ripe seed heads. Adding weeds with ripe seedheads to the compost is a key composting mistake as the seeds will simply be spread around the garden when you mulch in the fall. Weeds with ripe seedheads should be left on the ground in a hot sunny spot to wither and die completely before going on the compost heap.

Timing is crucial for maximum watering efficiency. Early mornings and evenings are best when temperatures are lower so the moisture is not so quick to evaporate. Give plants a good soaking, right down to the roots, a few times a week rather than a light sprinkle every day.

When fertilizing your plants, start the season with a general purpose feed such as Green View Multi-Purpose fertilizer, a popular choice on Amazon, then switch to a high potassium tomato fertilizer once flower buds start to form.

11. Collecting and storing seeds

sowing seeds — *Collect and store flower seeds to sow on your own terms*

This is the prime season for collecting seeds so you can sow them where you want them to grow (as opposed to at Mother’s Nature’s whims) and save money at the same time.

Collect seeds when heads or pods have ripened and dried, turning brittle and usually brown or red. Gather them on a dry day to prevent them rotting, and if there has been rain, dry them before storing.

Shake the seeds free from their cases or pods into a container, then remove the debris and seal the seeds in a labelled envelope somewhere dark, cool and dry .

Alternatively, deadhead the seed pods and either shake their contents into an envelope or open them, as with honesty seeds, and remove the seeds to store as above.

Some seeds, such as hellebores, need sowing immediately but most will grow well when stored and dried. Annuals such as cerinthe, poppies, cornflowers, larkspur and sweet peas can be sown directly into the soil in fall or saved until next spring.

Later in summer you can also let a few pea and bean pods ripen and keep their contents to sow next spring. I also collect and save tomato seeds.

The other important job, of course, is to enjoy your garden this summer! You have worked hard to make it beautiful, so get out there when you can and make the most of it. Then when it comes to the cooler weather creeping in, be sure to have our fall gardening checklist on hand to ease you into the new season.

Source: homesandgardens.com

As midsummer approaches, the garden makes a bid for glory

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June: the magical vegetable month. When days can seem almost endless and there is near zero fear of frost. Seed that may have seemed reluctant just weeks ago is likely to be more eager now.

It is the time of the summer solstice. The month for sowing any tender squashes and corn. It’s when I long for room to grow more courgettes and pumpkins, the extravagant spreading plants. Some experts may tell you to sow two together and later remove the smaller, weaker one. They might be right, but it sits less well with me. Lavish love on both if you’ve room.

Our climbing beans have finally appeared: blue Blauhilde and Cherokee Trail of Tears to be followed by Beans and Herbs’ Dinah’s Climbing Blue and Coco Bicolour, bought when I slightly panicked at the no-shows. I have added to the amaranth with Oeschberg and Opopeo from Chiltern Seeds and succumbed to a 6ft garden orach: ‘Red Plume’. After many months of flat bare soil I am in need of high, wild and crazy colour. (Luckily, Howard doesn’t read this column.)

Early potatoes should be ready this month, so too peas and broad beans, strawberries and some salads. Sow carrots, beets, broccoli. We will be thnking about starting with autumn salads: endives and radicchio, oriental leaves, etc. Planted in any patches that start to open up.

I will sow summer herbs, coriander, chervil and dill, for flavour and for the beauty of the flowers. I am trying again to replace the ravaged tear peas. We are close to the last of the saved seed. Time here then for a quiet reminder to keep an eye out for predators: slugs and snails, aphids, caterpillars and butterflies.

The days will be longer, the temperatures hopefully higher. So remember to feed and weed and water. But take time too to stand in wonder. These are the garden glory days.

But now what are your planting plans this month?

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Source: theguardian.com

5 flowers to plant in June to brighten up your yard this summer

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As summer gets ever closer and we start to spend more time outdoors, it’s the perfect time to get your garden summer-ready. Apart from cleaning your patio before you can enjoy cooking up a feast on one of the best grills, there’s plenty you can do to add a pop of color to your flower beds — and no, it’s not too late.

So, whether you’ve got a small backyard and rely on container planting or a large patch with plenty of flower borders, there’s a wealth of flowering plants to brighten up your outside space.

gardening zones they work best in, so all you need to do is grab your gardening gloves and get planting.

Also, here are 5 vegetables you can still plant in June and enjoy this summer.

alos,

1. Coneflower

Pale purple coneflowers — (Image credit: Shutterstock)

Coneflower, also known as Echinacea, is a beautifully bold and bright flower. Justin Hancock, horticulturist at Costa Farms, says this North American native perennial is tough enough to be planted from spring to autumn.

It will also bring wildlife into your garden, with Hancock adding, “It shows off a regular supply of pink, red, orange, or yellow flowers (some varieties are fragrant) that are a favorite of butterflies.”

There’s also flexibility in the flowers you choose. “Single varieties give you the classic daisy-like look, but double-flowering varieties add even more color and interest to the garden.”

Coneflowers are also sun lovers, and for optimum blooms, Hancock suggests planting them where they’ll get at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight a day.

But although coneflowers need plenty of sunlight, they’re not so fussy about soil. “They tolerate a wide range of soil types,” says Hancock, “so you can plant them just about anywhere and enjoy low-maintenance beauty.”

