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🌱 1. Water Smart — Not Hard

• Early morning is best — it reduces evaporation and gives plants time to dry (less mildew).
• Deep and infrequent watering is better than daily sprinkles — aim to soak the root zone.
• Use mulch (straw, bark, compost) to retain moisture and block weeds.

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🌼 2. Deadhead for More Blooms

• Remove faded flowers from roses, petunias, marigolds, and zinnias.
• This tells the plant to keep producing, not go to seed.

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🥕 3. Harvest Often

• Pick zucchinis, cucumbers, peas, and beans while young — it keeps them producing longer.
• For herbs like basil, pinch the tops regularly to keep them bushy.

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🌞 4. Guard Against Heat Stress

• Shade tender veggies like lettuce and spinach with cloth or taller plants.
• If temps hit high 80s and 90s, some plants may bolt — harvest before they go bitter.

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🐞 5. Battle Bugs (Naturally)

• Look for aphids, Japanese beetles, cabbage worms, etc. early in the day.
• Use neem oil or insecticidal soap.
• Invite ladybugs and lacewings — they snack on the pests!

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🍅 6. Fertilize Tomatoes (and Friends)

• June is prime time to side-dress with compost or balanced fertilizer.
• Focus on potassium and phosphorus for fruits — not just nitrogen.

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🌿 7. Keep Weeds from Winning

• Weeds steal water and nutrients. Mulch and hand-pulling are your best weapons.
• Focus around young plants — they can’t compete as well.

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🌻 8. Sow for Fall

• Start brassicas (broccoli, cabbage, kale) indoors mid-June for late-summer transplanting.
• Direct sow carrots, beets, and beans for staggered harvests.

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🌸 9. Prune Spring-Flowering Shrubs

• Done blooming? Now’s the time to shape lilac, forsythia, and azalea before they set next year’s buds.

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🐝 10. Feed the Pollinators

• Let some herbs flower (like thyme and oregano).
• Plant bee-favorites: lavender, echinacea, sunflowers, and bee balm.

Tags: best gardening tips for beginners, flower garden, gardening, organic garding, prepping