June
What to Plant
Annuals/Bedding Plants: Annuals that can take full sun during hot summer months include celosia, portulaca, vinca, and some coleus. See Annuals: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_annual_landscape_plants
Perennials: Add bright color to the landscape with perennials. See Perennial Landscape Plants: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_perennials
Palms: Summer’s warm, rainy weather is the perfect time to plant palms. Make sure not to cover the trunk with soil. See Palms: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_palms
Herbs: Plant heat-loving herbs, including basil, Mexican tarragon, and rosemary. Pinch back regularly to prevent flowering and enhance branching. See Herbs: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_herbs
Vegetables: Plant okra, southern pea, and sweet potato. See Vegetable Gardening in Florida: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_vegetable_gardening
Eggplant
Credit: UF/IFAS Photo by Tyler Jones
What to Do
Pests: Monitor the landscape weekly for harmful insects. Knowing which insects commonly attack a plant can aid in identification and treatment. See Landscape Pest Management: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_landscape_pests
Irrigation: If rainfall has been lacking, watch for drought stress and water as needed. See Landscape Irrigation: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_landscape_irrigation
Palms and cycads: Watch for nutrient deficiencies or environmental problems with palms and correct using an appropriate treatment. SeePalm Nutrition: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_palm_nutrition
Summer-flowering shrubs: Prune lightly during the warmer months to encourage more branching and blooming. Azaleas can still be pruned in June without removing next spring’s flower buds. See Pruning Landscape Trees and Shrubs: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_tree_pruning
Fertilizer Bans: Certain municipalities in north Florida prohibit the application of fertilizer to lawns and/or landscape plants during the summer rainy season (June–September). See if such an ordinance exists in your area.
Lawns: Yellow and brown patches in St. Augustinegrass can be caused by chinch bugs, disease, or lack of water. Take time to determine the cause so your remedy is effective. Rejuvenate areas where grass does not grow well by replacing it with a more adapted turf or groundcover. See Garden Pest Insects: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_garden_pest_insects and The Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Guide to Plant Selection & Landscape Design: http://fyn.ifas.ufl.edu/pdf/FYN_Plant_Selection_Guide_v090110.pdf, and Ground Covers: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_ground_covers