Hancock adds that once the plant is established, it will tolerate drought, “but you’ll find it looks and grows best when watered regularly.”

Aileen Carroll, professional gardener and manager at Van Windens garden center in California, says it’s possible to make more of the plant once it’s established by dividing it into clumps every three to four years. And apart from looking stunning in a flower bed, she says, “Echinacea works well in a pot and is a wonderful cut flower.”

Planting Zones
Does best in Zones 3-8 (depending on variety).
Grown as an annual elsewhere

2. Mandevilla

Yellow Mandevilla flowers and bud in garden — (Image credit: Shutterstock)

Add a touch of the tropics to your backyard with a Mandevilla. This flowering vine has trumpet-like flowers with a showy appeal and comes in an array of colors, with glossy green leaves.

If you’re looking for a low-maintenance plant, it’s one that Hancock recommends, as it’s “a surefire bet for enjoying a lot of easy-care color throughout the summer, no matter how hot it gets”. It’s also popular with butterflies and hummingbirds but is resistant to deer and rabbits.

Whether you want to go bright and bold or soft and pastel, there is a Mandevilla for you. “This plant is adorned with star-shaped blossoms in shades of pink, red, and white, with newer varieties in peachy and yellow tones,” says Hancock.

However, Carroll explains it is treated differently depending on where you live. It’s considered a perennial in milder regions, whereas in cooler climes, where the temperature drops to the 30°s or below in winter, it’s regarded as an annual.

Like coneflowers, Hancock says it loves the sun, and its blooms will do best when it gets at least eight hours of sunlight daily. It’s also not too fussy about soil. “You can grow it in just about any ground, although if you have really heavy clay, planting it in a raised bed or with some extra organic matter can help prevent root issues if it stays too wet.”

Once it gets established, it’s drought tolerant, although Hancock suggests giving it a weekly water.

If you have a vining Mandevilla, you’ll need to add some support using trellis, stakes, or wires for it to climb on.

What to try
Carroll recommends Mandevilla laxa, “It’s a wonderfully gardenia-scented vine that tops out at just 15 feet,” she says.

Planting Zones
Grown as a perennial in Zones 9 to 11
Grown as an annual elsewhere

3. Angelonia

Colorful Angelonia Beautiful flowers in purple pink white — (Image credit: Shutterstock)

Hancock describes Angelonia as a “heat-loving, summer-flowering beauty” and says June is the perfect time for planting, “especially if your cool-season spring annuals like Pansy, Osteospermum, or Sweet Alyssum are starting to fade in the heat.”

Bees and butterflies love its spikes of blue, purple, pink, or white flowers, which resemble those of snapdragons. It works well when planted in containers, beds, and borders. The flowers are also fragrant, and the sweet scent is often compared to grapes or vanilla.

“It does best in a sunny spot,” says Hancock, “where it gets at least six hours of direct sun per day.” It also prefers a well-draining soil, although he adds, “It can adapt to a wide range of soil types, from sand to clay.”

Once established, Angelonia holds up to drought, but Hancock adds, “It grows and flowers best if watered regularly, but tolerates dry stretches like a champ.”

Planting Zones
Grown as an perennial in Zones 9 and above
Grown as an annual elsewhere

4. Curcuma

White Curcuma flower among foliage — (Image credit: Shutterstock)

If you’re looking for a flower with the wow factor, the Curcuma could be the one for you. It’s a beautifully exotic bloom with an orchid-like appeal. Hancock describes it as a “subtropical beauty” showing “sculptural pink, purple or white pinecones that rise above the foliage”.

One of the many reasons to love Curcuma is its long flowering period, you’ll be able to enjoy its beauty throughout the summer and autumn.

Curcuma is a versatile plant that adapts well to different regions. In the North, it thrives in full sun. In Central and Southern areas, Hancock suggests a balance of morning sun and afternoon shade or even dappled shade throughout the day.

“Curcuma does best in moist, well-drained soil that’s rich in organic matter, but tolerates a range of soils, including sandy ones,” he advises. He also recommends watering it once the top couple of inches of soil becomes dry and warns, “If it dries out too much, it may protest by dropping flower buds.”

Planting Zones
Grown as a perennial in Zones 9-11
Grown as an annual elsewhere

5. Caryopteris

Caryopteris also known as Blooming Bluebird — (Image credit: Shutterstock)

Caryopteris is more commonly known as Bluebeard. As its name suggests, it has clusters of blue flowers, ranging from powder blue to deep violet-blue, that form along its stems. Like its blooms, the leaves are delicate and either gray-green, silver, golden, or variegated in color.

Carroll says you can expect Caryopteris to bloom from midsummer until the frosty weather hits, with some flowering until mid-fall.

When planted, it prefers a sunny spot that receives at least six hours of direct sun daily. If planted in a shady position, it won’t bloom as well. It also thrives in dry areas and, once established, requires little water to survive. However, Carroll mentions that it does require good drainage, “so if you have clay soil consider planting it on a bit of a mound”.

Carroll recommends pruning “them low before spring rolls around and letting them flush out” while “deadheading will encourage new flowers.”

A Caryopteris is a good choice if you are new to gardening. It’s easy to grow and maintain, and its compact shape makes it perfect for small gardens and containers.