June brings longer days, warmer soil, and a garden that’s ready to grow (hooray!)—but only if you’re a step ahead of pests, pruning, and watering. How do you keep up with all the things in this busy gardening month? A checklist can make all the difference.
That’s why we’re turning to the experts at Utah State University Extension, whose Gardeners Almanac offers timely advice tailored to the Intermountain West but valuable for gardeners nationwide. We also checked in with recommendations from the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources and the Missouri Botanical Garden to broaden the scope for readers in varying climates.
How These Tips Are Chosen
This monthly checklist is built on current pest activity, regional planting timelines, and horticultural research conducted by USU Extension professionals. Horticulturist JayDee Gunnell, a leading voice behind the June guide, emphasizes the importance of timely tasks to help your garden thrive this summer.
Your June To-Do List
Throw this checklist into your favorite gardening app or planner, on an Excel sheet, or on a good old piece of paper.
1. Let Asparagus Rest
Have asparagus in your yard? Stop harvesting spears in early June. Letting the fronds grow helps the plant store energy for next year.
2. Prune Tomatoes for Airflow
Your tomatoes are likely starting to take off and get bushier, depending on the variety. Thin the canopy to boost sunlight and reduce fungal risk.
3. Consider Drip Irrigation
Drip systems reduce water waste and improve root absorption, especially as temperatures start to heat up. Bill Smillie, UC Master Gardener with the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources, shares, “Without question, the best method of garden irrigation for most home garden and landscape situations is drip irrigation. … Drip irrigation exceeds 90 percent efficiency, whereas sprinkler systems and hand watering are 50 to 70 percent efficient.”
4. Stagger Your Corn Planting
There’s nothing like fresh corn on the cob in the late summer and early fall. To extend your corn harvest, plant a new batch every two weeks through early July.
5. Prune Spring-Flowering Shrubs
If it bloomed before June, prune now to encourage next season’s blossoms.
6. Deadhead Flowers Regularly
Snipping spent blooms keeps plants producing and looking fresh. It’ll help keep your garden in full bloom as long as possible.
7. Thin Fruit Trees
For apples, peaches, and apricots, leave 5–6 inches between fruits to ensure healthy development.
8. Prevent Lawn Weeds
Apply a second round of pre-emergent herbicide now to control crabgrass and spurge. Missouri Botanical Garden also recommends mulching to suppress new weeds.
9. Monitor Irrigation Needs
Lawns only need 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week. Check local extension data to avoid overwatering.
Special Tips for Pest Patrol and Diseases
Pests are out in full force by this time of year. Pay attention to these pests and diseases for prevention and quick treatment.
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Earwigs: Check veggie beds for damage. Trap and remove manually or use bait if needed.
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Lilac/Ash Borers: Protect ash trees with registered insecticides before damage sets in.
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Worms in Fruit Trees: Time your treatments carefully—check your local Extension pest advisories.
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Powdery Mildew: Start preventive sprays on apples as leaves emerge.
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Raspberry Pests: Watch for damage through early June.
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Western Cherry Fruit Fly: Treat when fruit turns from straw to pink.
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Peach Twig Borer: Use regional timing guides for optimal control.
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Grubs in Lawns: If you’ve had past damage, consider systemic treatment now.
June is a balancing act between growth and control, hydration and heat. But with expert guidance, it’s also one of the most rewarding months to get your hands dirty. It’ll pay off as the season progresses and you have a big bounty to show for it.