It’s the middle of June, and if your garden is like mine, it’s starting to show its personality. The tomatoes are staking their claim to the fence line, the squash are plotting a takeover, and the cucumbers seem to double in size when you’re not looking.
This is the time of year when it’s easy to get a little lazy. The excitement of planting is behind us, the harvest rush isn’t quite here, and the heat makes that hammock look better than a hoe. But staying on top of a few simple tasks now can make the difference between a decent garden and a great one.
Let’s talk about weeds—but don’t panic. A few weeds won’t ruin your garden. In fact, what you think is a weed might actually be something useful. I’ve had tomatoes, squash, even zinnias come back from seed that dropped the year before. So before you yank up a mystery sprout, take a closer look. You might have a volunteer just waiting to surprise you.
Weeding, done right, is more about observation than domination. Mulch helps a lot—whether it’s straw, grass clippings, or shredded leaves. It locks in moisture, cools the soil, and keeps most weeds at bay.
Feeding your garden mid-season can give it a second wind. Tomatoes, squash, beans, and melons are all heavy feeders. A little compost tea or a side dressing of balanced fertilizer will keep them going strong. And if you haven’t tested your soil yet, now is a fine time. It’s easy: grab soil from four or five spots in your garden, mix it up in a Ziploc, and bring it to the DeKalb County Extension Office. UT’s soil lab will tell you exactly what you’re working with—and you’ll avoid overdoing it. In the meantime, it’s okay to feed modestly—just don’t go overboard.
Pests are out and about now too. Check the undersides of leaves early in the day for squash bugs, cucumber beetles, and tomato hornworms. A sharp eye and a gentle hand can keep things under control before it turns into a full-blown invasion.
And don’t give up on planting! Garden centers still have healthy plants for sale. They may look a little tired in those tiny containers, but they’re just root-bound. Get them in the ground, and you’ll be surprised how quickly they take off. A tall, leggy tomato can actually be a blessing—you can plant it deep, and it’ll root all along the buried stem.
My friend Bill Harpole, a seasoned horticulturist, always reminds me not to forget the flowers—especially wildflowers. They can be sown in several seasons, bring pollinators to your plot, and most importantly, they put a smile on your face when you’re out working in the garden.
Keep showing up. The plants notice. And you’ll be glad you did when that first tomato sandwich of the season hits your plate.
About the Author
Dr. Philip Seagraves is the owner, along with his wife Cathy, of Griffin’s Produce in Smithville. A local fixture for over 50 years, Griffin’s has long been a trusted source for fresh fruits, vegetables, seeds, and garden plants in DeKalb County. It has also been named “Best of the Best” Produce Market in DeKalb County by the Smithville Review many years running.
